The Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Assault Charges in Colorado

Assault charges in Colorado can range from a misdemeanor accusation after a physical confrontation to a serious felony carrying years in prison. The difference usually depends on the alleged intent, the level of injury, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the alleged victim falls into a protected category under Colorado law.

That distinction matters immediately. A misdemeanor assault case may still carry jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences for employment, housing, licensing, and your reputation. [...]

What Happens at a Denver Preliminary Hearing After Felony Arrest

 

A preliminary hearing in a felony case in Colorado is one of the earliest opportunities for the prosecution’s evidence to be tested before a judge. It happens after charges have been filed and the defendant has made an initial appearance, but before the case moves into trial court. The hearing is not about deciding guilt or innocence. Instead, the court is checking whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to move the case forward.

In Colorado, this stage is often [...]

Can a Bar Fight Lead to Felony Charges?

You’re out with friends, having a good time at your favorite bar when a heated argument suddenly turns into a bar fight. Maybe you were just defending yourself, but what seemed like a minor scuffle could lead to serious legal consequences. Believe it or not, a bar fight can result in felony charges. While these altercations may seem trivial, the legal aftermath is anything but. Can a seemingly minor incident lead to serious felony charges? Let’s break it down and [...]

Sharing Prescriptions: Don’t Do It in CO

Many people in Colorado are given prescription medication to treat a variety of conditions. When you have a valid prescription for a medication, then that means you have the legal right to possess it in the state.

However, while you have the right to keep certain medications on your person as you go about your day, having a valid prescription doesn’t make it legal to share your medications with anyone else – even a friend or family member you’re simply [...]

What Is a “Felony Theft Threshold,” and Does Colorado Have One?

When someone is arrested for theft in Colorado, the charge can be classified as a petty theft, a misdemeanor, or a felony. What determines the seriousness of the charge? In most cases it’s pretty simple: the value of the items that were taken.

There are multiple classes of misdemeanor theft charges, but at a certain point these switch over and become felonies. That point is called the “felony theft threshold.” Basically, it’s the point at which the value of the [...]