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Colorado Criminal Laws

Learn about Colorado’s criminal laws and the basics of the different levels of crimes.

By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed
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Colorado’s criminal code covers everything from drug crimes and prostitution to assault and homicide crimes. Colorado updated its crime classifications and penalties in 2022, reducing the number of misdemeanor categories and eliminating common law offenses.

Colorado’s criminal justice system separates drug offenses from other crimes. State law recognizes:

  • Six classes of felonies with four levels of drug felonies
  • Two misdemeanor categories with two misdemeanor drug offenses
  • Petty offenses, including petty drug offenses
  • Infractions

Colorado Criminal Laws

The Colorado Revised Statutes prescribe enhanced penalties for felony crimes against pregnant people, older adults, and children (CRS § 18-1.3-401). Colorado law also allows lifetime supervision of sex offenders instead of the cost of lifetime incarceration or hospitalization (CRS § 18-1.3-1001).

Felonies are the most serious criminal cases. Felony sentences range from one year in prison to life imprisonment. There are six classes of felonies and four levels of drug felonies. Judges can take various factors in sentencing offenders unless a crime has a mandatory sentence. Factors include:

  • The age of the offender and the victim in the crime. Juvenile and youthful offenders may get lighter penalties or earlier release options. Elder crimes have enhancements regardless of the nature of the crime.
  • The consequences and outcome of the offense. Crimes with serious consequences to victims and society are more likely to result in harsher penalties.
  • Prior history. Habitual offenders, especially repeat offenders of the same offense, get harsher sentences. First offenders may have more lenient sentences and alternative sentencing.
  • Mitigating circumstances, affirmative defenses (such as self-defense), and other factors.

Felony crimes in Colorado include:

  • Murder in the first and second degrees, manslaughter
  • Human trafficking
  • Burglary and theft
  • Drug felonies, such as selling controlled substances to minors

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, with sentences of less than one year in jail.

  • Class one misdemeanors include child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, and harassment
  • Class two misdemeanors include resisting lawful arrest, second-degree arson
  • Class three misdemeanors and unclassified misdemeanors include disorderly conduct, elder abuse, and related crimes.

Infractions or petty offenses are punishable with fines or less than six months’ confinement. Most infractions are motor vehicle offenses, civil code violations, and petty theft.

Get Legal Advice from a Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado’s criminal laws are complex. If you need someone to explain a criminal charge or possible sentence, contact an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney.

Learn About Colorado Criminal Laws

  • Colorado First-Degree Murder

    First-degree murder is the most serious form of homicide in Colorado. It also carries the most severe penalties. Learn more about first-degree murder in Colorado.

  • Colorado Manslaughter Laws

    Unlike first-degree murder, manslaughter doesn’t require premeditation. This article covers Colorado’s levels of manslaughter and the penalties.

  • Colorado Prostitution and Solicitation Laws

    Colorado’s criminal code bans not only prostitution but pimping and solicitation as well. This article explains the definitions and punishments for these crimes.

  • What Are the Colorado DUI Laws?

    Like most states, Colorado has different levels of penalties for different types of DUI crimes. This article covers the different levels of severity and penalties.

  • Colorado Rape and Sexual Assault Laws

    Colorado’s criminal code classifies acts of rape or sexual assault in two ways: sexual assault and sexual contact. Learn more about the differences between the two crimes.

  • Colorado Credit and Debit Card Fraud

    Colorado has many laws to penalize and prevent credit and debit card fraud. This article covers what this type of fraud involves and penalties.

Colorado Criminal Law Articles

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