If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony in Larimer County, Colorado, the classification of that felony matters enormously. Some felonies carry longer presumptive sentencing ranges than standard felonies. These are known as extraordinary risk crimes, and they can dramatically increase the consequences you face.
Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer: What Are Extraordinary Risk Crimes?
Under Colorado law, certain felonies are designated as “extraordinary risk” offenses because the legislature has determined they pose a heightened danger to society. This designation expands the upper end of the presumptive sentencing range, meaning a judge has authority to impose a longer sentence than would otherwise be permitted for a felony of that class.
Common Examples of Extraordinary Risk Felonies in Loveland and Estes Park
Colorado statutes enumerate specific crimes that qualify as extraordinary risk offenses. These include:
- Certain subsections of Assault in the Second Degree – C.R.S. 18-3-203
- Stalking – C.R.S. 18-3-602
- Felony Child Abuse — C.R.S. 18-6-401
- Aggravated Robbery – C.R.S. 18-4-302
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-6-403 (5.5)
- Felony Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification – C.R.S. 18-3-405.6
This is not an exhaustive list, and whether a charge qualifies often depends on the specific facts alleged.
How the Enhanced Sentencing Works: Penalties for Extraordinary Risk Crimes in Larimer County
The extraordinary risk crime designation increases the potential maximum for a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections for class 3, class 4, class 5, and class 6 felonies. For example, a standard Class 6 felony in Colorado carries a presumptive range of 12 to 18 months. If that same offense is classified as an extraordinary risk crime, the upper end of the presumptive range increases to 2 years. Here is the extraordinary risk crime breakdown:
- Class 6 felony: from 12 – 18 months to 1 – 2 years
- Class 5 felony: from 1 – 3 years to 1 – 4 years
- Class 4 felony: from 2 – 6 years to 2 – 8 years
- Class 3 felony: from 4 – 12 years to 4 – 16 years
Facing Charges in Larimer County?
If you are facing felony charges in Fort Collins or anywhere in Larimer County, understanding the full weight of what you are up against is critical from day one. An experienced Fort Collins criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the complexities of Colorado’s sentencing laws and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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