Top Six Differences with Misdemeanor and Felony Crimes in Fort Collins, Colorado
The top six differences between Misdemeanor and Felony crimes in Fort Collins courts can greatly impact your future. There are unique rules within each class of crimes, all the way from a class one Felony, down to the smallest class three Misdemeanor. From sentences to either prison or the Larimer County Jail, and for how much time you may be required to serve, it all depends on these rules. Our criminal defense lawyers use their knowledge of these court rules for your benefit. Join in the discussion of these top six differences in Colorado courts and crimes to protect your future. Here are the top six differences between Felonies and Misdemeanors which really matter:
1. All Misdemeanor sentences are served in the Larimer County Jail, while Felony sentences are served in prison
2. Misdemeanor probation is very different than Felony probation in Larimer County
3. Different Larimer County Courts handle Felonies and Misdemeanors
4. Felony convictions prohibit firearm possession, but most Misdemeanor convictions do not
5. Felony convictions disqualify you from many more jobs and privileges than a Misdemeanor
6. Deportation is more likely with a felony conviction vs. a Misdemeanor conviction
Felony and Misdemeanor Difference #1
A Felony Conviction Can Only be Served in Prison,
and a Misdemeanor is Served in the Larimer County Jail
Colorado has six Felony classifications, including a class 1 Felony (our most serious), class 2 Felony, class 3 Felony, class 4 Felony, class 5 Felony, or a class 6 Felony. With each, you can generally only serve your sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Sometimes, you can be sentenced to Community Corrections, under special circumstance. After serving your time, you will be released and be required to report to a parole officer. Misdemeanor convictions are normally served in the Larimer County Jail, and do not have parole. They are classified as either a class 1 Misdemeanor, a class 2 Misdemeanor or a class 3 Misdemeanor. The maximum sentence for a Misdemeanor is twenty-four months and the least is six months.
Felony and Misdemeanor Difference #2
Probation for Felony Charges is Very Different than for Misdemeanor Charges in Fort Collins
Probation exists for both Felony convictions and Misdemeanor convictions in Fort Collins, if you are eligible. Many Felony charges are not eligible for probation, while most every Misdemeanor charge is. Probation for a Misdemeanor has a maximum time limit of five years, while there is no limit for Felony convictions. Felony probation can be unique, and you can be required to serve SOISP (Sex Offender Intensive Supervised Probation) or ISP (Intensive Supervised Probation). Misdemeanors rarely make use of any special type of probation. With some Felony convictions, people are ineligible for probation, while this is rarely the case for Misdemeanors.
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Felony and Misdemeanor Differences #3
District Courts Handle Felony Charges and County Courts Handle Misdemeanor Charges in Larimer County
The Larimer County District Court handles Felony charges, while the Larimer County Court deals only with Misdemeanor charges. Normally, if someone has a Felony and Misdemeanor charge, the District Court is allowed to process them both, while a County Court is only allowed to process Misdemeanor charges.
Felony and Misdemeanor Difference #4
Felony Convictions Prohibit Firearm Possession, Yet Most Misdemeanors Do Not
After getting a Felony conviction, people are classified permanently as a felon. Felons are never allowed to possess a gun, even if their felony came while they were a juvenile. If they do ever possess a firearm, they automatically break another felony law. Generally, only a Misdemeanor Domestic Violence conviction will cause you to forfeit your firearm rights. The exception is that while on Misdemeanor probation, you cannot legally possess a gun.
Felony and Misdemeanor Difference #5
Felony Convictions Disqualify You from Many Jobs, Security Clearances and Housing in Fort Collins
If you get a Felony Conviction in Fort Collins, there are many separate consequences. Felons cannot get jobs involving the government or regulated fields like real estate, or the financial sector. A Felony will prevent you from living in some government housing projects or apartments. All in all, Felons are punished for the rest of their lives for a Felony conviction. Those getting a Misdemeanor conviction will suffer less serious consequences. For example, someone with a Theft charge will not be welcome working for a bank or as a cashier, because their moral character is in question. Someone with a Child Abuse Misdemeanor will not be welcome for employment at a day care.
Felony and Misdemeanor Differences #6
Noncitizens can be Deported for Most Every Felony in Fort Collins, but Only Some Misdemeanors
Felons in Fort Collins can expect to be deported from the United States if they are not a citizen. While not every Felony qualifies, most do. In some cases, the phrase “Crime of Moral Turpitude” makes all the difference. Yet depending on the federal government’s preferences, most Felonies will send you back home. With Misdemeanors, the government is more tolerant. Yes, you can be deported for a Misdemeanor conviction, but it is not as likely as for a Felony.