Judges face a myriad of choices when it comes time to sentence someone convicted of or who plead guilty to a criminal offense. Penalties range from a simple fine to incarceration in a Colorado Department of Corrections prison. Anyone with a misdemeanor conviction faces probation or a potential sentence of serving time in the Larimer, Boulder or Grand County Jail. Let’s examine the county jail sentencing ranges.
Misdemeanor Crimes and Jail Sentences in Larimer County
Sentence ranges for a misdemeanor conviction in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park are:
|
Misdemeanor Level |
Jail Sentence Range |
Crime Example |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | 6 to 18 months in the Larimer County Jail | Criminal Mischief (damage totaling $750-$999) |
| Class 1 Extraordinary Risk Misdemeanor | 6 to 24 months in the Boulder County Jail | Unlawful Sexual Contact |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | 3 to 12 months in the Grand County Jail | False Imprisonment |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in the Jackson County Jail | Menacing |
Crimes that the government has deemed “present an extraordinary risk of harm to society” are labeled ‘extraordinary risk crimes.’ These crimes carry an increased maximum sentence. Many times, a judge will impose a probation sentence for a misdemeanor crime so do not lose hope. Just because you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime, does not necessarily mean you will have to serve time in a Colorado county jail.
Petty Offense Crimes and Jail Sentences in Fort Collins
Petty offense crimes can also carry a short jail sentence in Colorado. The sentence ranges for a petty offense are as follows:
|
Petty Offense Level |
Jail Sentence Range |
Crime Example |
| Class 1 Petty Offense | Up to 6 months in Weld County Jail | 3rd Degree Criminal Trespass |
| Class 2 Petty Offense | Fine only | Littering |
It is not very common for a judge to sentence a person convicted of a petty offense to jail time, but that does not mean it could not happen. The law gives a judge the ability to sentence someone with a class 1 petty offense conviction to up to 6 months in jail.
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Why You Need a Lawyer When Facing a Criminal Misdemeanor or Petty Offense Charge
Colorado law is complicated and complex. Sometimes the same crime can be charged as a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony depending on the circumstances. If you have been accused of committing a criminal offense in Larimer, Boulder, or Grand County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help guide you through the maze that is our criminal justice system. We are ready to help.