Copyright (c) 2010 Chuck Matthews

Felony charges are without question the most serious class of criminal charges a person can face in both United States and Colorado state law. In Colorado, a felony charge is generally defined as any offense for which an offender can be sentenced to the prison for more than one year, although there are also certain types of misdemeanor charges that can be classified as "aggravated" that may also carry felony-like sentences.

In Colorado, felony charges are classified and organized into 6 different classes with class 1 felonies being the most serious charges carrying the harshest penalties to class six felonies which typically carry the least harsh sentences of all felony charges. Felonies including murder, kidnapping, rape and arson are at the top of the list in both severity and punishment, being classified as Class 1 felonies. A person convicted of these kinds of felonies faces life in prison with or without parole or even the death penalty. Moving down the list of severity, class two felonies such as manslaughter, sexual assault and some drug charges including drug trafficking. Class 3 felonies can include such charges as first degree assault or burglary and even DUI, if it is a multiple offense. Finally, some of the lesser class 3-6 felony charges involve drug crimes such as drug possession of less than 2 pounds, 3rd degree stalking and burglary, menacing and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Recent laws passed by the Colorado legislature now classify the selling or possessing the "date-rape drug" Rohypnol and the rave party drug known as Special K as felonies. Additionally, Colorado state law now classifies an adult selling illegal drugs to a minor under the age of 15 as a felony. An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney will be aware of recent changes in Colorado state laws and statutes that may have an impact on your particular legal situation and be able to better formulate a plan of action that gets you the most favorable results in court.

In regards to the expungement of felony convictions in Colorado, records of a criminal conviction in Colorado generally cannot be sealed unless charges were never filed, the case was dismissed or the defendant was acquitted of felony charges. One exception to this may occur if a deferred sentence was granted in a felony case and all conditions have been satisfied. In this situation, the felony charges can be dismissed outright.

Regardless of the felony charges you may be facing, it is a serious matter which carries either potential or mandatory prison time. Such a threat requires a defense by an attorney experienced in the defense of felony charges and crimes. Plea bargaining may reduce your charges to misdemeanors or other favorable outcomes. A trial may be the only way to avoid an injustice. There is much work to be done in either case. Consider that the prosecution has largely prepared their case before you even start.

Facing this reality, if you are charged with a felony crime in Colorado you need to speak with an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contracting the services of an attorney experienced in defending felony crimes will give you the best chance to save your reputation, freedom and even your life depending on the charges.