Felony Classes in Colorado

Steve Prager
Written By: Attorney Steve Prager

Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, especially when it comes to felony sentencing in Colorado. Felonies are serious offenses, and understanding the sentencing guidelines is crucial for both legal professionals and the general public. Felonies have complicated sentencing guidelines that can have a serious effect on you if you’re charged with a crime. Felonies are distinct from misdemeanors for their sentencing ranges and other possible consequences, in addition to the severity of the charged conduct.

Colorado classifies felonies into six categories, ranging from Class 1 to Class 6, with Class 1 being the most severe. The classification is based on the nature and severity of the crime, with each class carrying distinct sentencing parameters.

Felonies can be sentenced in the presumptive, enhanced, aggravated, or exceptional circumstance ranges, and even those have some different parameters like if the crime is defined as extraordinary risk. 

Presumptive Felony Sentencing Ranges in Colorado

Class 1 felony    

Prison Sentence: Life 

Extraordinary Risk: N/A 

Fines: N/A

Mandatory Parole: N/A

Class 2 felony    

Prison Sentence: 8-24 years

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: $5,000-$1,000,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years (5 years for crimes of violence)

Class 3 felony

Prison Sentence: 4-12 years

Extraordinary Risk: 4-16 years

Fines: $3,000-$750,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 4 felony

Prison Sentence: 2-6 years

Extraordinary Risk: 2-8 years

Fines: $2,000-$500,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 5 felony

Prison Sentence: 1-3 years

Extraordinary Risk: 1-4 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 2 years

Class 6 felony

Prison Sentence: 12-18 months

Extraordinary Risk: 1-2 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 1 year

Enhanced Felony Sentencing Ranges in Colorado

Class 1 felony

Prison Sentence: Life

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: N/A

Mandatory Parole: N/A

Class 2 felony

Prison Sentence: 8-48 years

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: $5,000-$1,000,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years (5 years for crimes of violence)

Class 3 felony

Prison Sentence: 4-24 years

Extraordinary Risk: 4-32 years

Fines: $3,000-$750,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 4 felony

Prison Sentence: 2-12 years

Extraordinary Risk: 2-16 years

Fines: $2,000-$500,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 5 felony

Prison Sentence: 1-6 years

Extraordinary Risk: 1-8 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 2 years

Class 6 felony

Prison Sentence: 1-3 years

Extraordinary Risk: 1-4 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 1 year

Aggravated Felony Sentencing Ranges in Colorado

Class 1 felony

Prison Sentence: Life

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: N/A

Mandatory Parole: N/A

Class 2 felony

Prison Sentence: 16-48 years

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: $5,000-$1,000,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years (5 years for crimes of violence)

Class 3 felony

Prison Sentence: 8-24 years

Extraordinary Risk: 10-32 years

Fines: $3,000-$750,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 4 felony

Prison Sentence: 4-12 years

Extraordinary Risk: 5-16 years

Fines: $2,000-$500,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 5 felony

Prison Sentence: 2-6 years

Extraordinary Risk: 2.5-8 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 2 years

Class 6 felony

Prison Sentence: 15 months-3 years

Extraordinary Risk: 1.5-4 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 1 year

Exceptional Circumstance Felony Ranges in Colorado

Class 1 felony

Prison Sentence: Life

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: N/A

Mandatory Parole: N/A

Class 2 felony

Prison Sentence: 4-48 years

Extraordinary Risk: N/A

Fines: $5,000-$1,000,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years (5 years for crimes of violence)

Class 3 felony

Prison Sentence: 2-24 years

Extraordinary Risk: 2-32 years

Fines: $3,000-$750,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 4 felony

Prison Sentence: 1-12 years

Extraordinary Risk: 1-16 years

Fines: $2,000-$500,000

Mandatory Parole: 3 years

Class 5 felony

Prison Sentence: 6 months-6 years

Extraordinary Risk: 6 months-8 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 2 years

Class 6 felony

Prison Sentence: 6 months-3 years

Extraordinary Risk: 6 months-4 years

Fines: $1,000-$100,000

Mandatory Parole: 1 year

How Judges Determine Felony Sentences in Colorado

The presumptive range serves as a starting point for judges when determining a sentence. However, various factors can influence the final sentencing, including aggravating and mitigating circumstances

Aggravating factors can lead to a sentence above the presumptive range, while mitigating factors may result in a sentence below the range. Aggravating factors include previous convictions, use of a deadly weapon, and the degree of harm caused. In other words, if the crime causes serious bodily injury, it constitutes a “crime of violence,” which lands the offender in the aggravated range. Some forms of assault are considered “aggravated.”

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Navigating Colorado’s felony sentencing involves considering not only the classification of the offense but also the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors. Understanding these nuances is essential for individuals facing legal proceedings and for the general public to comprehend the justice system’s intricacies. At Prager Law, we have the experience to help guide you through a very serious situation.

Steve Prager

Steve Prager

Criminal Defense Attorney, Founder at Prager Law

Steve Prager is criminal defense attorney and founder of Prager Law, a Denver-based criminal defense firm with a focus on domestic violence defense. A former prosecutor who once led the domestic violence unit in El Paso County, Steve brings a modern, strategic approach to every case—drawing from nearly a decade of experience on both sides of the courtroom. A fourth-generation Denver native, Steve is committed to protecting the rights of the accused with energy, empathy, and an unwavering belief in justice.