Class 2 Felony Lawyers in Colorado Springs
Have you been charged with a crime in Colorado that is classified as a Class 2 Felony? While this isn’t the most serious felony offense in the state, it’s close, and a conviction can hit you with life-altering penalties.
At Anderson & Carnahan, Attorneys at Law, our criminal defense lawyers are former district attorneys, so have an intimate understanding of the local criminal courts. We realize that being charged with a crime can be frightening and frustrating, and we work to do everything in our power to bring your case to a successful and fair resolution.
Whether you’ve been arrested for a drug crime, weapons violation, sex crime, violent crime, or some other serious issue, we can help. Contact our Colorado Springs office today to schedule your free consultation to get started on your defense immediately.
Crimes Classified as Class 2 Felonies in Colorado
Colorado categorizes felony crimes, the most serious offenses in the state, into six classes – from a Class 6 felony, the least serious, to a Class 1 felony, the most serious. If you are charged with a Class 2 felony, it’s important to understand that you are on dangerous ground.
Some of the crimes classified as a Class 2 felony include:
- Second-degree murder (not including “heat of passion” killings)
- Sexual assault if deadly weapons are used, if the victim suffers serious bodily injury, and/or if another person physically aided the defendant
- Trafficking of illegal aliens
- First-degree kidnapping if the victim was freed and unharmed
- Theft of property valued at $1 million or more
- Aggravated robbery of controlled substances
Sentences for Class 2 Felony Convictions
If you are charged with a Class 2 felony in Colorado, the penalties can be severe. The law gives you the right to a jury trial, but you can also elect to have a modified jury trial or bench trial if the court consents. Further, if you are not a U.S. citizen, conviction of a Class 2 felony in Colorado is considered a deportable offense.
The “presumptive range” penalties for a Class 2 felony in Colorado include:
- 8 to 24 years in prison
- Fines of $5,000 to $1 million
- 5 years of parole
Colorado has drug felony classes as well. If you are convicted of a Class 2 felony that qualifies as a drug crime, the “presumptive range” penalties include:
- 4 to 8 years in prison
- Fines of $3,000 to $750,000
- 2 years of parole
Colorado has a minimum parole period of 3 years for Class 2 felonies. Also, if you have already been convicted of a felony twice (in Colorado or any other state), you will not be eligible to pay a fine instead of incarceration. The law requires a penalty of the minimum prison sentence as well as the possibility of fines.
Factors That Can Impact Your Sentence
Penalties in Colorado can get even more severe in the presence of certain factors. For example, an extraordinary risk crime is one that alleges child abuse, aggravated robbery, or certain types of violence or drug-related behavior. These felony crimes have an expanded penalty range.
In addition, certain aggravating factors can elevate the seriousness of a charge or the penalties involved. Examples include the use of a deadly weapon, parole violations, prior convictions, and the allegation of certain sex crimes.
Prosecutors might also have a certain degree of discretion when deciding which penalties they will pursue against you, depending on your track record and the circumstances of your case. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney that will ensure that all charges are applied fairly, and that will work to minimize your exposure to any elevated penalties.
The Consequences of Becoming a Convicted Felon
The idea of having a felony conviction on your record might sound awful. It’s certainly something you want to avoid for more reasons than just the negative stigma attached to a label. If you are convicted felon, you’ll face a long list of restrictions that will stay with you for the rest of your life. For example, you won’t be able to:
- Purchase or carry a firearm or weapon
- Hold an office of honor or trust
- Serve on a jury
- Travel to certain countries
- Vote (while you are incarcerated)
- Apply for a license to be an educator or peace officer
- Apply for SNAP federal assistance (unless you meet certain other requirements)
If you are convicted of a sexual offense, the state will likely require that you register as a sex offender, and this will be for the rest of your life.
Beyond that disturbing list, convicted felons also find that they have a more difficult time obtaining employment, finding a place to live, and getting approved for certain student loans. In short, if you can find some way to avoid a conviction, you should take this path.
Your Defense and Alternative Sentencing Options
Being charged with a felony isn’t something to take lightly, and we take our job as your defense counsel seriously. We immediately begin our work by investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Perhaps the police overstepped their bounds or somehow violated your constitutional rights.
Whenever possible, we will file motions to have evidence withheld and mount the appropriate defense against your charges. We will also work the prosecution to have your charges dropped or reduced as well as explore alternative sentencing options to preserve your freedom.
Arrested in Colorado Springs? Contact Us Today!
When you’ve been charged with a crime, it might seem like your world has been turned upside down. Fortunately, an arrest is not the same thing as a conviction. The good news is that hiring a seasoned felony defense attorney could mean the difference between a harsh prison sentence and your freedom.
When you work with Anderson & Carnahan, you get the benefit of attorneys that have more than 50 years of combined criminal defense experience. We defend clients against some of the most severe state and federal charges with the goal of protecting your rights and liberty. Our legal team will work closely with you to examine all available evidence and mount an effective defense that will minimize the penalties you face.
Time is not on your side. If you need an experienced Colorado Springs felony defense lawyer, reach out to us today. Call (719) 454-8059 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
