Drug Felonies committed on or after October 1, 2013 will no longer be classified under the same system utilized for non drug related felonies, which has six classes of felonies ranging from the most serious (1) to the least serious (6), but rather under a distinct system for drug felonies. Drug felonies will be divided into four levels, each distinguished from one another by the applicable penalties. The least serious, DF4, will carry a penalty of six months to a year. DF3 will carry a penalty of two to four years. DF2 will carry four to eight years, whereas a DF1 will carry eight to thirty two years. A person convicted of a DF2, DF3, or DF4 may receive a probationary sentence, although a person convicted of a DF1 would need to serve at least the eight year minimum mandatory sentence in the department of corrections.
Drug possession misdemeanors also are being reclassified, and will either be Level I, or Level II, with Level I punishable by 6 to 8 months, and Level II punishable by 0 to 12 months.
Possession of ketamine or any schedule I or II substance will constitute a DF4, Possession of any schedule III or IV or V substance will contact a Level 1 Misdemeanor.
These new classifications are not retroactive, and will not apply to cases initiated prior to October, 2013.
When someone is charged with a crime, the courtroom becomes a place where every part of their life is examined. Police reports and prosecutor arguments rarely capture the full picture of who that person is outside the incident. This is where character witnesses can carry meaningful weight. Their testimony gives the judge or jury access to a side of the defendant that the case file alone cannot reflect.
Colorado enforces strict laws for bias-motivated crimes, increasing penalties for acts rooted in prejudice. These laws aim to protect vulnerable groups and deter discrimination, but facing an accusation can lead to harsh penalties and lasting stigma.
If you are under investigation or charged with a hate crime in Denver, it is critical to understand how prosecutors build these cases and what defenses may apply. Early intervention from a Denver criminal
Restraining orders play a major role in Colorado domestic violence cases, designed to protect alleged victims and prevent further conflict. However, these orders can also lead to confusion and unintended violations, especially when the terms are unclear or communication happens through third parties or shared responsibilities such as child custody. What may seem like a harmless text message, a social media interaction, or even an unplanned encounter can result in
