Most people don’t realize how much a misdemeanor conviction can hurt them. But make no mistake – misdemeanors can do serious and long-lasting damage to your future.
Even petty offense charges are a big deal. The attorneys at Right Law Group know misdemeanors aren’t just “slaps on the wrist.” We’ve seen too many clients face life-changing penalties for minor offenses they thought would go away.
We won’t let that happen to you. With guidance from our Castle Rock misdemeanor lawyers, you may be able to avoid the harm of a misdemeanor conviction. We know the legal arguments prosecutors hate. We’ll dig up every flaw in their case against you. And we won’t quit until your charges are lowered or dismissed altogether.
Don’t go it alone. The prosecutors won’t take it easy – you need strong advocates on your side. Let us use our experience to give you the best shot at keeping your record clean. The stakes are high, but we’re ready for the fight.
Misdemeanors in Colorado fall into three main classes – petty offenses, class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanors. Petty offenses are the least serious, while class 1 misdemeanors are the most severe. Why does the class matter? It determines the potential penalties if convicted.
Here’s a breakdown of the classifications and presumptive penalties as defined under state statute C.R.S. 18-1.3-501. These can be higher with aggravating circumstances:
| Misdemeanor Class | Max Jail Time | Max Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Offense | Up to 10 days | Up to $300 |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days | Up to $750 |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days | Up to $1,000 |
Beyond the direct sentencing penalties of a misdemeanor conviction, there can also be many collateral consequences that harm your life long-term.
Some examples of collateral damage from a misdemeanor conviction include:
As you can see, even a minor misdemeanor conviction carries consequences that can negatively impact your daily life for years to come. This is why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight the charges is so crucial. An aggressive legal defense may be able to mitigate or avoid these devastating collateral penalties.
Some of the most common misdemeanor allegations we see in Castle Rock include DUI, domestic violence, theft, trespassing, drug possession, and simple assault. Even a conviction on a lower-level misdemeanor charge can be detrimental.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance. Engage a skilled criminal defense lawyer as early as possible after being charged. An experienced attorney can immediately start working to protect your rights and future.
Every misdemeanor case is unique, which is why we tailor a targeted defense strategy to the specific circumstances of each client’s situation.
But generally, some effective techniques we often employ include:
Our assertive advocacy has led to charges being dropped, lowered, or plead down to probation or fines rather than jail for hundreds of misdemeanor clients over the years. Let us fight to defend your freedom.
Unlike some states, Colorado does not allow expungement of misdemeanors for non-juvenile offenses- the conviction remains on your record forever. The only option is record sealing – which removes the case from public background checks but is still visible to officials.
However, sealing is not immediate following a misdemeanor conviction. You must wait at least seven years before even applying.
During those seven years, the misdemeanor remains visible to all background checks by employers, landlords, lenders, and licensing agencies. This can lead to rejection for jobs, housing, loans, education, and occupations requiring licenses.
In 2019, Colorado’s Clean Slate law automated sealings for certain petty offenses after 1-3 years. But common criminal misdemeanors still require waiting seven years before a seal application can even be submitted manually.
The takeaway? Avoiding conviction through an assertive legal defense is critical. Once convicted of a misdemeanor, you face an uphill battle for years before the record can be sealed and life gets easier.
When your reputation and record are at stake, you need an experienced team of legal professionals on your side. At Right Law Group, our attorneys have decades of combined criminal law expertise, specifically focused on Colorado courts and statutes.
Beyond our extensive legal skills and trailblazing litigation tactics, we also provide the following:
Additionally, we offer free initial consultations so we can evaluate your case details and advise you on the best path forward at no cost. Reach out to schedule a completely confidential case assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Misdemeanors cannot be expunged in Colorado, but they can be sealed 7 years after the disposition date for most classes. Petty offenses can be sealed immediately after the case ends.
Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by over 1 year in prison. Misdemeanors are minor crimes with maximum jail sentences of 1 year or less.
Common misdemeanors include DUI, theft, trespassing, simple assault, domestic violence, drug possession, and traffic offenses.
Immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Promptly gathering evidence and finding witnesses is also crucial to build your defense.
