Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
Colorado DUI
Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
Colorado In-Depth
It is normal to be frightened and overwhelmed following an arrest. Therefore our lawyers are devoted to demystifying major topics in Colorado criminal defense law.
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Call Us NowClass 2 felonies are the second most serious category of felony crimes in Colorado. A conviction is punishable by 8 to 24 years in prison and/or fines of $5,000 to $1 million. Common examples of class 2 felonies are second-degree murder, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Convictions for class 2 felony crimes can never be sealed from the defendant’s criminal record.
In this article, our Denver Colorado criminal defense attorneys discuss:
Colorado law subdivides felonies into six categories, with class 1 being the most serious, and class 6 being the least. Class 2 felonies are the second most serious category of Colorado felonies.
The presumptive penalty for class 2 felony offenses is eight to 24 years in Colorado State Prison and/or $5,000 to $1,000,000 in fines. The mandatory parole period lasts for three years if the crime was not a crime of violence. Otherwise, parole lasts five years.
Depending on the specifics of the case, the penalty range can vary:
Colorado class 2 felony | Sentence range |
Presumptive |
5 years of mandatory parole if the offense is a crime of violence. Otherwise, 3 years of mandatory parole. |
Enhanced |
5 years of mandatory parole if the offense is a crime of violence. Otherwise, 3 years of mandatory parole. |
Aggravated |
5 years of mandatory parole if the offense is a crime of violence. Otherwise, 3 years of mandatory parole. |
Exceptional circumstances |
5 years of mandatory parole if the offense is a crime of violence. Otherwise, 3 years of mandatory parole. |
Note that a prison sentence is mandatory if the defendant has two prior felony convictions. Also note there are no extraordinary risk class 2 felonies.1
Learn more in our article Colorado felony sentencing guidelines.
Common class 2 felonies in Colorado include the following serious crimes:
See the state government’s official list of Colorado class 2 felonies.
Class 2 felony convictions are unsealable in Colorado. But if the case gets dismissed, the defendant can pursue a record seal right away.2
Learn more about Colorado criminal record seals.
Yes. Defendants charged with a class 2 felony are entitled to a jury trial of twelve jurors. With the court’s permission, the jury can be smaller as long as there are at least six jurors. Defendants can also waive their right to a jury trial and opt for a bench trial instead.3
Class 2 felonies usually are deportable. Therefore, non-citizens who have been charged with a crime should consult with experienced counsel in an effort to get the charge dismissed or lessened to a non-deportable crime. Learn more about the criminal defense of immigrants in the Colorado criminal justice system.4
People convicted of any felony can no longer own or carry firearms under Colorado criminal law. Read about how convicted felons can get firearm rights restored by a Governor’s Pardon.5
It depends on the charge. There is no statute of limitations for Colorado district attorneys to bring charges for murder, kidnapping, or sexual assault against a child. Otherwise, the criminal statute of limitations to bring class 2 felony charges ranges from three to 20 years after the alleged crime occurred, depending on the case.
For instance, the time limit to press criminal charges for sexual assault charges against an adult is 20 years after the rape. But if a police report was made within 20 years of the rape – and if there is DNA evidence – then criminal charges can be brought at any time.6