Denver Misdemeanor Lawyer
A misdemeanor may be a step down from a felony offense, but it is still a serious crime that needs to be handled by an attorney. Depending on the charges, you may be facing jail time, probation, heavy fines, community service, and other forms of punishment. Moreover, a misdemeanor goes on your criminal record, which can follow you for years as you pursue employment, educational opportunities, housing, business loans, and mortgages. If you were arrested or otherwise charged with a misdemeanor offense, Denver misdemeanor lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law can provide the legal guidance needed to have the charges dismissed or the penalties vastly reduced.
Common Examples of Denver Misdemeanors
There are dozens of types of misdemeanors. Below are a few of the most common types of misdemeanors in Denver:
- Assault
- Battery/menacing
- DUI
- Domestic violence
- Careless driving causing bodily injury
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speeding
- Theft of property less than $2,000
- Criminal mischief (damage of property is less than $2,000)
- Indecent exposure
- Trespassing
- Criminal tampering
- Simple possession
- Defacing a firearm
- Cruelty to animals
- False reporting to authorities
- Unlawful carry of a concealed firearm
- Possession of an illegal firearm
- Loitering
Classes of Misdemeanors
There are two classes of misdemeanors in Colorado. These are as follows:
- Class 1 misdemeanors—Punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000
- Extraordinary risk Class 1 misdemeanors (such as child abuse or failure to register as a sex offender) have an extended maximum jail sentence of 18 months
- For third degree assault cases, if the victim was a police officer, first responder, or mental health professional with the Department of Human Services, the period of incarceration can go up to 36 months.
- Class 2 misdemeanors—Punishable by up to 120 days in jail and fines of up to $750
While there used to be a third category (Class 3 misdemeanor), all offenses that fell under this category are no longer prosecuted as crimes, and now only require the payment of a small fine.
First DUI (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
A first DUI is an unclassified misdemeanor, equal to a Class 1 misdemeanor in terms of jail time. Potential penalties for a first time DUI include up to a year in jail, up to 96 hours of community service, two years of probation, a nine-month revocation of your driver’s license, and up to $1,000 in fines.
Call a Denver Misdemeanor Lawyer Today
If you have been issued a summons, or if you were arrested, you need to understand your rights, and the consequences that you may be facing if convicted. Misdemeanor offenses can and should be challenged by an attorney, no matter the circumstances. We can help you stay out of jail, reduce or eliminate your term of probation, and potentially have the entire case dismissed due to lack of probable cause, lack of evidence, civil rights violations, eyewitness testimony, or any other of the dozens of defense strategies that may be relevant to your case. To speak with an experienced Denver misdemeanor lawyer today, call DeChant Law at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.
