Crimes of violence, C.R.S. 18-1.3-406, substantially increase a Colorado prison sentence when a defendant is convicted. Generally, there is a presumptive sentencing range for all crimes in Colorado, which gives the minimum and maximum amount of time that a person can be incarcerated if convicted of a crime. When an offense is designated a crime of violence / COV, this presumptive range increases significantly. This means that if you have been charged with a COV and you are subsequently convicted, you will be behind bars in a Colorado prison for several years. For that reason, it is imperative that you not wait, and get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer – fast.
What are Crimes of Violence, C.R.S. 18-1.3-406 in Greeley?
In Greeley, crimes of violence, C.R.S. 18-1.3-406, are defined as follows:
(A) Used, or possessed and threatened the use of, a deadly weapon; or (B) Caused serious bodily injury or death to any other person except another participant.
Which Crimes are Considered Crimes of Violence in Ault and Keenesburg?
Some crimes of violence in Ault and Keenesburg include, but are not limited to:
- Assault in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-203
- Assault in the First Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-202
- Any sex offense listed in Title 18, Article 3, Part 4, such as Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404
- First Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-202
- Aggravated Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-302
Some crimes of violence, such as First Degree Assault, are always designated crimes of violence. Others, like Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404, are only crimes of violence under some circumstances. This is because threatening or using a deadly weapon, or causing serious bodily injury, is inherently a part of Colorado’s 1st Degree Assault law. However, these elements are not automatically a part of an Unlawful Sexual Contact charge – hence why it is only charged as a COV in some circumstances.
Colorado Prison Time for a Conviction of a Crime of Violence at the Weld County Court
Whenever a defendant is convicted of a crime of violence at the Weld County Court, the presumptive sentence to a Colorado prison is modified, which increases significantly. See the table below for a comparison between the presumptive range for most criminal offenses and the modified sentencing range for crimes of violence:
Sentence |
Presumptive Sentencing Range |
Crime of Violence Modified Sentencing Range |
| Class 6 felony / F6 | 1 year to 18 months | 1.5 to 4 years |
| Class 5 felony / F5 | 1 to 3 years | 2.5 to 8 years |
| Class 4 felony / F4 | 2 to 6 years | 5 to 16 years |
| Class 3 felony / F3 | 4 to 12 years | 10 to 32 years |
| Class 2 felony / F2 | 8 to 24 years | 16 to 48 years |
Important to know is that, unless the law for the specific crime states otherwise, these sentences are mandatory. In other words, you cannot serve a sentencing alternative like probation if you are convicted – you will be sentenced to prison time.
If you have been charged with a crime of violence, you need to call a top criminal defense attorney immediately. Colorado prison time is only one of many consequences that will result from conviction. Your future could also be devastated by fines, restitution, and many other penalties. By representing you at the Weld County Court, we can help you protect your future and help mitigate these consequences as much as possible. Don’t wait – give us a call today.
Have you been charged with a crime of violence? First, exercise your right to remain silent. It is never wise to talk to the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff without a lawyer present. Then call (970) 616-6009 to discuss your case with a top criminal defense lawyer today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Brett Sayles