Extraordinary risk crimes, C.R.S. 18-1.3-401 (10), are considered at the Weld County Court to not only cause harm to an individual victim, but also to society as a whole. Because of this potential for harm, these crimes carry longer sentences to the Colorado DOC than other felony offenses of the same class. Extraordinary risk crimes extend the sentence of the presumptive sentencing range by several months or even years if the defendant is convicted. If you have been charged with an extraordinary risk crime, don’t wait, and contact a top criminal defense lawyer today.
What are Extraordinary Risk Crimes at the Weld County Court?
At the Weld County Court, extraordinary risk crimes are defined under C.R.S. 18-1.3-401 (10)(a) as crimes that are considered to pose an “extraordinary risk of harm to society.” In other words, these crimes usually involve one or more victims, and also create risk to the well-being of society as a whole. When a defendant is convicted of an extraordinary risk crime, the maximum Colorado prison sentence that they will have to serve is extended by several months or years.
What Crimes Are Considered “Extraordinary Risk” in Greeley?
The following offenses are considered to be extraordinary risk crimes in Greeley:
- All crimes of violence described in C.R.S. 18-1.3-406
- Felony Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401
- Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale of a Controlled Substance, C.R.S. 18-18-405
- Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602
- Assault in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-203 (1)(i), when the act involved causing bodily injury by applying pressure to block the victim’s airway
- Some circumstances of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, C.R.S. 18-6-403 (5.5)
- Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification, C.R.S. 18-3-405.6, when charged as a felony crime
- Aggravated Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-302
What are the Penalties for an Extraordinary Risk Crime in Fort Morgan and Milliken?
Felony extraordinary risk crimes increase the maximum Colorado prison sentence that a person will have to serve if convicted in Fort Morgan or Milliken. The table below provides the maximum prison sentence for conviction of an extraordinary risk crime not subject to any other modified presumptive ranges:
Felony Classification |
Maximum Colorado Prison Sentence |
Maximum Colorado Prison Sentence for an Extraordinary Risk Crime |
| Class 6 felony / F6 | 1.5 years | 2 years |
| Class 5 felony / F5 | 3 years | 4 years |
| Class 4 felony / F4 | 6 years | 8 years |
| Class 3 felony / F3 | 12 years | 16 years |
These penalties apply when the crime is only an extraordinary risk crime. If the offense is subject to other modified sentencing ranges, the maximum prison sentence will increase even more. In addition to incarceration, a defendant convicted of an extraordinary risk crime will also be required to:
- Pay a fine imposed by the Weld County Court, which can often total thousands of dollars
- Pay restitution to the victim(s)
- Give up any firearms and ammunition he may have
- Serve mandatory parole after release from prison.
Have you been charged with an extraordinary risk crime? Exercise your right to remain silent, and do not talk to the Greeley Police. Then call (970) 616-6009 to get in contact with the best Weld County criminal defense lawyers to discuss your case. 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 KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA