Colorado felony sentencing chart information can help you understand the possible prison range, mandatory parole period, and sentencing exposure for felony charges. Under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401, Colorado felonies are divided into six classes, with class 1 being the most serious and class 6 being the least serious felony level.
However, the chart is only the starting point. Sentencing can change based on aggravating factors, crime-of-violence allegations, extraordinary risk crimes, sex offense sentencing laws, habitual criminal allegations, and whether the judge finds extraordinary mitigation or aggravation.
For a broader explanation of how sentencing works, visit our Colorado criminal sentencing guide.
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The following Colorado felony sentencing chart summarizes the presumptive prison ranges and mandatory parole periods for felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 2020.
| Felony Class | Minimum Prison Sentence | Maximum Prison Sentence | Mandatory Parole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Felony | Life imprisonment | Life imprisonment | None |
| Class 2 Felony | 8 years | 24 years | 3 years, or 5 years if the offense is a crime of violence |
| Class 3 Felony | 4 years | 12 years | 3 years |
| Class 4 Felony | 2 years | 6 years | 3 years |
| Class 5 Felony | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years |
| Class 6 Felony | 1 year | 18 months | 1 year |
These ranges apply to ordinary felony sentencing. However, many felony cases involve additional sentencing rules that can increase or change the sentence.
Colorado felony classes organize felony offenses by seriousness. A class 1 felony carries the most severe punishment, while a class 6 felony carries the lowest felony-level prison range.
For example, a class 5 felony generally carries 1 to 3 years in prison, while a class 3 felony generally carries 4 to 12 years. Therefore, identifying the felony class is the first step in understanding sentencing exposure.
Mandatory parole is part of most Colorado felony sentences. After a person completes the prison portion of the sentence, mandatory parole begins.
Importantly, the court cannot waive mandatory parole. As a result, the full sentence includes both the prison sentence and the required parole period.
The presumptive range does not always control the final sentence. If the judge finds extraordinary aggravating or mitigating circumstances, the court may impose a sentence outside the ordinary range.
Under Colorado law, the court may reduce the sentence to as low as one-half of the minimum presumptive term or increase it up to twice the maximum presumptive term when legally justified.
Common sentencing factors include:
A crime of violence designation can dramatically increase felony sentencing exposure. In those cases, the court may have to sentence the defendant to at least the midpoint of the presumptive range and up to twice the maximum.
For example, a class 4 felony normally carries 2 to 6 years. If the offense qualifies as a crime of violence, the sentencing range may begin at the midpoint and extend much higher.
Because of that, challenging the crime-of-violence designation can be just as important as defending the underlying felony charge.
Some Colorado felonies are classified as extraordinary risk crimes. These offenses carry increased maximum sentences because the legislature has determined that they present a heightened risk of harm to society.
Examples can include aggravated robbery, child abuse, certain controlled substance offenses, stalking, certain human trafficking offenses, felony invasion of privacy for sexual gratification, and some sex-related offenses.
Because extraordinary risk status can increase the maximum sentence, the basic felony chart may understate the true sentencing exposure.
In addition to prison, probation, community corrections, or work release, Colorado courts may impose felony fines. The possible fine depends on the felony class.
| Felony Class | Minimum Fine | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Felony | No fine | No fine |
| Class 2 Felony | $5,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Class 3 Felony | $3,000 | $750,000 |
| Class 4 Felony | $2,000 | $500,000 |
| Class 5 Felony | $1,000 | $100,000 |
| Class 6 Felony | $1,000 | $100,000 |
In many cases, fines may be imposed in addition to incarceration, probation, restitution, fees, and other court costs.
A felony sentence can change the rest of a person’s life. Therefore, sentencing strategy should begin long before the sentencing hearing.
A criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the sentencing range, challenge aggravating allegations, present mitigation, negotiate for probation or community-based alternatives, and work to reduce prison exposure.
In some cases, alternatives such as probation, community corrections, or Colorado work release programs may be available. However, eligibility depends on the charge, criminal history, judge, prosecutor, and local program rules.
If you are facing a felony charge in Colorado, early sentencing preparation can make a meaningful difference.
Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case.
The Colorado felony sentencing chart shows the presumptive prison ranges and mandatory parole periods for felony classes 1 through 6 under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401.
A class 5 felony generally carries 1 to 3 years in prison and 2 years of mandatory parole, unless another sentencing rule changes the range.
A class 4 felony generally carries 2 to 6 years in prison and 3 years of mandatory parole.
Yes. Aggravating factors, crime-of-violence designations, extraordinary risk crimes, and other sentencing laws can increase the sentence.
Yes. If extraordinary mitigating circumstances exist, the court may impose a sentence below the presumptive range within statutory limits.
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