Colorado Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Colorado Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Misdemeanors in Colorado are punishable by terms of 18 months or less in county or local jail.

Colorado Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Felonies in Colorado are punishable by state prison terms of one year or more. Examples of Colorado's misdemeanors include human trafficking and types of assault.

Colorado Criminal Statute of Limitations

Colorado law sets time limits—called statutes of limitations—for bringing charges in criminal cases. Violent crimes generally have longer time limits, and some crimes (like murder) have no time limits.

Driving on a Suspended License in Colorado

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a crime.

Colorado Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

In Colorado, it is illegal for anyone under age 21 to consume or possess alcohol. These minor in possession (MIP) laws aim to prevent underage drinking.

Colorado Marijuana Laws

Learn about Colorado’s laws and penalties for marijuana use, sale, cultivation, and distribution.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Colorado

All states regulate and control the possession for personal use of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for possession.

Can I Grow Marijuana for My Personal Use in Colorado?

Can I grow my own marijuana for personal use in Colorado? And are there any restrictions?

Can I Take Marijuana From Colorado to Another State?

Learn whether you may take cannabis that you legally possess in Colorado into another state.

Shoplifting Charges in Colorado

Colorado law imposes criminal sanctions on shoplifters that can result in defendants facing jail time and fines. In addition, victimized merchants can sue shoplifters in civil court for damages.

Colorado Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws

According to Colorado statutes on criminal law, theft occurs when a person "knowingly obtains or exercises control over" anything of value (i.e. property or services) belonging to another, without the owner's permission.

Forgery Laws in Colorado

In Colorado, a person commits the crime of forgery by falsely making, completing, altering, or uttering (offering as true) a written instrument with the intent to defraud. A person has the intent to defraud if he or she intends to deceive or trick.

Auto Theft Laws in Colorado

Anyone who takes or exercises control over a motor vehicle without the owner's authorization, or by threat or deception, is guilty of motor vehicle theft in Colorado.

Cyberbullying Laws in Colorado

It is a crime in Colorado to harass or threaten anyone via an electronic communication. And every school in the state is required to institute policies against student-on-student bullying and cyberbullying under state law.

Colorado Domestic Violence Laws

In Colorado, domestic violence laws prohibit physical acts of violence against people and property under certain circumstances. For a violent act to qualify as a crime involving domestic violence, the aggressor and the victim must share or have shared an intimate relationship, as defined by statute.

Colorado Assault and Battery Laws

Colorado has very specific statutes describing the crimes of assault and battery, as well as precise sentences for those found guilty of committing them. In Colorado, assault is defined as knowingly or recklessly causing injury to another person, while battery is categorized as menacing, and it is defined as causing a person to fear imminent serious bodily injury through threat or physical act

Colorado Aggravated Assault Laws

First and second degree assault are considered aggravated assault, and are defined as intending or causing serious bodily injury, using a deadly weapon, or injuring a peace officer.

Disorderly Conduct in Colorado

Colorado categorizes disorderly conduct into three offenses (although other charges, such as for public intoxication, may also apply).

Colorado Statutory Rape Laws

In Colorado, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 15), even if the sex is consensual. Those who break the law have committed statutory rape.

Colorado Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Sending nude, sexual, or otherwise explicit images via cell phone, through Internet messaging, or by similar means is commonly known as sexting. Consenting adults who engage in sexting haven't typically committed a crime, but when a teenager chooses to sext, it can be a criminal offense.

Revenge Porn Laws in Colorado

Colorado has criminalized the posting of nonconsensual pornography, also known as revenge porn, and specifies added penalties when the victim is under age or the perpetrator has specific prior convictions.

Prostitution Laws in Colorado

A person commits the crime of prostitution in Colorado by performing (or offering or agreeing to perform) any sex act in exchange for money with any person who is not his or her spouse. Colorado has a separate, specific law against patronizing a prostitute.

Colorado's Red Flag Law : A Guide to Extreme Risk Protection Orders

Learn when Colorado courts can order people at risk of gun violence to surrender their firearms, who can request these extreme risk protection orders, and how gun owners can challenge them.