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Traditionally, assault is a perceived threat to another person. In Denver, Colorado, an assault is defined as unlawful contact that results in an injury to another person.

These offenses can be treated as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of actions taken and who was involved. In any case, if you’ve been charged with assault, contacting a Colorado criminal defense attorney at Wolf Law LLC can help.

Levels of Assault

  • First Degree

First degree assault is the most serious assault offense a person can commit. Colorado defines this as when an individual causes intentional and serious harm to another, with a deadly weapon.

The distinction is that “serious” injury carries potential risk for death, disfigurement, or permanent bodily impairment and is done with “extreme indifference to the value of human life.” In many cases, it involves aggressive action being taken against a police officer or first responder.

Assault in Colorado is considered a crime of violence. This means the judge overseeing the case is required to sentence the defendant at the midpoint of the presumptive range to twice the maximum of the presumptive range, which translates to 10-32 years.

  • Second Degree

Second degree assault involves intentional injury to another but can also involve causing injury to a police officer or any activity preventing police from doing their duty. Intentional use of a deadly weapon can fall under second degree assault, as can recklessly causing injury to another or using a substance to drug another person without their consent.

Like first degree, second degree assault is a felony. Since it is also a crime of violence the same sentencing rules as in a first degree assault case apply. The judge is required to hand down a sentence at the midpoint of the presumptive range but no more than twice the possible time, in the case of second degree assault that’s 5-16 years.

  • Third Degree

Third degree assault is the least severe of the three. It’s committed when a person knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causes harm to another person using a deadly weapon. Annoying, threatening, or harassing a police officer can also qualify as a third degree assault.

Third degree assault is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor of extraordinary risk, carrying a possible sentence of 6-24 months. If the assault is against a police officer, first responder, pregnant woman, or at risk adult, the six month sentencing minimum is mandatory.

Convictions: Misdemeanor Vs Felony

  • Misdemeanor

In Colorado, misdemeanors are labeled as either Class 1, 2, or 3 and carry sentences of 18 months or less in local or county jail plus the potential for fines.

  • Class 1: The most serious misdemeanor, sentences can include 6-18 months in jail, fines of $500-$5,000, or a combination thereof.
  • Class 2: Defendants may face 3-12 months in jail, a fine of $250-$1,000, or both.
  • Class 3: The least serious misdemeanor, defendants may face up to 6 months in jail, fines ranging from $50-$750, or a mixture of the two.

In some less severe cases, those charged may be released on probation. For misdemeanors deemed as presenting “an extraordinary risk of harm to society,” sentences are increased by an additional six months.

It is important to note that Colorado’s statute of limitations on misdemeanors is 18 months. Meaning if the state has not begun prosecution within that time frame, the defendant can move to have the case dismissed.

  • Felony

Felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors and are punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. There are a total of six felony classes, ranging in severity and punishable by multiple years in state or federal prison and/or crippling fines.

  • Class 1: The highest level felony in Colorado, punishable by a life sentence and in some cases, the death penalty.
  • Class 2: Sentences for Class 2 felonies can include between 8-24 years in prison and/or fines ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
  • Class 3: Those charged with a Class 3 felony could serve 4-12 years in prison or be forced to pay fines between $3,000-$750,000.
  • Class 4: Fines for Class 4 felonies can range from $2,000-$500,000 and carry prison sentences of 2-6 years.
  • Class 5: If a Class 5 felony has been committed, defendants can face 1-3 years in prison and fines from $1,000-$100,000.
  • Class 6: The least of the felony classes, those convicted can serve 1-1.5 years in prison and pay fines from $1,000-$100,000.

The statute of limitations for most felonies in Colorado is either three or five years from the date the crime was committed. But in serious cases like murder, kidnapping, or sex crimes, the state is not bound by a statute of limitations and can begin prosecution at any point.

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Charges Associated with Assault

There are a number of charges that can be associated with assault. Any number of additional charges can be made, depending on how the crime was committed. Though these are not all of the possible accompanying charges, there are a few that are commonly coupled with assault:

  • Crime of Passion: A crime of passion significantly increases the charges placed on the defendant. An example would be assault performed as revenge for wrongdoing/unfaithfulness inside of a relationship, either romantic or otherwise.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon: This is added to an assault charge when the crime involves a gun, knife, or any object designed with the purpose of injuring or killing another person.
  • Assaulting a Police Officer: As it sounds, this is applied when an assault involves a police officer or similarly protected state or federal employee.
  • Vehicular Assault: When a vehicle is used in addition to, or in place of, a deadly weapon, the charge is adjusted to include vehicular assault. Often, reckless driving is an added charge as well.
  • Aggravated Assault: This is a distinction made based on the level of assault. Both first and second degree assault charges have the potential to be labeled aggravated assault.
  • Domestic Assault: When assault is carried out against a spouse, family member, or resident of the defendant’s household, it is classified as domestic assault. The most common example of this is domestic abuse.
  • Municipal Assault: A lesser form of assault that carries a potential sentence of six months to one year in jail and/or fines up to $500.
  • Battery/Menacing: In Colorado, the term “menacing” is applied to situations in lieu of labeling them as “battery.” Menacing is when a person puts another in fear of being hurt or brandishes an item meant to look like a deadly weapon.
  • Manslaughter: This is defined as when a person recklessly causes the death of another. It can also apply if that person intentionally caused or aided another in committing suicide. In some cases, usually those involving negligence, manslaughter can be a byproduct of an assault.
  • Harassment: Hitting, kicking, shoving, touching (without consent), obscene language/gestures, stalking, and threatening are all possible forms of harassment. To further complicate things, harassment doesn’t have to happen in person, frequently occurring over the phone, via email, or through social media.

Why Contact Wolf Law LLC.

An assault charge can quickly spin out of control. We specialize in assisting in defending individuals who have been charged with criminal activity. If you enter into this process alone, you risk losing the protection that’s provided to you through the law.

Protecting you is our job. We know the ins and outs of Colorado law. We know how to conduct research and will work to gather evidence that helps your case. We’re master negotiators with experience in all levels of assault charges. Whether a municipal, misdemeanor, felony assault charge, we’ll do our best to find a solution for your case.

Contact one of the criminal defense lawyers at Wolf Law LLC today to schedule a free consultation.

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Wolf Fought Hard and I Owe Him for All He Did

I am writing this letter to show how much I appreciate Mr. Jeff Wolf for representing me in my DUI case. When I first visited Mr. Wolf I had all these questions of what is going to happen in the case and to myself. I did have a prior DUI in another state so this was new to me.

I received my DUI in April and finished my court in September. During this time Mr. Wolf had an open door policy if you wanted to visit or maybe answer any questions that I may have had. His personal attention to my case made me feel at ease at all my court appearances.

Mr. Wolf guided me through all the steps that were taking place around my case and all his advice paid off when the day came for my sentencing. Actually, the judge was impressed with all the steps I was doing to remedy my terrible mistake. Mr. Wolf fought hard for me and I owe him for all that he did for my family and myself. I can honestly say that I have found a gentleman that I would recommend to another or help my family with any issues.

— Brian G.

Colleen is one of the best!! Goes Above and Beyond

I had to use legal services regarding a personal matter and I contacted 3 other lawyers. Colleen was the only one who took time to understand the issue but only explain legally how it can be addressed.

Also, I was surprised when she got me the desired result but she kept moving forward to make sure I had material for a potential criminal case. It shows that she cares and understands legal strategies.

— Anonymous

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Jeff took on 2 cases for me with complete success. He is extremely sharp and confident. Jeff really gets to know his clients and is very sympathetic to their needs.
The relationships he has with prosecutors and the judges was pure respect. When he spoke he had the ears of the courtroom. He speaks very eloquent and exudes confidence that translates into the result I was looking for, “Case Dismissed.”

I highly recommend his services. If you are need of his services you will get more than what you pay for.

— Steven L.

Great Attorney

I contacted Mr. Wolf through a reference from a separate out-of-county attorney’s office. I was very pleased with his professional attitude and staff, but mostly the results he was able to achieve for my case. I would definitely recommend Jeff and hire him again if I ever need to.

— Jeremy

One of the Best!

Absolutely the best!! Jeff and the team at Wolf Law successfully navigated me through one of the toughest and most stressful events of my life. From the 1st call to the last email, Jeff answered my questions, explained the laws and court procedures in terminology I could understand and kept me informed from start to finish. One of the best, case dismissed!!

— Ashlee Echols

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Mr. Wolf was great to work with. He explained all the aspects of my case in great detail and his communication is excellent. My case was for DUI and Jeff was able to get my sentence deferred which from my understanding, is a very rare outcome.

— Tony G

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Colleen was so helpful and it was comforting to have her knowledge and experience working on our emergency. She took a process we had no experience with and made us feel secure and empowered. She did so much for us, and I can’t thank her enough or recommend her more highly!

— James Sehota

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Colleen Kelley came through for me when I thought all else was lost. Colleen worked diligently and kept up the fight; she was able to get the job done, and I’m so appreciative for her work.

— Randy J.

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I would highly recommend the Wolf Law Team for your legal needs. In my case, Colleen handled our legal needs in an expeditious, professional manner. She was very knowledgeable and understanding.

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Look No Further – Jeff is the Best

I was falsely accused of a crime with serious consequences, was very depressed and got even more depressed and frustrated as I was interviewing attorneys to defend me. They had a broad spectrum of approaches and some were ready to head to trial immediately as it seemed they were primarily interested in battles and my money rather than my best interests. The first one was extremely arrogant and rushed to get me off the phone. My court appearance date was approaching and I was ready to give up when I came across Jeffrey’s website. I read he had once also been falsely accused which motivated him to become an attorney. After further reading, his philosophy appealed to me so I set up a free session.

I met with Jeffrey and told him what happened. He explained the alleged crime and potential consequences and then spoke about himself and his approach. I spent more time than the “free time” allocated but was never rushed. He listened, believed me and was really genuine as I had not witnessed before with other attorneys.

By the time we finished talking, I felt respected and not disrespected as I found out with this accusation, you are guilty until proven innocent from most everyone’s perspective. I hired Jeff on the spot and when I left his office, I felt this big burden lifted off my shoulders as I knew I could trust him to do his best for me. I was finally able to sleep that night and after several weeks able to put this out of my mind as being the constant main focus.

If you are seeking a very knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, honest and respectful attorney, Jeffrey fits the bill. He is a great listener and never rushed me even with a flat fee rate. He has a good rapport with the Court who also respectfully listens to him. He is well spoken in the courtroom. I have seen him in several cases reaching very good settlements for his clients. On my case, he provided me his opinion with his rationale as to how I should proceed but allowed me to then make a decision as to go to trial or take a plea bargain. He would fully support my decision either way. Jeff is very good in providing the pros and cons, risks, and potential scenarios that may play out. My case will be dismissed shortly and record sealed as a result of Jeff’s hard work, negotiations, poking holes in the accuser’s story pre-trial, and dedication to my satisfactory case resolution. If you want the best, look no further as you have found him. Thank you Jeff!

— David C.