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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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Amazing Results

I worked with Jeffrey on my first DUI case. I had a high BAC but instead of focusing on that, he had me focus on the things I could do before court to prepare. I did my part and he did too. 2/3 charges dropped, 1 largely reduced which prevented any jail time. I’m so thankful, highly recommend Wolf Law.

— Aaron S.

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.

I Was Very Well Represented by Jeff

Regarding a DV assault charge, Jeff was able to have the judge do something he stated he’d never done in any similar case: he deferred my sentence, reduced probation, reduced the amount of classes I would have to take from being many weeks on end to 2 days, and instead of requiring a no-contact order (which would have left me homeless and unable to speak to my partner via any means), he placed me on a no-contact order with alcohol… That alone was the best thing I could hear.

Without going into details of my case, this was the best possible outcome I could have been given, and I’m so happy that I was recommended to him by a fellow law professional that went to school with Jeff. I will be using him again when the time comes to put this case behind me for good, and would recommend him to anyone who needs expert defense, and wants someone to explain your case in simple, yet professional terms. I felt very well taken care of. Thank you again, Jeff!

— Laurie A.

A Light in the Darkness

Most people live their lives never dreaming they would ever need the services of a criminal defense attorney. But, sometimes, life takes a hard left turn with no warning and you can find yourself in a very dark and scary place. When that happened to us we didn’t know where to turn. But, our daughter did. An old classmate and friend, Jeffrey Wolf, was the person to call. So we did. We called an attorney but a hero was who showed up. Mr Wolf is a picture of competence with compassion. He alleviated many of our fears and answered every question with confidence. During this most difficult time he made it possible for us to continue to live our lives and actually sleep at night knowing that we were in the best possible hands. Our family will be forever grateful to Mr Wolf as he truly is a Light in the Darkness.

— LaVerna J DeWitt

Fantastic Legal Service

Cassandra was so helpful and informative throughout my process, she clearly stated the steps nessecary, and answered the many questions I had over my proceedings. I am very appreciative of the time Wolf Law gave me, and will have them as a reference for others I know who may find themselves in need of legal assistance. Thank you!

— Michael Roesel

Highly Recommend Wolf Law for DUI Cases

I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me for a DUI and accident involving damages. While I knew I was 100 percent in the wrong, Jeff never once made me feel like a terrible person for making a mistake. He quickly responded to emails and always called me back quickly when I had questions (I had a lot of questions). I’ve never been in trouble with the law before, and Jeff was patient in explaining everything thoroughly to me throughout the entire process, and was also able to get my sentence reduced. I recommend him to anyone going through a similar situation.

— Emily

I Would Give Wolf Law 50 stars Out of 10 if I Could

I wanted to take a moment and give a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Wolf Law (and Colleen Kelley specifically)!

I had contacted Wolf Law recently regarding a previous offense and legal registration questions. This was for Sex Offender De-registration for the State of Colorado. After taking the time to review my case, my information, etc. etc, Wolf Law was able to take my case.

Considering the amount of time and effort involved to be removed, I am extremely grateful for Colleen Kelly/Wolf Law’s assistance in the matter.

After almost a decade, I was removed from the registry, and can now put a long chapter of my life behind me.

I would give Wolf Law 50 stars out of 10 if I could.

Again, THANK YOU Wolf Law for all your assistance and help in this matter!

I would very very very much recommend Wolf Law for your legal needs and/or situations. Please take a moment to contact them if you need to!

— Anonymous

Sensitive Criminal Matter

At first I was unsure, working with attorneys can be so stressful and difficult to gauge if they can help you effectively. I used this firm for two different cases and I was glad that they were reasonable and didn’t tell me falsehoods. Straight to the point and don’t promise you rainbows and butterflies. That is what you want: a straight up lawyer who doesn’t give you nonsense. Be patient, they will help you and you can feel like they forgot; but that’s just how this stuff goes. Court cases take time and they have many clients, its nothing personal. When we went to court everything was laid out for me to understand and I think they prepared for each task. Each case was handled professionally and they answered all my questions. Thank you, Cassandra and Colleen

— Anonymous

I Recommend Jeff Wolf to Anyone Needing Legal Defense

I retained the services of Jeff Wolf after I received a DUI. During the free consultation, Jeff reviewed his services and the details of what would happen before, during and after my trial. He was very thorough, supportive and diligent in ensuring all my questions were answered. I am thrilled with the level of service he provided for an extremely reasonable fee. Jeff was accessible and reassuring throughout this entire process. The end-result of my hearing was exactly what I had expected based on Jeff’s counseling. This is a direct result of his knowledge and experience with the court and the system. I was very impressed with his closing presentation in court and his professionalism and felt that the judge reduced my fines and my sentence because of Jeff’s efforts. I have already recommended him to two other people and will continue to recommend him to anyone requiring the services of a defense attorney.

— Monty

Wow

Unfortunately, I have required an attorney more than a few times. That said, Jeff is the most intelligent, competent, compassionate, committed, aggressive representation to be found, without a doubt. Facing a felony DUI, no proof of insurance, careless driving and cruelty to animals (my dog gets more love than most people in the world), followed by two DURs (driving under revocation), I pretty much felt I was screwed. After hiring and firing two attorneys, I called Jeff. Note: Do your research before you waste money, and do whatever it takes to get the money for proper representation. I met with Jeff based on his peer reviews, client reviews, education and experience; all of them positive and 100 percent accurate. Twenty minutes into the consultation, all my built-up stress and anxiety had been significantly reduced. I thought my driving privileges were over for a while. Jeff showed me what I needed to do to get a restricted license, which I was able to do within a few days. Following that he made two DURs, jail time offenses, turn into one zero-point traffic violation. Then, one year to the date of my run-in with the law, Jeff and I went to trial. The no insurance charge was dropped. I was insured. The cruelty to animals charge was dropped after the first day of trial. On the second day, I was found not guilty of DUI, DWAI and careless driving. The time, effort and determination Jeff put in was clear, and his strategies and trial skills were clearly superb. No better counsel can be found in my opinion.

— Patrick