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Popular culture has, in many ways, desensitized us to the seriousness of a run in with the law. Police dramas and “reality” cop programs are actually giving viewers a very unrealistic idea of what it means to be charged with a crime. So many times, on TV and in movies, we see our favorite characters breaking the law, but we rarely see them suffering the consequences because they “knew a guy” or “had a friend” that could get them off scot-free.

In real life, however, being charged with a crime is serious and “knowing who to talk to” is an anecdote that may be as likely to get you charged with bribery as it is to help you escape your existing charges. That is not to say that some crimes and charges are not worse than others, but all must be taken seriously, as any of them could effect the lives of you and your family forever.

What Is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is the next step up from a general infraction. Infractions are things like traffic tickets or minor drug possession charges, and are often punished by giving the culprit a ticket or fining them. A misdemeanor carries more serious ramifications that are punishable by larger fines, jail time, or a combination of the two.

A wide range of crimes can fall under the misdemeanor label, and different kinds of misdemeanors are organized into different groups depending on the type of crime that was committed:

  • General misdemeanors typically include crimes like stalking, disorderly conduct, forgery, resisting arrest, internet crimes, and thefts or “criminal mischief” involving items worth less than $500.
  • Driving misdemeanors are handed out when carless driving results in the injury or death of another person.
  • Drug misdemeanors are a little more unique in our state. Residents of the state may be charged with a drug misdemeanor if they posses more than one ounce of marijuana but less than eight ounces. Medical marijuana card holders are subject to the same laws, but are able to legally posses two ounces of marijuana and some marijuana plants (as determined by their physician). This type of misdemeanor can also include the possession of any schedule V controlled substance.
  • Assault misdemeanors include the crimes of domestic violence, child abuse, and third degree assault.
  • Sexual misdemeanors include lesser crimes than their felony counterparts, but still come with registration requirements and lengthy/expensive treatment requirements.

The 3 Classes

In Colorado, misdemeanors are divided into three classes based on the severity of the crime. Each one has the potential to involve jail time and/or fines, as the judge sees fit:

  • Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious. These are punishable with anywhere from six to eighteen months in jail and/or with a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000. If a crime is considered to be of extraordinary risk, the maximum jail sentence can be up to twenty-four months in jail.
  • Class 2 misdemeanors can be punished with a jail sentence of three to twelve months. Those charged with a class 2 misdemeanor may also be fined in addition to, or instead of jail time, to the tune of $250-$1,000.
  • Class 3 are the lesser of the the three evils, but still have the potential to be life changing. Those charged can receive up to six months of jail time or fines ranging from $50 to $750, or a combination of both of these.

The Truth about Misdemeanors

The thing about misdemeanors is they aren’t always as black and white as the above classifications make them seem. Yes, jail time and fines are fairly standard, but differing circumstances mean that certain misdemeanor charges have the potential to be more or less harmful to the accused’s life than others.

For instance, if the crime is on the less severe side, a plea bargain may be reached that allows the accused to avoid jail time in lieu of a lesser punishment, like probation or community service. In the flip side, a misdemeanor that presents “an extraordinary risk of harm to society,” allows the judge to sentence the culprit to an additional six months of jail time on top of that which comes from the misdemeanor’s class ranking.

The Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado

Under Colorado law, there is a time limit within which misdemeanor charges must be filed. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, generally depends on the type of offense. For most standard misdemeanor crimes, the statute of limitations is 18 months. However, certain misdemeanor offenses, such as those involving child abuse or unlawful sexual contact, may have a longer statute of limitations. Once the statute of limitations expires, prosecutors can no longer bring criminal charges against the accused.

If you are under investigation for a misdemeanor charge, consulting with our Colorado criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible is crucial. We can assess your case and determine if the statute of limitations has expired, potentially leading to a case dismissal. Our Denver criminal defense attorneys can also evaluate whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed with charges before the deadline.

Will a Misdemeanor Stay on My Record Permanently?

A misdemeanor conviction can have long-term consequences, including a permanent mark on your criminal record. In Colorado, misdemeanor offenses remain on your record unless you take action to have them sealed.

Certain misdemeanor charges, such as municipal court convictions, may be eligible for record sealing after a designated waiting period. However, some serious offenses, including sex crimes and domestic violence convictions, and even some minor violations (like traffic tickets/offenses) cannot be removed from a criminal record.

Our knowledgeable Denver misdemeanor lawyers can help determine whether your record is eligible for sealing. If so, we can guide you through the process, improving your chances of securing employment, housing, and other opportunities without the burden of a past criminal conviction.

How Long Does the Misdemeanor Court Process Typically Take?

The length of a misdemeanor court case in Colorado varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the charges, the court’s schedule, and whether a plea deal is reached. However, most misdemeanor cases follow a general timeline:

  • Arrest or citation: Law enforcement may arrest you or issue a summons for a misdemeanor offense.
  • Initial appearance: Typically occurs within a few weeks, where the judge informs you of the charges and potential penalties.
  • Pretrial hearings: Can involve plea negotiations, motions, or evidence review and may take several weeks to months.
  • Trial (if necessary): If a plea agreement is not reached, a trial may take place within three to six months of the court date where the decision to set the case for trial is made.
  • Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs shortly after trial or plea agreement approval (sometimes on the same date – called immediate sentencing).

Working with a Denver criminal defense lawyer at Wolf Law, LLC can help expedite the process and improve the outcome of your criminal defense case. Our experienced defense attorneys may be able to resolve your case through plea negotiations or by challenging the prosecution’s evidence.

How Can a Misdemeanor Attorney Help Me?

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, hiring our criminal defense attorneys is one of the best steps you can take to protect your rights. In short, here’s what we can do for you:

  • Assess your case: Our defense attorneys will review the facts, evidence, and potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
  • Negotiate plea deals: We may secure a plea agreement that reduces charges or penalties.
  • Defend you in court: If your case goes to trial, our strong defense can create reasonable doubt and work toward an acquittal.
  • Protect your record: Our experienced attorneys can explore options to seal a criminal record after your case is resolved.
  • Advise you on legal options: Whether negotiating a plea deal, taking the case to trial, or pursuing alternative sentencing, we will provide informed legal representation.

Our Denver defense attorneys have extensive knowledge of Colorado criminal law and the court system. Whether you are dealing with misdemeanor charges related to domestic violence, traffic violations, or other criminal offenses, our solid track record of legal expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Facing Misdemeanor Charges?

Misdemeanor charges are serious, and should not be handled in court without the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor within the we can help you navigate the intricacies of the court room as your case comes to trial.

In either case, a qualified attorney can make all the difference in the end result of a misdemeanor charge. The attorneys at Wolf Law are ready and willing to help, no matter what your situation is. Let us take matters into our hands; call us today at 720-479-8574 for a free and confidential consultation to assess your legal troubles.

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Beyond Expectations

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been represented by Wolf Law. Any petition involving removal from the sex offender registry should never be handled on your own. Each case is unique, and the complications with mine were met with the highest degree of compassion and professionalism. I was treated as a human being that made a terrible mistake, rather than a monster as the stigma typically implies.

Thanks to the hard work of my attorney, Cassandra Monahan, as well as the other attorneys and legal staff that I had the pleasure of interacting with, I can finally bring a very painful chapter of my life to a close. There is much to be said about an attorney that performs as though they have a vested interest in your case as opposed to one that just wants your money. I highly recommend Wolf Law!

— JW

Colleen is wonderful!

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

Highly Recommended!

Mr. Wolf is an incredible attorney to work with. My father and I have spent some time over the past 10 years with him, and have always seen fantastic results from different types of situations. He is very intelligent, honest, and diligent about any work brought his way.

I highly recommend Mr. Wolf and will call him first, anytime I need legal advice or representation!

Thank you Jeff!

— Greg

Much Appreciation!

After a misread medical record, I was wrongly accused of a serious crime. Even though doctors admitted that the nurse misstated the severity of an injury, law enforcement tried to destroy my life. Law enforcement threatened to take away my wife, my kids and my life. I called around to a couple of attorneys, and no one offered the type of first-class customer service that Jeff provided. He was immediately available. Throughout the process, Jeff was there to guide and protect me. He was always available. And, after a long journey together, we found justice and freedom. During the process, I found Jeff to be intelligent, determined and highly personable. I strongly recommend Jeff!

— Anonymous

6-Month Jail Sentence Reduced to 90 Days

I was arrested in May 2014 for a warrant that I had since 2010 for DUR, I was facing a six month jail sentence that would have caused me to lose my business, home, as well as once again re-offend me. After countless calls and conversations and meetings with numerous attorneys I was referred to Jeffery Wolf. By simply speaking with him over the phone I felt a little at ease, until I met with him and after that I was completely at ease. He made feel the way an attorney is suppose to make a client feel. He was extremely personable, caring, honest, completely honest, and very detailed as to what his process is and what will take place in court.

On the day of my hearing Jeff arrived a little early and had me wait in the hallway while he stepped into the court room and went to bat for me. The result was a 0 point violation allowing me to keep my DL, a six-month jail sentence reduced to 90 days in-home detention, and a $67 fine, which was way more than I expected.

I highly recommend Jeff he is an excellent attorney that takes your case as serious as you do. I hope I never have to hire an attorney again but if I do without a doubt Jeffrey Wolf will be my first and only thought.

— David

Complete Satisfaction

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.

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.

Colleen Kelley, Esq.

Wolf Law Firm, LLC was not recommend to me by anyone, but as it turned out, was the best choice I could have made!

While searching for a lawyer for my two cases, a DUI and a trespassing felony, an understatement to say how scared I was! Wolf Law Firm caught my eye and, truthfully, it was because their firm provided a free consultation, which is invaluable in and of itself. Colleen Kelley is the attorney that picked-up the phone that day. After talking with her, I made the choice to hire her as my attorney.

We got off to a rocky start, mainly because of my inability to realize just how severe my situation was. Then, one day, Colleen just laid it on the line for me, my obvious unwillingness to face what was happening and the fact I wasn’t facing my drinking issues. It was a conversation that she was bold enough to have with me. Thanking her a million times over isn’t enough for the fortitude she had that day, not only as my attorney, but as a person genuinely concerned.

OUR outcome was more than phenomenal thanks to her diligence! I am, and will always remain, emotionally indebted to Colleen for her courage, kindness and overall, being an awesome attorney.

The day I came across Wolf Law Firm was the day, as it turned out, my life has a new beginning.

— Shelly O'Hayre

Jeff Wolf

I was very impressed with the services provided and knowledge of him, and his firm. His direct communication and direction were very helpful and very much appreciated.

Thank you.

— Steve Bares

Jeff Wolf

Jeff was very easy to work with and explained info in layman’s terms. As a side note, he gave my teenager some valuable advice on attitude as well!

— Mary Harmon