Colorado

Playlist: Homicide in ColoradoWatch this playlist on YouTube In Colorado, there are five primary categories of homicide crimes. These are (from most serious to least serious): First-degree murder (18-3-102 C.R.S.): Premeditated or knowing killings. Second-degree murder (18-3-103 C.R.S.): Unintended deaths caused by extremely dangerous behavior, or felony murder. Vehicular homicide (18-3-106 C.R.S.): Fatal car accidents …

Arrested for inciting a riot in Colorado? 3 defensesWatch this video on YouTube CRS 18-9-102 is the Colorado law prohibiting inciting a riot, which means instigating a group of at least five people to engage in a riot. If no bodily injuries or property damage occurs, incitement of a riot is a class 1 misdemeanor …

3 crimes you can be charged with for rioting in Colorado [2022 UPDATES IN DESCRIPTION]Watch this video on YouTube Colorado Revised Statute § 18-9-104 makes engaging in a riot a misdemeanor or felony, depending on your actions and whether a weapon was involved. It is not unusual for peaceful protesters or innocent bystanders to be …

Colorado Fireworks Laws – "When are they legal?"Watch this video on YouTube Colorado fireworks laws vary depending on your city or county. In some areas — including Denver, Fort Collins, and Lakewood — fireworks are totally illegal, even on July Fourth. The illegal use of fireworks in Colorado can cost you as much as $2,750 in some …

Colorado knife laws — What are you allowed to carry? [2022 UPDATES IN DESCRIPTION]Watch this video on YouTube Colorado knife laws regulate which knives you can carry and how. The following table summarizes the rules: Category of Knives Examples Knives you can never carry “Illegal knives,” which include ballistic knives and blackjacks Knives you can …

As a Colorado criminal case moves through the pretrial process, it is typical to conduct a disposition hearing. This is where you decide whether to accept the prosecutor’s plea bargain offer or proceed to trial. Therefore, a disposition hearing is where the court determines whether the case can be “disposed of” before going to a …

What is the BAC Limit in DUI cases?Watch this video on YouTube Colorado DUI law prohibits driving with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08% or higher, no matter if you feel sober and are being safe. Even if your BAC is lower than 0.08%, you can still be convicted of a drunk driving crime …

Playlist: Colorado felony lawsWatch this playlist on YouTube In Colorado, a felony is the most serious category of criminal offense. By definition, a felony is a crime punishable by a sentence of at least one year in state prison and/or a significant fine. It may be possible to serve probation instead of prison for certain …

Playlist: Colorado drug possession lawsWatch this playlist on YouTube Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-18-403.5, unlawful drug possession is generally treated as a level 1 drug misdemeanor that carries up to $1,000 in fines and two years of probation. However, it is a level 4 drug felony to possess more than four grams of such …

Crime of "menacing" in ColoradoWatch this video on YouTube Colorado Revised Statute § 18-3-206 defines menacing as using threats or actions to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death. In short, you had to have intended to scare someone. The language of Section 18-3-206 reads as follows: (1) A person commits …

LEGAL ANALYSIS The crime of unlawful sexual contact in Colorado — CRS 18-3-40Watch this video on YouTube Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-404 prohibits the crime of unlawful sexual contact, which is non-consensual sexual touching such as groping or fondling. Unlawful sexual contact is less serious than sexual assault because there is no penetration. Examples of …

LEGAL ANALYSIS: Crime of Sexual Assault on a Child in Colorado — 5 Defenses for false accusationsWatch this video on YouTube In Colorado, you commit sexual assault on a child when: You fondle a child under age fifteen (or you cause the child to fondle you), and You are at least four years older than …

“Can I possess a gun in Colorado if I've been convicted of a felony? P.O.W.P.O. Laws”Watch this video on YouTube Under CRS § 18-12-108, Colorado law makes it a class 5 felony for a convicted felon knowingly to possess, use or carry a firearm or other prohibited weapon. This offense is commonly referred to as …

Playlist: Colorado Stalking LawsWatch this playlist on YouTube You can be charged with criminal stalking in Colorado if you (1) make a credible threat against the victim and (2) engage in repeated behavior such as following, surveilling, or contacting the victim. Stalking is a felony and an “extraordinary risk” crime punishable by up to four …

Playlist: Child pornography laws in ColoradoWatch this playlist on YouTube Colorado Revised Statute § 18-6-403 prohibits the sexual exploitation of a child. This means possessing, producing, or distributing child pornography. The law applies to sexual depictions of minors under 18 that appear in print, digital, or analog photographs or videos. Every CRS 18-6-403 conviction requires sex …

3 Things to Know About Colorado Gun LawsWatch this video on YouTube Colorado state law allows residents aged 18 and older to own or possess legal firearms and ammunition unless they are otherwise prohibited from doing so. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase handguns, and you must be at least 18 …

Arrest warrants in Colorado — 5 things to knowWatch this video on YouTube Colorado arrest warrants give police the authority to arrest and hold you in custody. To obtain a warrant, police must go to a judge, magistrate, or grand jury and present probable cause that you committed a crime. Arrest warrants should not be confused with other …

Colorado Burglary LawsWatch this video on YouTube In Colorado, burglary is defined as knowingly entering (or unlawfully remaining on) someone else’s property intending to commit a crime (other than trespass). Burglary can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the case. Burglary is divided into: First-degree burglary (CRS 18-4-202) …

People convicted of certain sex crimes must register as sex offenders in Colorado. And adults convicted of felony sex crimes are publicly searchable on Colorado’s Sex Offender Tracking and Registration System (“SOTAR”). The majority of offenders are required to update their information once a year. However, the most serious offenders have to re-register every three …

Can I Get an "Adult Diversion" Plea Bargain Instead of Going to Trial in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube Adult diversion is a voluntary alternative to a criminal trial in Colorado. It is a type of plea bargain that does not require you to plead guilty to any charges. Instead, it allows you to participate …

5 ways you can be charged with first-degree murder in ColoradoWatch this video on YouTube First-degree murder is Colorado’s most serious homicide crime. Most cases involve intentional killings or killings caused by extremely reckless behavior. First-degree murder is punished by life imprisonment. The following table compares the elements and penalties for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, …

The Felony Murder Rule in Colorado — 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube Under the Colorado felony murder rule, you can be liable for second-degree murder if a victim is killed, even accidentally, in the commission of certain dangerous felony crimes. If you are convicted of felony murder, you face a sentence of …

Falsely accused of rape in Colorado? Top 4 defenses (CRS 18-3-402)Watch this video on YouTube In CRS 18-3-402, Colorado law defines the felony crime of sexual assault (rape) as any forced or non-consensual act of sexual penetration. Sex is automatically deemed to be non-consensual if one party is unconscious or too intoxicated to give consent. …

In Colorado, the crime of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust occurs when a person has supervision over a child under the age of 18 years and engages in sexual contact with the child. The law is codified in Colorado Revised Statute § 18-3-405.3. Examples: A priest groping a …

3 legal defenses to the crime "resisting arrest" in Colorado [2022 UPDATES IN DESCRIPTION]Watch this video on YouTube Colorado CRS § 18-8-103 makes it a crime to resist arrest by using threats, force or violence against the police officers or other people. As a class 2 misdemeanor, resisting arrest carries up to 120 days of …