What an Offense Level Means
C.R.S. 18-1.3-501 — 364 days for a class 1 misdemeanor, 120 for a class 2, and ten for a petty offense
| Level | Most it can carry, for an offense on or after March 1, 2022 |
|---|---|
| LevelClass 1 misdemeanor | Most it can carry, for an offense on or after March 1, 2022364 days in jail, not more than a one thousand dollar fine, or both |
| LevelClass 2 misdemeanor | Most it can carry, for an offense on or after March 1, 2022120 days in jail, not more than a seven hundred fifty dollar fine, or both |
Who handles this in Colorado: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Colorado directory.
A petty offense carries a fine of not more than $300, up to ten days in a county jail, or both. A misdemeanor sentence is not served in a state prison unless it runs alongside a felony sentence.
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020 | Presumptive range |
|---|---|
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 1 | Presumptive rangeLife imprisonment |
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 2 | Presumptive rangeEight to twenty-four years |
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 3 | Presumptive rangeFour to twelve years |
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 4 | Presumptive rangeTwo to six years |
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 5 | Presumptive rangeOne to three years |
| Felony, for an offense on or after July 1, 2020Class 6 | Presumptive rangeOne year to eighteen months |
| Traffic offense | Range |
|---|---|
| Traffic offenseClass 1 misdemeanor traffic offense | RangeTen days to one year in jail, or a $300 to $1,000 fine, or both |
| Traffic offenseClass 2 misdemeanor traffic offense | RangeTen to ninety days in jail, or a $150 to $300 fine, or both |
Many offenses carry their own sentencing rules, and drug offenses have their own levels. What a particular charge can carry is a question for a licensed Colorado attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- C.R.S. 18-1.3-501 — Misdemeanors classified - drug misdemeanors and drug petty offenses classified - penalties - legislative intent - definitions
- C.R.S. 18-1.3-503 — Petty offense and civil infraction classified - penalties
- C.R.S. 18-1.3-401 — Felonies classified - presumptive penalties
- C.R.S. 42-4-1701 — Traffic offenses and infractions classified - penalties - penalty and surcharge schedule - repeal
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Colorado attorney.