{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-specialties-js",
    "path": "/criminal-defense/misdemeanor-charge-lawyers-colorado/",
    "result": {"data":{"page":{"id":"-61bf2a85-37da-540d-ac1b-72d26f3ebef1","seoTitle":"Misdemeanor Charges Attorney Colorado | JBP","metaDescription":"Facing a misdemeanor in Colorado? Our defense lawyers fight to protect your rights, reduce charges, and safeguard your future. Call us today for help.","title":"Misdemeanor Charge Lawyers in Colorado","_rawTextBlock1":[{"_key":"83b9a0070f49","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f96de532b900","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Though less severe than felonies, misdemeanors are still serious charges that require careful handling and legal expertise. With a full-service law firm behind you and your family, our team will ensure the best possible outcome."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5cf4d283cfc7","_type":"button","action":"form","external":false,"form":"Contact Us","label":"Contact Us","variant":"primary"}],"_rawTextBlock2":[{"_key":"3f305fdecc49","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2277e9ee5b26","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How Misdemeanors are Classified"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"8f3a0c57eeff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2fde32863c190","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In Colorado, most misdemeanors are classified as Class 1, 2, 3, or unclassified, with Class 1 being the most serious. Drug misdemeanors are classified as either Level 1 or 2. Misdemeanor traffic offenses are classified as Class 1, 2, or unclassified."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b062182a0cf8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9a091a56e9080","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You should be able to tell what sort of Class misdemeanor is being filed against you by reviewing the paperwork provided to you by a local law enforcement agency when you were officially charged or arraigned. If you are not sure the Class or what how the Class can affect your case, please "},{"_key":"9a091a56e9081","_type":"span","marks":["3a6d77c41868"],"text":"reach out to our team"},{"_key":"9a091a56e9082","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and allow us to review your case."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3a6d77c41868","_type":"link","href":"https://www.jbplegal.com/contact-us/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3eb6cbf099d4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5ca49163ff9c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sentencing for Misdemeanors in Colorado"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"362b90f7ec78","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"16107288de240","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sentencing for misdemeanors varies greatly. The common factor, though, is that being sentenced for a misdemeanor will negatively impact your livelihood, often in ways unexpected."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b37eab7b9de9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"29b412e85a5f","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Examples of misdemeanor sentencing guidelines:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"bf774206bee2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"12ea15c2bd6f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For a class 1 misdemeanor, a defendant may be sentenced up to 18 months in jail (24 months for extraordinary risk crimes such as third-degree assault), a $5,000 fine, or both."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"59fd04555c99","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ae874f21395f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For a class 3 misdemeanor, a defendant may be sentenced up to 6 months in jail, a $750 fine, or both."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b522a313b912","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b17f463487d5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Misdemeanor drug offenses are classified separately than other misdemeanors, and, depending on the offense, a defendant may be sentenced to up to 18 months in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7311012afcac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5728f6d2650a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The maximum sentence for a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense is 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3524bb2c8878","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"febbde1c53c7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The factors that can change the details of a misdemeanor sentencing are the details of the alleged crime and your own criminal record. If you have preexisting charges on your record for the same or similar misdemeanors, then your sentencing requirements can become harsher."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"_rawTextBlock3":[{"_key":"e3d28b499bb4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"51f4d335b0860","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Charged with a Misdemeanor in Colorado? Don’t Wait to Defend Your Rights"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h1"},{"_key":"db599060401e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"612d51cb9c450","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Misdemeanors in Colorado can result in jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, it's important to take quick action and hire a qualified criminal defense lawyer."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1b7e4fb1e968","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b2c4e467471e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. provides top criminal defense services for misdemeanor cases in the Denver, Broomfield, Longmont, and Loveland region."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b09467934592","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2b42fe5456c00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Get Early Legal Guidance for Colorado Misdemeanors"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"944695be838b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a0a11a8044ec0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Whether it be drug charges or a DUI, early legal guidance for misdemeanors is essential for creating favorable outcomes. Without a skilled lawyer by your side from the beginning, you risk:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"055bf3a8eded","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a9975104c00b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Saying something during questioning that could harm your case"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0462733fb76c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ce5879abdbb60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Missing opportunities to prevent or reduce charges"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9f2a915c48fa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b96438d5c3000","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Taking a less-than-ideal plea bargain"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"978e22a0d9e2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"04152eef3d930","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Overlooking options to avoid a criminal record"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"268cbf048caf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a9d4324cc2630","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How Serious is a Misdemeanor in Colorado?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"fea7762034cf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fa5dde8ea55b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"While less serious than felonies, misdemeanor convictions can still result in jail time and hefty fines. For example, a Class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado can lead to 24 months in jail and $5,000 in fines."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8ea3c442041e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"104a1ca8ff170","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A misdemeanor crime will show up on your criminal record unless it has been expunged or sealed. As such, misdemeanors can make it more difficult to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"303fcab6ef6f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"24fd1e8016450","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Due to their far-ranging impacts, you should treat a misdemeanor as earnestly as you would any criminal charge."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b8f88d71e5fb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c5cd2e0b0dae0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Fights Misdemeanor Charges"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"c93d281ed14c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ab5b336929db0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we pride ourselves on clear communication, team collaboration, and timely results. Since the key to winning any case is in the details, we put a team of experts behind every misdemeanor charge."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f2869631059d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ceaec5fd641e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"During your initial consultation, we examine your case and explore the best options. After we decide the best path forward, our team digs into evidence, looks for mistakes made by police, negotiates with prosecutors, and gets ready to defend you in court if needed."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dc24c9de1ea1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"acc9246073910","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Regardless of the severity of your case, our team will be your fiercest advocates until the very end. Having a skilled lawyer on a misdemeanor case is the best way to avoid jail time, hefty fines, and damage to your future."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5b3afe46f8dc","_type":"button","action":"form","external":false,"form":"Contact Us","label":"Contact Us","variant":"primary"},{"_key":"3879dfff2b9e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6c392a7dac830","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How are Misdemeanors Classified in Colorado?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"d3cd019638d6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7f2890a3f87b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sentencing for misdemeanors in Colorado can vary greatly. However, there are some baseline numbers you can follow to get a feel for the severity of these charges."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2eff62dafe5b","_type":"table","columns":"2","identifier":"How are Misdemeanors Classified in Colorado?  ","rows":[{"_key":"03447c0f17ef","_type":"row","column1":[{"_key":"5aa6065c5a28","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bc6156b714980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Class 1 Misdemeanor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"column2":[{"_key":"d8a1a2bda37a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1eadab2038a40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"6-24 months in jail. $500 - $5,000 in possible fines."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"identifier":"1"},{"_key":"b6118a031d3b","_type":"row","column1":[{"_key":"52569a6e0973","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f8e05eef7fa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Class 2 Misdemeanor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"column2":[{"_key":"f81a30ab3811","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ddc84535e9160","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Class 2 Misdemeanor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"identifier":"2"}]},{"_key":"2d302d229657","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"68caac56141d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Exceptions to the Above Penalties"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"c2298a068707","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8e846b0c4bac0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Please note that certain factors related to the alleged crime and your criminal record can change misdemeanor sentencing in Colorado."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"585894b9d8c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"503d30479a980","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Drug charges"},{"_key":"503d30479a981","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":": Drug charges are classified separately as Level 1 and Level 2 drug misdemeanors. Yet, they carry similar penalties to normal misdemeanors."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d93e5de3e8b5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9c99789322850","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Traffic offenses:"},{"_key":"9c99789322851","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" Traffic misdemeanors are classified separately as Class 1 and Class 2 offenses. Sentencing for traffic offenses is lighter than for normal misdemeanors."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2f302d972143","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9adcf1727c7c0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Prior criminal record"},{"_key":"9adcf1727c7c1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":": If you have a prior criminal record, there’s a chance your sentencing will be harsher."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"98877db9001f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bc147054d3670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You can usually determine the class of misdemeanor you’re facing by reviewing the paperwork given to you by law enforcement at the time of your charge or arraignment. If you have questions about classes for your case, please "},{"_key":"bc147054d3671","_type":"span","marks":["73ed5bc6e8bd"],"text":"contact us"},{"_key":"bc147054d3672","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" so we can review your situation."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"73ed5bc6e8bd","_type":"link","href":"https://www.jbplegal.com/contact-us/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"039738b8ccaf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2b379b47753b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Don’t Face Criminal Charges Alone: Contact Our Team Today!"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"156149a6b621","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e49a8a4f724a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, our Colorado legal defense team will minimize damage to your future. We’ve fought many misdemeanor cases that resulted in sentencing reductions, case dismissals, and acquittals. We’re here to help!"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d829fb9cd9b6","_type":"button","action":"form","external":false,"form":"Contact Us","label":"Contact Us","variant":"primary"}],"_rawTextBlock4":null,"_rawAccordionHeading1":null,"_rawAccordionHeading2":[{"_key":"281da24b9016","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8d63bbee5ebd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h1"},{"_key":"281da24b9016","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8d63bbee5ebd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h1"}],"_rawAccordionHeading3":[{"_key":"5f686e485c14","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"727464e2c7e60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"FAQs"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"}],"accordion1":[],"accordion2":[],"accordion3":[{"title":"What penalties could I face for a misdemeanor in Colorado?","_rawText":[{"_key":"d74d788b5a64","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f1b9b02fe950","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Depending on the alleged crime, penalties for misdemeanors in Colorado range from no jail time and $50 in fines up to 24 months in jail and $5,000 in fines. Sentencing also varies with prior convictions, drug charges, and traffic offenses."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"link":null},{"title":"Will a misdemeanor show up on my permanent record?","_rawText":[{"_key":"d621e4a3f6dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e37010d6d1970","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Unless a misdemeanor conviction has been expunged or sealed, it will appear on your permanent criminal record."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"link":null},{"title":"Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?","_rawText":[{"_key":"dbcc01780a78","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f048d15fa0630","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Yes. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"link":null},{"title":"What if this is my first offense?","_rawText":[{"_key":"f38418805229","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ec8c5bfde1370","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"First-time offenders may qualify for lighter sentencing and case dismissal, depending on the severity of the crime."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"link":null},{"title":"Can misdemeanor charges be reduced or dismissed?","_rawText":[{"_key":"cb16269ad67d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"946aafaa7fec0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Yes. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to negotiate a charge reduction, dismissal, or acquittal."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"link":null}],"sidebar":{"navHeading":"Criminal Defense Specialties","specialties":[{"title":"Misdemeanor Charges","link":"/criminal-defense/misdemeanor-charge-lawyers-colorado"},{"title":"Traffic","link":"/criminal-defense/colorado-traffic-violation-defense-attorneys"},{"title":"Juvenile Cases","link":"/criminal-defense/juvenile-crime-attorneys-colorado"},{"title":"Record Sealing","link":"/criminal-defense/criminal-record-sealing-expungement-colorado"},{"title":"Protection Orders","link":"/criminal-defense/protection-order-attorneys-colorado"}],"ctaHeading":"Get more information about our criminal defense representation"},"teamMembers":{"title":"Criminal Defense"},"testimonials":{"title":"Criminal Defense"},"blogs":{"title":"Criminal Defense"}},"openGraphImage":{"publicURL":"/static/0a8e1a43b7ce49a1e0b729d83f9e244b/homepage.jpg"},"twitterOpenGraphImage":{"publicURL":"/static/f818f5bd0f804656bf4367eb655e8a62/Homepage.jpg"},"infoGraphic":{"publicURL":"/static/1ceb809171b71926e9cee9818b95fae8/Personal Injury Infographic Version II - desktop.svg"},"infoGraphicMob":{"publicURL":"/static/bd417b917eed494e269a0319ad4f6f88/Personal Injury Infographic Version II - mobile.svg"},"background":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/png;base64,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"},"images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/346d5/Background%20Mountain.png","srcSet":"/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/239d7/Background%20Mountain.png 640w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/e8776/Background%20Mountain.png 768w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/a88ec/Background%20Mountain.png 1024w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/571b5/Background%20Mountain.png 1280w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/346d5/Background%20Mountain.png 1536w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/96f75/Background%20Mountain.webp 640w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/59964/Background%20Mountain.webp 768w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/3ffad/Background%20Mountain.webp 1024w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/3d264/Background%20Mountain.webp 1280w,\n/static/e1c593ebc2dc5eb4e234ffe5df2ab378/bdaa2/Background%20Mountain.webp 1536w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"100vw"}]},"width":1,"height":0.18684895833333331}}}},"pageContext":{"id":"-61bf2a85-37da-540d-ac1b-72d26f3ebef1"}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["2215826351","3481234916","3482706292","3650605601","3719341581","3739881835","4235284871","738131995","940758815"],
    "manifestId": "f661415c-b622-4cc0-873b-6959c11f3ed7-2025-09-02T21:52:50.000Z"}