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A violent crime is a criminal act involving physical and/or verbal force. An offender doesn’t need to use a weapon for an offense to be considered a violent crime. Common violent crimes include robbery, rape, murder, and felony assault. All violent crime convictions carry serious consequences and penalties, which are typically increased in light of gun possession, a prior criminal history, or aggravated perpetration. Circumstances such as addiction or improper search and seizure can aid in the defense of a violent crime case.
“Crime of violence” (COV) is a sentence enhancer in the state of Colorado; it applies to crimes that involve a deadly weapon, serious injury, or threats/the use of force (in the case of various sex offenses). Colorado law takes violent crimes very seriously; as such, they carry enhanced penalties in comparison to their non-violent counterparts.
There are several charges that are not necessarily crimes of violence, but become such when a deadly weapon or serious injury is involved. These include:
There are also several sex crimes that qualify as crimes of violence even if no weapons are used and no serious injuries occur. Instead, the use of force, threats, intimidation, or minor injury are enough for the violent crime label to apply. These include:
If you have been charged with one of these crimes, we encourage you to seek the help of a violent crimes attorney in Denver immediately. An experienced legal team can help you navigate the ins and outs of your case to make sure you understand your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Penalties for violent crimes in Colorado are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or rehabilitation programs. The exact penalty depends on the nature and severity of the offense, as well as any prior criminal history.
Note that the prison sentence for crimes of violence will always be longer than the prison sentence for the same crime without the COV sentence enhancer. If a deadly weapon or semiautomatic assault weapon is involved, five years will be added to the length of the sentence. The maximum penalty for some crimes of violence (specifically sex crimes) is life in prison.
At Suro Law, we strive to minimize the impact of these penalties and protect your future. Get started today with a FREE consultation.
Have you been previously convicted in the state of Colorado? This can negatively influence the penalties you face for a new violent crime conviction. The legal system often views repeat offenders in a harsher light, and prior convictions can result in increased sentences.
In addition, Colorado has its own version of the “three strikes law.” This means that if an individual is convicted of three separate violent felonies, they are labeled as a “habitual offender” and could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Understanding the impact of previous charges is crucial in building an effective defense strategy. At Suro Law, we analyze your entire legal history and work to mitigate the influence of past convictions on your current case. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome.
When you are convicted of multiple crimes at once, the court may impose either concurrent or consecutive sentences. Concurrent sentences may be served at the same time, whereas consecutive sentences must be served one after the other.
Multiple crime of violence convictions typically require consecutive sentences. The only time when concurrent sentences are allowed is in the case of aggravated robbery, escape, or second-degree assault.
Yes, self-defense is a valid defense in violent crime cases if you can prove that you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm and used an appropriate level of force to protect yourself. We highly recommend seeking the help of a Denver violent crime lawyer who can craft the most strategic defense for your specific case.
First-degree murder involves premeditation AND intent to kill, while second-degree murder typically involves intentional killing without premeditation. The penalties for first-degree murder are more severe, often including life in prison.
Yes, depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of charges. Factors such as lack of evidence, procedural errors, or mitigating circumstances can influence the sentencing outcome.
Note that in the state of Colorado, a sentence reduction for a crime of violence cannot occur until the defendant’s 119th day in prison.
Being charged with a violent crime is a serious and stressful experience that requires the help of a dedicated and experienced violent crime defense attorney. At Suro Law, we are committed to providing the aggressive defense you need to navigate the complexities of the Colorado legal system and the nuances of your case. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
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