Felony in Colorado
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Colorado classifies felonies by level (1–6), with Level 1 crimes carrying 8–24 years minimum imprisonment.
How Colorado treats Felony
Colorado uses a numbered felony classification system where Level 1 felonies (like murder) carry mandatory minimum sentences of 8 years, while Level 6 felonies carry 1–2 years. The state also applies sentencing ranges based on prior criminal history. Colorado's approach emphasizes proportional punishment tied to offense severity and offender background rather than a single prison threshold.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.