Colorado Springs Felony Lawyers 

On Your Side to Defend You Against Felony Charges 

Being charged with a felony can be a very scary experience. Your mind races to how a conviction might affect your future, what the penalties might be, and how to defend yourself against the charge. Even understanding the charge in the first place can be challenging without the years of study and practice in defending against felony charges that the criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs have amassed.

Principal felony defense attorney Austin Lux was a prosecutor before leaving his job as a District Attorney to focus on criminal defense. He knows how prosecutors work from inside their offices, and that is rare to find in a criminal defense attorney. Let our lead attorney’s knowledge and experience give you the edge in defending yourself against felony charges. Your future may depend on it.

Contact our Colorado Springs felony lawyers at 719-451-7469 for a free case evaluation.

Felony Offenses

Under Colorado law, felony offenses are the most serious category of crimes. Like misdemeanors, there are different levels of felonies, each with its own level of punishment if convicted. The Colorado Criminal Code classifies felonies by level, from Class 1 (the most serious) to Class 6, with penalties that may include lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, mandatory parole, and long-term consequences that extend well beyond incarceration.

Common Examples of Felony Offenses in Colorado

Felony charges can come from various allegations, including:

• Sexual assault
• Repeat DUI/DWAI offenses
• Robbery and aggravated robbery
• First- or second-degree assault
• Burglary
• Certain drug crimes involving distribution or trafficking offenses
• Motor vehicle theft
• Weapons charges involving the prohibited use

How Are Felonies Classified in Colorado? 

Colorado also makes a distinction between drug felonies and non-drug felonies.

Non-Drug Felonies

The most serious non-drug felony classification is the Class 1 felony, which can be punished by a life sentence. The death penalty was outlawed in Colorado in 2020. Crimes that qualify as Class 1 felonies include such things as first-degree murder, kidnapping, and treason. Between Class 1 and Class 6 felonies are 4 other non-drug felony levels—Classes 2-5—which have greater consequences the closer the felony is to Class 1.

Drug-Felonies

Drug felonies have a similar hierarchy of seriousness, though the penalties can be different than those for non-drug felonies. There are only 4 classification levels for drug felonies in Colorado, ranging from the most serious, Class 1, to the least serious, Class 4. For Class 1 drug felonies, the punishment can range from 8 to 32 years in prison and /or $5,000 to $1,000,000 in fines. For Class 4 drug felonies, considered the least serious drug felonies, the consequences of conviction can range from 6 to 12 months in prison and/or from $1,000 to $100,000 in fines. Other penalties may apply if the charge is aggravated by other factors.

Felony Convictions in Colorado

A felony conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect employment opportunities, housing applications, firearm rights, and professional licensing. Because of the serious and lasting impact, it is critical to seek experienced legal assistance as early as possible.

Will I Definitely Go to Prison if I Am Convicted of a Felony Crime? 

While there are sentencing guidelines that outline the periods of imprisonment that are available for sentencing depending on the class of the felony charge, judges have other options if they determine that incarceration is not the best choice. Judges will consider such factors as the nature and character of the offense, the defendant’s individual characteristics, and the defendant’s criminal history when determining a sentence for a felony conviction.

If the judge decides that incarceration is not the best sentencing option, alternatives such as probation, participation in a community corrections program, home detention, participation in community service programs, restorative justice, and payment of fines, fees, costs, and restitution may be considered. Another option available to the judge in a felony criminal conviction is to hand down a prison sentence, but delay its implementation while putting the offender on probation with conditions. If the conditions of the probation are violated, the prison sentence may be implemented.

What is Parole and How Does it Work in Colorado? 

A judge can set a fixed sentence anywhere within the limits set by the Colorado Legislature. The fixed sentence represents the longest possible period of incarceration for the offender. It is possible, however, for the sentence to be shortened by the granting of parole. Parole release is not guaranteed, but can be available if the offender meets certain eligibility requirements and the original sentence allows it. Generally, an inmate becomes eligible to apply for parole after serving 50-75% of the full sentence, depending on their conviction and criminal history. Sometimes, a felony conviction does not allow for the possibility of parole. In some cases, meeting education or treatment goals can allow offenders to earn credits toward earlier parole eligibility.

In all cases with a felony conviction that carries a mandatory minimum sentence, parole cannot be granted until the mandatory minimum has been met. Applications for parole are reviewed by the Colorado State Board of Parole, which has the authority to grant, defer, or deny discretionary parole. If an application is denied, there may be a waiting period before the application can be made again. If you have been convicted of a felony and are interested in finding out if you qualify to apply for parole, contact The Lux Law Firm to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Why Is The Lux Law Firm the Right Choice to Fight Your Criminal Charges?

When you are facing felony charges, the stakes are too high to navigate the legal system alone. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for years. Choosing the right defense team can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

At The Lux Law Firm, we provide strategic, results-driven legal assistance focused on protecting your rights and challenging the prosecution’s case at every stage of the legal process. From scrutinizing the evidence to identifying weaknesses in witness testimony and procedural errors, our approach is thorough and proactive.

Our goal is simple: prevent a guilty verdict whenever possible and minimize the impact of criminal charges on your future. We understand how overwhelming an arrest can feel, which is why we take the time to explain your options clearly and keep you informed throughout your case.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged, do not wait to seek help. Contact The Lux Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how our experienced defense team can begin protecting your freedom and your record.

Book a Free Case Evaluation With Our Colorado Springs Felony Lawyers Today

Very few criminal defense lawyers have insider knowledge of how prosecutors work. Principal attorney Austin Lux spent months and years as a prosecutor in hundreds of felony criminal trials before turning to the practice of criminal defense law. This unusual knowledge and experience can be to your advantage as The Lux Law Firm’s felony crime attorneys work with you to build a strong and strategic defense to the felony charges you face. We can help you understand the charges and explain your options as you seek to make the strongest case possible in your defense. We will be with you every step of the way.

Call us at 719-451-7469 today for a free consultation about your case.