Sentencing in Aurora, CO can be particularly difficult to predict. It is equally difficult to anticipate how a judge might rule at a sentencing hearing. Opposite ends of the spectrum frequently exist. A judge may try to make an example and give a particularly long sentence. In contrast, he or she might rule in a lenient way that raises questions. Either way, understanding what a judge takes into consideration when determining a sentence is important for those facing conviction.

What Does a Judge Consider at Sentencing in Aurora, CO?

Typically, judges in Colorado will contemplate many different factors before giving a sentence. Below are some examples of items that are considered:

• How defendants with similar circumstances have been sentenced
• Prior criminal history
• What the victim(s) feel is an appropriate sentence
• What the District Attorney thinks the sentence should entail
• Probation's ideas of an appropriate sentence
• Presence of violence in the crime
• Whether the defendant is remorseful
• Whether the offense included sexual behavior
• The ability of the victim(s) to defend themselves due to disability or age

Possible Punishments from Colorado Judges

For misdemeanor and felony convictions in Arapahoe County, judges have many different tools to utilize at criminal sentencing. Below are some of the possibilities:

1. Probation
2. County Jail
3. Colorado Department of Corrections (Prison)
4. Community Corrections
5. House Arrest
6. SCRAM Unit, Monitored Sobriety, and also Therapy for DUI or Alcohol Cases
7. Community Service
8. Sex Offender Treatment / Sex Offender Registration
9. Treatment & Therapy for Drug Crimes
10. Mental Health Counseling

Colorado law allows judges to operate within especially wide ranges of sentencing. Therefore, as long as the conditions are “reasonably related” to a defendant's rehabilitation, judges can rule as they see fit.

Jail and Prison Sentencing in Aurora, CO

While there are some exceptions, sentence ranges are almost always tied to the class of misdemeanor or felony conviction. As a result, the following ranges apply in Aurora, Colorado:

• Class 3 Misdemeanor = $50 to 6 months in county jail
• Class 2 Misdemeanor = 3 – 12 months in county jail
• Class 1 Misdemeanor = 6 – 18 months in county jail
• Class 6 Felony = 1 – 18 months in prison
• Class 5 Felony = 1 – 3 years in prison
• Class 4 Felony = 2 – 6 years in prison
• Class 3 Felony = 4 – 12 years in prison
• Class 2 Felony = 8 – 24 years in prison
• Class 1 Felony = Life to Death in prison

Finally, sentencing in Colorado should never be faced alone. Contacting one of our expert criminal defense attorneys is above all your best defense in trying to achieve the best possible outcome. We have decades of combined experience working diligently for all of our clients, however difficult their situation might be.

If you or someone you know is facing charges, be smart. Call the expert criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: pixabay – succo