Fight Your Criminal Charges with the Help of an Experienced Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney
Boulder misdemeanor lawyer Janene McCabe helps clients understand their rights and defend against criminal charges that can carry lasting consequences. In Colorado, there are three types of crimes: felony offenses, misdemeanors, and petty offenses. Being charged with any crime can be overwhelming, but there are degrees of seriousness based on the type of crime charged under criminal law.
While misdemeanors are generally considered to be relatively minor offenses (compared to felony charges), a conviction can still have a lasting impact on your future and carry serious consequences. Experienced criminal defense attorney Janene McCabe can help you understand your options and work to minimize the consequences of pending criminal charges. Even a misdemeanor conviction for disorderly conduct may not result in jail time, but it could prevent you from securing employment, obtaining housing, or advancing in your career, particularly if you are ultimately proven guilty.
Charged with a Criminal Offense? You Need an Experienced Boulder Misdemeanor Lawyer on Your Side
McCabe Law is a Colorado criminal defense law firm that represents clients facing misdemeanor charges in Boulder and beyond. We understand that every client facing criminal charges deserves personal service, compassion, and a fierce advocate. Our practice is devoted to working with people just like you, who have found themselves in a difficult position and are looking for help. We will provide the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions, and we will build and execute a custom-tailored defense strategy focused on helping you avoid a conviction and spending time in county jail.
Based in Boulder CO, we represent clients in counties throughout Colorado, including Boulder County as well as Broomfield, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Larimer, Denver, and Weld County. When you are facing criminal charges, hiring a skilled courtroom litigator can make all the difference. If you are facing the life-altering consequences of a criminal conviction, contact our law firm today at 720-818-9258 or online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Boulder criminal defense lawyer.
What Is a Misdemeanor?
In Colorado, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony, but more significant than a petty offense. It is defined in part by its punishment: up to 18 months in jail, misdemeanor probation, and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Not everyone who is convicted of a misdemeanor will be sent to jail; many misdemeanor convictions will result in a fine, community service and/or probation, although some offenses may still be considered a serious offense.
For each type of misdemeanor, there are subcategories. This includes class 1, 2, and 3 regular misdemeanors, DM1 and DM2 drug misdemeanors, and class 1, class 2, and unclassified traffic misdemeanors, including reckless driving.
An example of a class 1 regular misdemeanor is aggravated motor vehicle theft, which is the theft of the motor vehicle where the value of the car is less than $1,000. A class 2 regular misdemeanor (which is less serious than a class 1) may include criminal mischief, with damage of at least $300, but less than $750. Finally, a class 3 regular misdemeanor is a crime such as disorderly conduct.
Sentencing for Misdemeanors in Boulder County, Colorado
In Colorado, there is a presumptive sentencing range for each type and class of misdemeanor. The state also recognizes that in some misdemeanor cases, the punishment for a misdemeanor should be enhanced, which can lead to even more severe penalties. The most common enhancement is when a misdemeanor is classified as an “extraordinary risk crime.”
The presumptive sentencing range for misdemeanors depends on the class of the offense and the facts of the criminal case, including the strength of any physical evidence. For regular misdemeanors, the following minimum and maximum penalties apply:
- Class 1 (extraordinary risk): 6 to 24 months, and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000
- Class 1: 6 to 18 months, and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000
- Class 2: 3 to 12 months and/or a fine of $250 to $1,000
- Class 3: up to 6 months, and/or a fine of $50 to $750
For drug misdemeanors, a person may be sentenced to probation, or may face 6 to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of between $500 and $5,000 for a DM1. For a DM2 offense, there is no jail time and a fine of between $50 and $750. All misdemeanor drug offenses are also subject to an additional surcharge of up to $1,000.
If probation is ordered, you will not be required to go to jail, as long as you comply with the conditions of probation. These terms will vary, but typically include paying restitution, being supervised by a probation officer, not committing any other crimes, not owning or possessing a weapon, and, if necessary, attending drug treatment or anger management classes, and in some cases, courts may also issue a protection order or other restraining orders depending on the nature of the allegations.
Why You Need an Experienced Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor crimes may not be as serious as felony offenses, but they can still have a significant impact on your life and future within the criminal justice system. Not only do they have the potential to result in jail time, but a conviction for a misdemeanor crime also means having a criminal record. That is why it is so important to retain a seasoned Boulder misdemeanor lawyer to defend you against these charges with strategic representation in criminal defense cases, including raising self-defense when supported by the facts.
Whether you are a first-time offender or you have a prior record, an effective defense strategy will be essential for avoiding the potential consequences you are facing. Depending on the circumstances of your case, Boulder misdemeanor attorney Janene McCabe may be able to target outcomes including:
- Seeking a deferred judgment
- Negotiating a plea bargain that avoids a jury trial
- Having your charges dropped completely
At McCabe Law, we represent clients on a range of misdemeanor Colorado offenses, from CU student misdemeanor charges to DUI and DWAI charges, assault, child abuse, vehicle theft, domestic abuse, sexual assault, indecent exposure, and other specific offenses. Attorney Janene K. McCabe has nearly 20 years of extensive experience working as a criminal defense lawyer, including as a public defender. Our team will advocate for your rights, work with prosecutors, and stand by your side throughout the process, including seeking outcomes such as charges reduced or a case dismissed when appropriate.
Many attorneys handle misdemeanor cases in Colorado, and most know that making promises about the potential outcomes of their cases is not an option. In both misdemeanor and felony cases, there are no guarantees in court. While it will be possible to negotiate a plea bargain with the district attorney or secure a deferred judgment without a skilled courtroom litigator taking your case to trial in some cases, you may also need legal assistance and representation at trial.
While we cannot make any guarantees about the outcome of your case, we can guarantee that we will do everything we can to protect you. Misdemeanor defense representation is one of our core practice areas, and we have a proven record of securing favorable results for our clients. Whether you need to defend against domestic violence allegations, challenge your breath test or field sobriety test results, or fight to protect yourself through any other means, we can use our experience to help make sure you do not face unnecessary consequences.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Criminal Defense Lawyer Janene McCabe in Boulder, CO
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense, McCabe Law can help. Contact our firm today at 720-818-9258 or online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Boulder misdemeanor attorney.