First-Degree Assault in Denver

Colorado state law broadly defines criminal assault as causing bodily injury to another person in an unlawful way. The law is more specific during the sentencing of a convicted defendant and is based on the type of assault and effects of the defendant’s actions. Accordingly, there are three degrees of assault charges, with first-degree assault having the most severe penalties.

Fighting allegations of first-degree assault in Denver could be a uniquely challenging process since even first-time offenders may have significant consequences. However, with support from a legal professional who has been both a prosecutor and defense attorney in over 90 trials, you could more effectively enforce your rights and put forth the strongest possible defense.

When Is Assault Elevated to a First-Degree Offense?

According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-202, there are seven ways in Denver for someone to commit a first-degree assault:

• Intentionally causing serious bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon
• Intentionally causing serious and permanent disfigurement to another person
• Unintentionally causing serious bodily injury to another person through behavior indicating “extreme indifference” to human life, which puts that person at “grave risk of death”
• Intentionally threatening to cause serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to someone they know to be a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service provider
• Intentionally threatening to cause serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to someone they know to be a judge or court officer
• Intentionally threatening to cause serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to someone they know to be a correctional officer or other person employed by a correctional facility while incarcerated in such a facility after being convicted or adjudicated guilty of a crime
• Intentionally causing serious bodily injury to another person through the obstruction of their breathing and/or normal blood flow in their throat or neck

A seasoned attorney could discuss the elements of each type of first-degree assault with you during a confidential consultation.

Possible Sanctions From a First-Degree Assault Conviction

A first-degree assault charge in Denver is a class 3 felony offense. A convicted individual could face a fine of between $3,000 and $750,000, a minimum prison term of 10 years up to a maximum of 32 years, and a mandatory minimum three-year parole term that starts after the defendant completes their prison term.

Notably, these penalties are more severe than the basic sentencing range for class 3 felonies, which are usually punishable by between four and 12 years of imprisonment. This is because a first-degree assault is generally treated as an “aggravated and extraordinary risk” offense, as are most other felony crimes of violence.

Discuss Legal Options for First-Degree Assault Charges With a Denver Attorney

An accusation that you physically assaulted another person could result in serious criminal charges that may lead to paying steep fines and being incarcerated. However, first-degree assault in Denver is the most serious assault allegation, with prison time that could span decades rather than years.

If you face accusations of such an offense, contacting a skilled legal counsel should be your top priority. Call today to schedule a consultation.