In Colorado, misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are typically punished by fines, jail time, or probation, and are adjudicated in county court. Colorado categorizes misdemeanors into two classes based on the severity of the offense, as well as a separate category for drug misdemeanors. 

In Colorado, driving under the influence (DUI) is an unclassified misdemeanor. A DUI offense occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, to the extent that they are incapable of safely driving. There are criminal consequences, such as jail or probation, as well as consequences to the person’s privilege to drive. 

Domestic Violence 

In Colorado, Domestic Violence is not a sperate charge but is a sentencing enhancer that can be added to any crime that fits the definition. Domestic violence is defined as any act or perceived act of violence, or any other crime that involves punishment, revenge, intimidation, coercion, or control if it is committed by an actor against another person whom the actor is or has been in an intimate relationship with. 

Domestic violence has similar criminal consequences as other types of criminal offenses, but there is additional social stigma, and also additional restrictions on a person’s right to have firearms.

In Colorado, felonies are serious criminal offenses punishable by heavy fines and/or imprisonment exceeding one year, with sentences served in state prison rather than local jails. These convictions also carry lasting social consequences. Colorado classifies felonies into six categories, with class one being the most serious and class six the least serious. Drug felonies have their own classification system.