Being charged with Assault in Weld County is a serious matter. Whether it started as a misunderstanding, a heated argument, or an act of self-defense, prosecutors in Greeley and throughout Weld County take Assault allegations very seriously. Even a misdemeanor Assault charge can lead to jail time, a criminal record, and lasting consequences for your reputation and future.
At O’Malley Law Office, we’ve successfully defended clients accused of Assault throughout Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Frederick, Firestone, Erie, Fort Lupton, Dacono, and other communities in Weld County. Here’s what you need to know about how Colorado law defines the three degrees of Assault and how we can help protect your rights.
What Counts as Assault in Colorado? A Greeley Assault Defense Lawyer Explains
Under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Title 18, Article 3, Assault generally means causing bodily injury to another person, whether intentionally, recklessly, or through criminal negligence.
The level of the charge depends on the seriousness of the injury, the intent behind the act, and whether a deadly weapon was involved. Colorado recognizes three degrees of Assault, ranging from a serious felony to a high-level misdemeanor.
Weld County Assault Attorney: First Degree Assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-202)
First Degree Assault is the most serious and is charged as a Class 3 Felony in most cases. Prosecutors must prove that a person intentionally caused serious bodily injury to another person, often with a deadly weapon.
Examples include:
- Intentionally causing permanent disfigurement or disability
- Using a weapon to cause serious bodily injury
- Intending to harm one person but injuring another
Penalties for First Degree Assault
- 10 to 32 years in prison (because it’s a Crime of Violence)
- $3,000 to $750,000 in fines
- Mandatory parole and a permanent violent felony record
These cases are typically prosecuted in Weld County District Court in Greeley, and judges in this district impose strict penalties for violent crimes.
Attorney for Assault Charges in Firestone: Second Degree Assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-203)
Second Degree Assault is also a felony but covers a wider range of situations. It may involve causing bodily injury (less than “serious injury”) or acting recklessly rather than intentionally.
You can be charged with Second Degree Assault if you:
- Cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon,
- Injure a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency worker while they’re on duty,
- Administer drugs or substances without consent, or
- Recklessly cause serious bodily injury using a weapon.
Penalties for Second Degree Assault
- Usually a Class 4 Felony: 2 to 6 years in prison, and up to $500,000 in fines
- Can rise to a Class 3 Felony if it involves a police officer or is deemed a Crime of Violence
- Probation may be possible in limited circumstances
These cases often arise from bar fights, domestic disputes, or altercations with law enforcement in cities like Greeley, Evans, or Windsor.
Windsor Assault Lawyer: Third Degree Assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-204)
Third Degree Assault is the least severe but still a Class 1 Misdemeanor.
You can be charged with Third Degree Assault if you:
- Knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person, or
- Negligently cause injury with a deadly weapon
Penalties for Third Degree Assault
- Up to 18 months in Weld County Jail
- Fines up to $5,000
- Probation, anger management, or community service
This charge is common in Domestic Violence cases or disputes in towns like Frederick, Firestone, Erie, Dacono, or Fort Lupton, where tempers may flare and police make quick arrests even when both parties share responsibility.
Why Choose O’Malley Law Office for Your Weld County Assault Defense
Assault cases in Weld County District Court (Greeley) can move quickly and prosecutors are known for taking a hard line. Having a local criminal defense attorney who knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in Weld County gives you a major advantage.
At O’Malley Law Office, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for clients facing Assault charges across:
- Greeley
- Evans
- Windsor
- Frederick
- Firestone
- Erie
- Fort Lupton
- Dacono
and other Weld County communities.
We’ll stand by you every step of the way, from your first court appearance to trial or negotiation.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Assault, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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