PETTY OFFENSES

Taggart Howard has defended many people charged with a petty offense.

As of March 1, 2022, there is only one type of petty offense in Colorado. And the penalties for petty offenses are up to 10 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $300.  Prior to March 1, 2022, petty offenses were divided into two classes. Class 1 petty offenses were punishable by up to 6 months of county jail time and/or $500 in fines. And class 2 petty offense penalties depended on the statute.  Petty offense convictions usually do not affect gun rights. And convictions are sealable from the defendant’s criminal record one year after the case ended.

Common examples of petty offenses in Colorado include:

1. Theft of Property, C.R.S. 18-4-401, where the value of the thing involved is less than $300.
2. Fraud by Check, C.R.S. 18-5-205, where the amount is less than $300.
3. Third Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-504, if the land has not been classified as agricultural.
4. Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106, by making offensive utterances or gestures or unreasonable noise.
5. Accessory to a Crime, C.R.S. 18-8-105, if the crime is a misdemeanor

Penalties for Petty Offense Convictions in Colorado

A conviction for a petty offense may bring a penalty of up to 10 days in jail, a fine of $300, or both, while a civil infraction is punishable merely by a $100 fine.