2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 18 - Criminal Code
Article 1 - Provisions Applicable to Offenses Generally
Part 1 - Purpose and Scope of Code - Classification of Offenses
§ 18-1-104. "Offense" defined - offenses classified - common-law crimes abolished

(1) The terms "offense" and "crime" are synonymous and mean a violation of, or conduct defined by, any state statute for which a fine or imprisonment may be imposed.

(2) Each offense falls into one of eleven classes, one of six drug offense levels, or one unclassified category. There are six classes of felonies as described in section 18-1.3-401 and four levels of drug felonies as described in section 18-1.3-401.5, three classes of misdemeanors as described in section 18-1.3-501 and two levels of drug misdemeanors as described in section 18-1.3-501, two classes of petty offenses as described in section 18-1.3-503, and the category of drug petty offense as described in section 18-1.3-501 (1) (e).

(3) Common-law crimes are abolished and no conduct shall constitute an offense unless it is described as an offense in this code or in another statute of this state, but this provision does not affect the power of a court to punish for contempt, or to employ any sanction authorized by law for the enforcement of an order lawfully entered, or a civil judgment or decree; nor does it affect the use of case law as an interpretive aid in the construction of the provisions of this code.