Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: keying a car

damage over $500 is a felony, but in this case it may be pled down to a misdemeanor.

if friend tells cops that he will not admit to doing it, but will pay if he is not arrested, then maybe he can avoid it

why would someone say this to police, well, maybe your friend knows who did it (not him) and does not want to implicate the person and so is willing to pay

Re: keying a car

Malicious mischief that results in damage that is at least $500, but less than $1000, is not a felony, but a misdemeanor.

My advice would be to say not a word to the police, but to offer, in plea negotiations with the DA, to pay restitution in exchange for a deferred sentence on a lesser charge.

That way you haven't confessed to any crime before you've got an agreement.

Another lawyer may disagree (and in fact, has disagreed).

Good luck.