Colorado Blog

Auto Theft in Colorado – What You Need to Know

Posted on | Category: Theft

Auto Theft in Colorado – What are the punishments?Watch this video on YouTube Auto theft in Colorado is prosecuted as aggravated motor vehicle theft (CRS 18-4-409). Currently, Colorado has the third highest rate of auto thefts in the nation.1 And many counties have law enforcement task forces in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol to …

Do pedestrians always have the right of way?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

Pedestrians crossing a crosswalk.

Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. Drivers have the right of way when pedestrians do not comply with their state’s pedestrian and crosswalk laws. In some cases, pedestrians can be held liable for the pedestrian accident. They can also be held partially at-fault and lose compensation through comparative negligence rules. Do pedestrians …

Is prostitution legal anywhere in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Prostitution

Is prostitution legal anywhere in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube Prostitution is illegal in all Colorado cities, counties and unincorporated areas. State law makes it a crime to buy or sell sexual favors, or to offer or solicit the sale or purchase of sex. The definition of sex includes intercourse as well as fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, …

When is domestic violence a felony in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Domestic Violence

Girl cowering in corner with a man's fist in the foreground

Domestic violence is not its own criminal offense in Colorado. Instead, it is an enhancement that increases the penalties of any other crimes where the accused and victim are – or were – in an intimate relationship. Whether a domestic violence-related crime is a felony depends on that underlying crime. Which domestic violence-related crimes are …

Drinking in Public California – Is it illegal?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

It is generally illegal to drink in public in California outside of a licensed venue such as a bar, restaurant or tavern. State and local laws make it an infraction to possess an open container of alcohol in public and a misdemeanor for a minor to possess any alcohol in public. It is also a …

Recording Police in Colorado

Posted on | Category: Laws

Recording the Police in Colorado – 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube In Colorado, you are allowed to record and videotape the police in public. However, this right is not absolute. You can still be arrested for other, “catchall” offenses like disorderly conduct (CRS 18-9-106) or obstruction of justice if you disobey police …

Are there residency restrictions for sex offenders in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

Can sex offenders live wherever they want in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube There are no statewide Colorado laws that restrict where sex offenders may live, unless the offender is currently under criminal justice supervision as a parolee or probationer. But many cities and counties have local laws prohibiting sex offenders from living within 1,000 …

Do minors get Miranda rights in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Laws

Yes. Like adults, children under 18 must be read their “Miranda rights” by Colorado police before they are subjected to “custodial interrogation.” Custodial interrogation in Colorado Custodial interrogation is when both of the following conditions are true: the police are asking the detainee questions, and the detainee is not free to leave If a police …

How can I get an expungement of a domestic violence conviction in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Domestic Violence, Expungment, Record sealing

Colorado domestic violence-related criminal convictions can never be sealed or expunged from the defendant’s record. The conviction remains on the record forever, no matter whether the case was a felony or misdemeanor, or whether the defendant was adjudged guilty through a trial or a plea agreement. But if the criminal charge gets dismissed, defendants can …

What is the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Rape

Rape victim speaking to officer

Under Colorado law, prosecutors generally have 20 years to bring sexual assault (CRS 18-3-402) charges after an alleged rape. If the victim was age 15, 16, or 17 at the time of the offense, this 20-year statute of limitation does not begin running until the victim turns 18. However, Colorado prosecutors can bring rape charges …

How does the interstate compact work in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

Person on probation packing a moving box

Colorado is a member of the interstate compact – formally called the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision – which regulates if and how criminal defendants can have their probation or parole transferred between states. Probationers and parolees who move to or from Colorado in violation of the interstate compact face being remanded to jail …

What is a revocation of a deferred sentence in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Laws

Deferred judgment and sentences in Colorado – 3 things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube A revocation of a deferred sentence is when the court takes back (“revokes”) a defendant’s opportunity to complete probation (“deferred sentence”) as punishment for violating the court’s orders. When a defendant’s deferred judgment is revoked, he/she is usually remanded to …

Does Colorado have a shoplifting statute?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

Shoplifting Laws in Colorado – CRS 18-4-406Watch this video on YouTube Yes. Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-406 is the state’s shoplifting offense statute. This law makes it a theft crime to knowingly take merchandise from a store with the intention of permanently depriving the store owner of the merchandise. And if the shoplifting case goes to …

What is the juvenile arraignment process in Denver?

Posted on | Category: Criminal Defense

3 things to know about the juvenile arraignment process in DenverWatch this video on YouTube The juvenile arraignment process in Denver is where minors get officially charged with a crime. It is substantially different from the arraignment process for adults. Many juvenile cases do not go through the arraignment process. These cases get resolved informally, …

What Is the Statute of Limitations for DUI in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: DUI

What is the "statute of limitations" for a DUI in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube The statute of limitations for Colorado DUIs and DWAIs depends on the case. Under 16-5-401 C.R.S., the time-limit for the D.A. to bring criminal charges is: 18 months for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies, and 5 years for DUI with …

Is Sexual Harassment a Crime in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is not a crime in Colorado unless it involves some sort of sexual battery or sexual assault. Instead, sexual harassment is generally a civil matter. This means the alleged victim can file a lawsuit for compensation. Prosecutors cannot pursue criminal charges, however. People who commit sexual harassment do not go to jail. Instead, …

Failure to appear in Colorado – What are the consequences?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

What is the crime of "failure to appear" in Colorado? 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube People who miss a required court date in Colorado – called failure to appear (FTA) – will likely have a bench warrant issued for their arrest. And the Colorado DMV may suspend the person’s driver’s license while …

Does Colorado have a law of “treason”?

Posted on | Category: Laws

Treason is a criminal offense in Colorado and it is defined as either levying war against the state of Colorado, or adhering to Colorado’s enemies and giving them aid and comfort Possible examples of treason could be: planning a coup against the Colorado government orchestrating a social media campaign to take down the Colorado government …

How many points is a DUI in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: DUI

How many points is a DUI in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries 12 DMV demerit points in Colorado. DWAI carries 8 points. And UDD (underage drinking and driving) carries 4 points. In addition to adding points to the defendant’s driving record, a DUI or UDD causes …

Am I permitted to carry a gun while hiking in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Gun Laws

Can I carry a gun while hiking in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube National and state parks usually permit hikers to carry firearms. Hikers just have to abide by existing local, state, and federal gun laws. Open carry hiking laws Colorado law permits the open carry of firearms with some exceptions.Some cities put restrictions on …

What is the legal drinking age in Colorado today?

Posted on | Category: Laws

21 years old. People under 21 who possess or drink alcohol face charges for minor in possession (18-13-122 C.R.S.). This crime is abbreviated as MIP in Colorado. 1. What are the penalties? MIP is prosecuted as an unclassified petty offense. It carries no jail time. But defendants do face fines, community service, and substance abuse …

How to get early removal of my interlock device in Colorado

Posted on | Category: DUI

How do I get my ignition interlock removed in Colorado? 3 stepsWatch this video on YouTube Step 1: Meet the preconditions Colorado DUI defendants may be eligible for early removal of their ignition interlock device (IID). First, they would need to meet the following criteria: First-time DUI offender; The blood alcohol content (BAC) was lower …

What is Considered Parental Kidnapping in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Kidnapping

What is the crime of "parental kidnapping" in Colorado?Watch this video on YouTube Parental kidnapping, or custodial interference, is the crime of knowingly taking a child away from the person who has lawful custody. In most cases, it is a Class 5 felony in Colorado. The line between parental kidnapping and a minor custody violation, …

What is Vonnie’s Law and how does it apply in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: Uncategorized

Woman on street being stalked by man

Vonnie’s Law refers to the recent state law overhaul of Colorado’s stalking statute under CRS 18-3-602. Now, suspects arrested for stalking must go before a judge prior to posting bail. This may take several days. And during this wait, the suspect remains in custody and away from the alleged victims.1 Who is Vonnie? In 2010, …

What if I’m caught driving with a suspended license in Colorado?

Posted on | Category: DUI

Driver upset during traffic stop

If you’re caught driving on a suspended license in Colorado, you face prosecution for a misdemeanor offense punishable by probation, fines, potential jail time, and an extension of your existing license suspension or revocation. Driving on a suspended driver’s license (CRS 42-2-138) following a DUI is a misdemeanor carrying at least 30 days in jail. …

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