Probation in Colorado Criminal Cases – How it Works

• The criminal offense conviction is for a class 1 felony or a civil infraction; or
• You have two or more prior felony convictions arising out of separate episodes.

You typically ask for a probation sentence during the sentencing hearing. Otherwise, you can ask for alternative sentencing after serving part of your

• jail or
• prison sentence.²

3. Can I get probation for my DUI?

Judges commonly grant probationary sentences in DUI cases. There should be no jail if:

• The case is a DUI-first or DWAI-first; and
• Your blood alcohol content (BAC) was below 0.20%.

Otherwise, some jail will be mandatory:

4. What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised probation?

With supervised alternative sentencing, you report directly to your PO. With unsupervised alternative sentencing, you instead report straight to the court.

Therefore, unsupervised probation is more convenient. You usually have to pay less fees as well.

Judges usually grant unsupervised probationary sentences when you are convicted of the most minor offenses.⁴

5. How long does probation last?

It varies by case. It is typically 3 months to 2 years, but it can be shorter or longer.⁵

6. Can I get off probation early?

If you have been compliant, you may be eligible for early release.⁶ Learn more about applying for early termination of probation in Colorado.

7. What happens if I violate the terms?

If you violate your probation terms, you may be arrested on a “no bond” warrant. Then you could be sent or returned to custody to serve out your original sentence.

The court will hold a revocation hearing. There, you may argue against having your alternative sentencing revoked. The district attorney may argue to remand you to jail.

If the probation violation was minimal, the judge may consider giving you a second chance and reinstating the probationary terms.⁷

8. What happens when I complete the terms?

Upon successful completion of every condition of probation, you get released from the supervision of the Colorado judicial system.

If you were granted a deferred sentence, the charges may then be dismissed or reduced.⁸

9. How do I find my probationary status?

Depending on the county, it may be available on the court website. Otherwise, you can call the local probationary department for the latest information.⁹

Look up Colorado courts by county.

Look up Colorado’s probationary departments by county.

10. Does Colorado accept transfers?

Usually yes. Colorado participates in the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. As part of this agreement, different states accommodate each other’s probationers.¹⁰ Learn more about transferring probationary sentences to or from Colorado.

11. How much does being a probationer cost?

Supervised alternative sentencing requires a $50 monthly fee. This is separate from any other fines, fees, and restitution the court may have ordered.¹¹

12. Are probation criminal records public?

Yes, unless you are a juvenile (under 18). You can contact the local probationary department or else look up the case on the court website.¹²

Look up Colorado courts by county.

13. Do POs come to my home?

In some cases, yes. Sometimes these visits are scheduled. Other times POs show up without prior notice. Depending on the case, POs may conduct an alcohol or drug test on you.

In cases without home visits, you may be required to check in with the PO at the probationary department or by phone.¹³

14. Can POs search my house?

It varies by case, so you should discuss this with your attorneys. Typically, POs need “reasonable suspicion” that there may be contraband in the home in order to search it without a warrant. Contraband includes firearms or drugs.^14–2

15. Can POs track my cell phone?

Usually not unless the PO has a valid warrant or court order.¹⁵

16. Can you look up someone’s PO?

Yes, you can call the local probationary department to get a PO’s name. The only exception is for juvenile defendants (under 18) — that information remains confidential.¹⁶

Look up Colorado’s probationary departments by county.

17. How is it different than parole?

Parole and probationary sentences are both types of supervised release. They both have similar terms, and if you violate them, you face incarceration.

Judges usually grant terms of probationary sentences instead of jail. (Though in some cases, jail is still required.) If you have a misdemeanor case, you may get misdemeanor probation. If you have a felony case, you may get felony probation.

In contrast, parole follows a prison sentence, and parole is available only in felony cases. If you are an inmate, you may get released early on parole.

In 2019, the Colorado Supreme Court held that courts may never sentence a defendant to both prison and probationary terms for the same case.¹⁷

In California? Learn about summary- and formal probationary status in California.

In Nevada? Learn about probationary revocation in Nevada.

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