Legal Commentary

Colorado Considers Sweeping Sentencing Reform

By Jeralyn

A bill that would overhaul Colorado's sentencing laws to reduce or eliminate prison terms for non-violent offenders was introduced yesterday by State Senators Morgan Carroll and John Morse. The full text of the bill is here (pdf.)

A bill introduced yesterday by Sens. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, takes a sweeping approach to sentencing reform by aiming to lower the degree and penalty of most non-violent crimes.

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Senate Bill 286 would eliminate incarceration as a sentencing option for first-time non-violent offenders; lower sentencing ranges; allow judges the option to sentence defendants to probation, even in circumstances where they have two previous felonies; prohibit judges from sentencing criminals to jail or prison for a probation violation unless it is a new crime; cut down sentences by two days a month for good behavior; and require individuals seeking to create a new crime or increase penalties of an existing crime to present their proposal to the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. The measure would affect cases beginning July 1st.

Prosecutors oppose it. With only three weeks left in the legislative session, it's not clear whether it has any chance of passing. It has been introduced in both the Colorado House and Senate.

Sen. Carroll makes the case for sentencing reform here.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on April 16, 2009 (boomark / email).