SB 18-017

Senate Bill 18-017 changes how certain sex offenders are sentenced in Colorado. Currently, these offenders must receive a sentence that could last for the rest of their lives. The bill gives judges the option to choose either this life sentence or a fixed-term sentence instead. Judges will need to explain why they chose one type of sentence over the other based on factors like punishment and treatment needs. Since the status is "signed," the bill has been approved by lawmakers and signed into law, meaning it's now in effect.

Official Summary

Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System Interim Study Committee. Currently, a court is required to sentence certain sex offenders to an indeterminate sentence that is a maximum of the sex offender's life. The bill allows the court to choose either the indeterminate sentence or a determinate sentence in those cases. The bill addresses the factors related to punishment and treatment that a court must consider when deciding between an indeterminate or a determinate sentence. The court must specify its reasons on the record for choosing either a determinate or an indeterminate sentence.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More