When a juvenile is arrested in Colorado, the child may be released to a parent or responsible adult, referred for detention screening, or held for a prompt detention hearing. If the child remains in custody, the hearing generally must occur within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The district attorney then decides whether to file a delinquency petition, offer diversion, or decline to prosecute formally. Decisions made during
Colorado is leading the charge when it comes to “defelonizing” the possession of certain controlled substances in the United States.
The most recent efforts include Jared Polis, Colorado’s Governor, signing House Bill 19-1263 into law. The goal of this law is to help reduce rates of incarceration related to minor drug offenses.
It is also intended to help those who are addicted to drugs get the help
