2020 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 18 - Criminal Code
Article 1. Provisions Applicable to Offenses Generally
Section 18-1-102. Purpose of code, statutory construction.

Universal Citation:
CO Rev Stat § 18-1-102 (2020)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

(1) This code shall be construed in such manner as to promote maximum fulfillment of its general purposes, namely:

  1. To define offenses, to define adequately the act and mental state which constituteeach offense, to place limitations upon the condemnation of conduct as criminal when it is without fault, and to give fair warning to all persons concerning the nature of the conduct prohibited and the penalties authorized upon conviction;

  2. To forbid the commission of offenses and to prevent their occurrence through thedeterrent influence of the sentences authorized; to provide for the rehabilitation of those convicted and their punishment when required in the interests of public protection;

  3. To differentiate on reasonable grounds between serious and minor offenses, and prescribe penalties which are proportionate to the seriousness of offenses and which permit recognition of differences in rehabilitation possibilities as between individual offenders;

  4. To prevent arbitrary or oppressive treatment of persons accused or convicted of offenses and to identify certain minimum standards for criminal justice which, within the concept of due process of law, have the stature of substantive rights of persons accused of crime;

  5. To promote acceptance of responsibility and accountability by offenders and to provide restoration and healing for victims and the community while attempting to reduce recidivism and the costs to society by the use of restorative justice practices.

Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 388, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 40-1-102. L. 2011: (1)(e) added, (HB 11-1032), ch. 296, p. 1401, § 4, effective August 10.

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Colorado may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.