Who is the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition?

Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

If you would like to be involved please go to our website and become a member.


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Bill would ease life sentences for juveniles - The Denver Post

Bill would ease life sentences for juveniles - The Denver Post

More than 45 juvenile offenders now serving life without parole could return to the community within as little as 30 years under legislation introduced late last week.

Colorado changed its sentencing structure in 2006 for teens convicted of the most serious criminal offenses, making them eligible for parole after 40 years in prison.

But that legislation didn't affect those already serving life sentences. House Bill 1287 would apply the 40-year rule retroactively.

It would also make teens tried as adults eligible for placement in community corrections 30 years after their incarceration with approval from the executive director of the state Department of Corrections.

The offenders would have to remain under supervision for another decade.

Reps. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, and B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, are prime sponsors on HB 1287.


Read more: Bill would ease life sentences for juveniles - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17668897#ixzz1HL4A7p5B
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