Denver City Council debates reducing criminal sentences

The proposed changes aim to align Denver's punishments with state-level sentencing, but some argue the reductions go too far.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a single city street lamp post in warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a contemplative mood about the criminal justice system.The debate over reducing criminal sentences in Denver reflects a broader national conversation about the role of municipal courts and the impacts of harsh penalties.Denver Today

Denver City Council members debated proposed changes to the city's criminal sentencing code, showing a divide over whether the city should lessen sentences for some local charges. The changes are meant to bring Denver's punishments for crimes like theft and property destruction in line with how the state punishes similar crimes. While supported by groups like the ACLU, some argue the proposal will make local sentences too lenient.

Why it matters

The debate over reducing criminal sentences in Denver reflects a broader conversation happening across the country about criminal justice reform and the appropriate levels of punishment, especially for lower-level offenses. The outcome could impact public safety, the treatment of homelessness and poverty-related crimes, and the relationship between municipal and state-level criminal justice systems.

The details

The proposal would reduce Denver's 'general penalty' from a maximum of 300 days in jail and a $999 fine to 120 days in jail and a $750 fine. For some local crimes without a state equivalent, the maximum would be 10 days and a $300 fine. Critics worry this 10-day cap could become the de facto 'general penalty.' Supporters argue lengthy sentences for 'offenses of poverty' like camping and loitering are counterproductive, while opponents fear it will lead to more disorder and unpunished crimes.

  • The Colorado Supreme Court ruling that reinvigorated this debate was issued in December.
  • The Denver City Council committee delayed further discussion to May 13 after an initial presentation.

The players

Denver City Council

The legislative body debating the proposed changes to the city's criminal sentencing code.

ACLU of Colorado

A group supporting the proposed changes to bring Denver's punishments more in line with state-level sentencing.

Denver Public Defenders' Office

Another group supporting the proposed changes to the criminal sentencing code.

Marley Bordovsky

Director of the City Attorney's Office's Prosecution and Code Enforcement Section, who expressed concerns about the proposal.

Javier Mabrey

A state representative who worked on legislation to make municipal sentences equal to the state's, which was vetoed by the governor.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot, in good faith, allow us to leave those offenses at 300 days. They should be 10 (days), maybe they should be even less than 10, but there is no argument in a rational sentencing scheme for treating those things more (harshly).”

— Sarah Parady, Denver City Council Member

“So many of these offenses, camping, loitering, trespassing, are offenses of poverty. And using lengthy jail sentences to punish poverty does not solve anything.”

— Javier Mabrey, State Representative

“Without the ability to have longer sentencing for disobeying the code within the city, if we simply only have 10 days (in jail) to add on top of the fees for the slum lords. The slum lords have written into their operation of these buildings, the ability to consume that cost.”

— Darrell Watson, Denver City Council Member

What’s next

The Denver City Council committee will continue discussing the proposed changes to the criminal sentencing code at its next meeting on May 13.

The takeaway

The debate over reducing criminal sentences in Denver reflects the broader national conversation about criminal justice reform and the appropriate levels of punishment, especially for lower-level offenses tied to poverty. The outcome could have significant impacts on public safety, the treatment of homelessness, and the relationship between municipal and state-level criminal justice systems.