Colorado criminal charge
Engaging in a riot in Colorado
Engaging in a riot is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-9-104. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-9-104.
What is the penalty for engaging in a riot in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 6 years (Riot with deadly weapon or represented weapon — The actor employs a deadly weapon, a destructive device, or an article fashioned to appear as a deadly weapon, or represents that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon while engaging in a riot.) | presumptive | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Fine | $2,000 to $500,000 (Riot with deadly weapon or represented weapon — The actor employs a deadly weapon, a destructive device, or an article fashioned to appear as a deadly weapon, or represents that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon while engaging in a riot.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Parole / supervision | 3 years to 3 years (Riot with deadly weapon or represented weapon — The actor employs a deadly weapon, a destructive device, or an article fashioned to appear as a deadly weapon, or represents that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon while engaging in a riot.; mandatory parole) | mandatory | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Jail / prison | up to 120 days (Riot (basic offense) — The actor engages in a riot without employing or representing possession of a deadly weapon or destructive device.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Riot (basic offense) — The actor engages in a riot without employing or representing possession of a deadly weapon or destructive device.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2018-07-01.
How is engaging in a riot classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riot with deadly weapon or represented weapon | Class 4 Felony | The actor employs a deadly weapon, a destructive device, or an article fashioned to appear as a deadly weapon, or represents that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon while engaging in a riot. | 18-9-104(1) |
| Riot (basic offense) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | The actor engages in a riot without employing or representing possession of a deadly weapon or destructive device. | 18-9-104(1) |
Common questions about engaging in a riot in Colorado
Is engaging in a riot a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: engaging in a riot ranges from a Class 2 Misdemeanor to a Class 4 Felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-9-104.
Riot with deadly weapon or represented weapon: Class 4 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-9-104(1)) · Riot (basic offense): Class 2 Misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-9-104(1))
What are the penalties for engaging in a riot in Colorado?
Penalties for engaging in a riot in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a Class 2 Misdemeanor up to a Class 4 Felony — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 and C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers engaging in a riot?
Engaging in a riot is governed by C.R.S. § 18-9-104 (Engaging in a riot).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.