Colorado criminal charge
False imprisonment in Colorado
False imprisonment is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-3-303. 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. § 18-3-303.
What is the penalty for false imprisonment in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 120 days (no statutory minimum) (False imprisonment (base offense) — Applies to false imprisonment as defined in subsection (1), unless one of the aggravating circumstances listed in subsection (2) applies.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to 750 usd (no statutory minimum) (False imprisonment (base offense) — Applies to false imprisonment as defined in subsection (1), unless one of the aggravating circumstances listed in subsection (2) applies.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).
How is false imprisonment classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| False imprisonment (base offense) | class 2 misdemeanor | Applies to false imprisonment as defined in subsection (1), unless one of the aggravating circumstances listed in subsection (2) applies. | 18-3-303(2) |
Common questions about false imprisonment in Colorado
Is false imprisonment a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
False imprisonment is a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-3-303.
False imprisonment (base offense): class 2 misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-3-303(2))
What are the penalties for false imprisonment in Colorado?
Penalties for false imprisonment in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a class 2 misdemeanor up to a class 2 misdemeanor — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers false imprisonment?
False imprisonment is governed by C.R.S. § 18-3-303 (False imprisonment).
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.