Colorado legal term
Charge in Colorado Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Colorado legislative session
In Colorado criminal law, “Charge” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Colorado criminal code.
What does “Charge” mean in Colorado criminal law?
"Charge" means a formal written statement presented to a court accusing a person of the commission of a crime. (C.R.S. § 16-1-104)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal attempt
- Child abuse
- Criminal impersonation
- Cruelty and aggravated cruelty to animals, service animals, and law enforcement animals
- Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon
- Abandonment of a motor vehicle
- Aggravated vehicular unlawful termination of pregnancy
- Compulsory insurance
- Driving under the influence
- Duty to report accidents
- Duty to report use of force by peace officers or law enforcement animals
- Duty upon striking highway fixtures or traffic control devices
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.