Executive Summary
- A new Colorado bill seeks to eliminate probation as a sentencing option for those convicted of trafficking minors.
- The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reports that 64% of human trafficking survivors in the state are under age 18.
- The proposed legislation has sparked debate and division among district attorneys and survivors regarding its implementation.
A legislative proposal currently under consideration in Colorado aims to eliminate probation eligibility for individuals convicted of human trafficking minors, a move that has generated significant discussion among law enforcement officials and advocacy groups. The bill seeks to amend existing state statutes which currently allow judges the discretion to grant probation to certain offenders, a practice that proponents of the legislation argue fails to reflect the severity of crimes against children.
Data provided by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) underscores the urgency of the issue, revealing that 64 percent of human trafficking survivors in the state are under the age of 18. Under current Colorado law, despite these statistics, perpetrators convicted of trafficking these minors can potentially avoid prison time through probation sentences. The proposed measure would remove this option, mandating incarceration for those found guilty.
While the objective of tightening sentencing guidelines appears straightforward, the bill has reportedly created a division among district attorneys and human trafficking survivors. The specific nuances of this disagreement suggest complex differing perspectives on how best to navigate the judicial process, secure convictions, and support the long-term recovery of victims within the legal system.
Legislative Ramifications
The debate over this bill highlights a broader tension in criminal justice reform regarding the balance between mandatory sentencing and judicial discretion. By seeking to strip the option of probation, the legislature is signaling a move toward zero-tolerance policies for crimes involving the exploitation of minors. However, the reported division among stakeholders suggests that practical application—such as the ability to leverage plea deals or the potential for unintended consequences in victim testimony—remains a critical point of contention. As the bill progresses, lawmakers will need to reconcile the statistical reality presented by the CBI with the operational concerns raised by those working directly within the court system.
