Casper & Rodarte Colorado Law Blog
09/07/09 05:16 PM
As part of our commitment to help inform the citizens of Colorado about new laws and ordinances which affect their lives, we will post regular announcements about such developments here, on our Casper & Rodarte Colorado Law Blog.
DENVER’S CURFEW LAW
Denver Revised Municipal Code D.R.M.C. 34-61 states, in part, that:
“It is unlawful for a minor to be in any public place or on the premises of any establishment during curfew hours... It shall be unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control, allow the minor to be in or remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment during curfew hours...”
In Denver, the curfew hours for all children under the age of 18 are from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from midnight to 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
It’s important to know that a child can receive a curfew ticket even if he/she is out past curfew hours with the parent’s permission. Police can issue tickets to both children and their parents. Per the Code, the following keep underage children from being picked up or ticketed for curfew violation:
Generally, the child and parent will have to appear in court after being ticketed for a curfew violation. You can expect to pay court costs, possibly a fine or be granted Diversion whereby the ticket could be dismissed after attending an educational class.
The curfew law has been in effect since before 1950. Recently, the ordinance has been amended, wherein Denver has taken a stronger role in enforcing the law. If you have concerns about youth on the streets after curfew hours, call the police. It is important to be vigilant and report any problems.
JUVENILES
House Bill 09-1044 Juvenile offenders - direct file - expungement of records allows a juvenile who is charged as an adult by the direct filing of charges in district court, but sentenced as a juvenile in the same matter, to be eligible to petition the court for the expungement of his or her record.
APPROVED by Governor March 18, 2009 EFFECTIVE September 1, 2009
MOTOR VEHICLE
Senate Bill 09-148 Bicycles - operation on roadways - interaction with other vehicles - passing - safety margins - use of turn lanes - riding two abreast - harassment of bicyclists - penalties.
Clarifies rules governing bicyclists riding 2 abreast, staying to the right-hand side of the roadway when possible, and using right-turn lanes. Specifies that a driver must allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist, and creates a limited exception to the prohibition on driving left-of-center to allow drivers to give bicyclists extra room.
Punishes crowding or threatening a bicyclist with a motor vehicle as careless driving.
Provides enhanced penalties for throwing any object or substance at a bicyclist.
APPROVED by Governor May 11, 2009 EFFECTIVE August 5, 2009
DENVER’S CURFEW LAW
Denver Revised Municipal Code D.R.M.C. 34-61 states, in part, that:
In Denver, the curfew hours for all children under the age of 18 are from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from midnight to 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
It’s important to know that a child can receive a curfew ticket even if he/she is out past curfew hours with the parent’s permission. Police can issue tickets to both children and their parents. Per the Code, the following keep underage children from being picked up or ticketed for curfew violation:
- When the child is obviously accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
- If the child is in a motor vehicle currently used for interstate travel.
- If the child is engaged in employment activity or going to or returning from an employment activity without any detours or stops.
Generally, the child and parent will have to appear in court after being ticketed for a curfew violation. You can expect to pay court costs, possibly a fine or be granted Diversion whereby the ticket could be dismissed after attending an educational class.
The curfew law has been in effect since before 1950. Recently, the ordinance has been amended, wherein Denver has taken a stronger role in enforcing the law. If you have concerns about youth on the streets after curfew hours, call the police. It is important to be vigilant and report any problems.
JUVENILES
APPROVED by Governor March 18, 2009 EFFECTIVE September 1, 2009
MOTOR VEHICLE
Clarifies rules governing bicyclists riding 2 abreast, staying to the right-hand side of the roadway when possible, and using right-turn lanes. Specifies that a driver must allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist, and creates a limited exception to the prohibition on driving left-of-center to allow drivers to give bicyclists extra room.
Punishes crowding or threatening a bicyclist with a motor vehicle as careless driving.
Provides enhanced penalties for throwing any object or substance at a bicyclist.
APPROVED by Governor May 11, 2009 EFFECTIVE August 5, 2009