SB17-087 Summary

• Grants judges discretion to impose either determinate or indeterminate sentences for sex offenses, rather than mandating indeterminate sentences with life maximum.

• Requires courts to consider specific factors when deciding between determinate and indeterminate sentences, including offender's risk to reoffend, developmental maturity, and ability to live in community.

• Mandates judges articulate on the public record the basis and criteria for their sentencing choice between determinate and indeterminate sentences.

• Applies different sentencing options based on offense severity, with determinate sentence ranges varying from 10-16 years for class 4 felonies to 24-48 years for class 2 felonies.

• Effective July 1, 2017 for offenses committed on or after that date.