For each class of felony and misdemeanor, Colorado law specifies a presumptive sentencing range. However, the General Assembly has adopted several special sentencing categories that provide the court with the discretion to impose a sentence that is shorter or longer than the presumptive range if certain circumstances exist. This memorandum provides an overview of the special sentencing categories in state law for felony and misdemeanor offenses, and also explains Colorado's habitual offender and special offender sentencing laws.
This memorandum addresses abuse of corpse laws in the 50 states. While the vast majority of states have enacted abuse of corpse or other related laws, they differ in definition and crime classification. For example, some states outline penalties for mutilating or defacing a corpse, while others more broadly define it as "outraging family sensibilities." Over half of the states (29) have classified this crime as a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
This issue brief provides an overview of minors' rights to deny others access to medical records under the Health Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Colorado state law. It also discusses state law pertaining to the ability of minors to consent to medical care.
