An alert was issued for an 18-year-old inmate who did not return from his unsupervised work release in Douglas County. While he is not considered a threat to the public, police still want help from the public to ensure his return to custody. He was scheduled to come back to the detention facility at 12:30 a.m., but never went back to the Douglas County Jail. Work release is an alternative sentence some people receive instead of a straight jail sentence. Larimer County has many Alternative Sentencing options available to certain defendants who meet the criteria.
Work Release in Fort Collins
Sometimes, a skilled criminal defense attorney can work out a deal with the district attorney and the judge for the accused to be sentenced to the Larimer County work release program. This allows the defendant to have a little more freedom than a sentence to the Larimer County Jail. As a 24-hour facility, the Larimer County Work Release allows a person to leave the facility for work. This is a great option for people facing jail time, but wanting to keep their current jobs. Even those without jobs can participate in the Work Release program and are allowed time outside the facility to search for a job. There are a few convictions that would preclude a person from this program:
- Homicide
- Felony Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Arson
- Multiple Misdemeanor Assaults
- Escape
- Any conviction in which a weapon was used or threatened to be used
The Alternative Sentencing Department has final say on who will and will not be admitted into the program. Anyone deemed ineligible will have to serve a straight jail sentence in the Larimer County Jail. Read more about the Work Release Program.
Workender and Midweek Work Programs in Larimer County
A combination of community service and work release, the Workender and Midweek Work Programs, allows a person to live in their home and report to the Larimer County Alternative Sentencing Department for two full days and one overnight to do community service. The Workender Program requires a person to report Saturday morning and work through Sunday evening. To participate in the Midweek Work Program, a person must report Tuesday morning and work through Wednesday evening. The two options make it easier to work around a person’s job schedule. If a person has been convicted of any of the following felony convictions in the past 5 years, they will be ineligible for either of these work programs:
- Used, Possessed, or Threatened the Use of a Deadly Weapon
- Felony Menacing
- Murder
- Second Degree Assault
- Aggravated Robbery
- First Degree Arson or Burglary
- Felony Sexual Assault
Any person sentenced to participate in the Workender or Midweek Work Program will have their criminal history reviewed by the Larimer County Jail to determine their eligibility.
Other counties, like Boulder, Grand, and Jackson County, also offer different Alternative Sentencing options. Knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers know and understand the different programs available and the requirements involved to help you get a sentence that does not completely disrupt your life or could you to lose your housing.