We are often asked by our clients who are considering a sentence in the Larimer County Jail: “How much time will I spend in jail?” There are a few ways in which an inmate can shorten the sentence in Larimer County, but according to Colorado statute, the maximum amount of time that can be removed from a jail sentence is 14 days for every 30 days. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Department applies credits through their own specific programs and at their own discretion.
Earned Time – C.R.S. 17-26-109(1)
An inmate in the Larimer County jail may be given Earned Time, which allows you to have up to 3 days removed from your sentence in any 30 day period. Earned Time is different from Good Time in that Earned Time is gained by completing educational programs that are specific to the Larimer County jail. Earned Time is not automatically given – it is a privilege. Also, you may not always be able to get Earned Time: The availability of programs, what crime you committed (inmate classification) and your behavior while in jail is considered in Earned Time opportunities at the Larimer County jail (learn more about the specific programs at the Larimer County jail that are available to earn credit).
Trustee Prisoner – Good Time – C.R.S. 17-26-115
While in the Larimer County jail, you may be able to have 10 days for every 30 days deducted from your jail sentence by engaging in work (in or out of the jail) and by being designated as a Trustee Prisoner. A sheriff’s deputy evaluates whether or not you are working well, and the sheriff determines whether or not you are a Trustee inmate. You must perform your work in a creditable manner and stay out of trouble in order to be granted these credits.
Good Time – C.R.S. 17-26-109(1)
You will be given the opportunity to earn Good Time credits when you faithfully perform duties that are assigned to you by the sheriff while you are in jail. You can have up to 2 days removed from your sentence in any 30 day period. The sheriff will decide whether or not you are performing your work well, and you can also lose Good Time by violating rules or by trying to escape.
Common Misconceptions and Misunderstandings about Jail Time
Inmates often mistakenly believe they should automatically receive all available credits while they are serving their time in the Larimer County jail. This is far from the truth. Courts don’t involve themselves in the daily operations of county jails. Sheriffs are given a lot of power in how they run their jail and deciding what it takes to get Good Time, Earned Time and Trustee Prisoner credits. There isn’t an appeal process if you don’t agree with the Larimer County Sheriff.
If you are going to spend some time in the Larimer County jail, it is important to understand that no matter what the judge originally ordered, you have the opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of time you spend in jail. If you are willing to stay out of trouble and work hard, you could spend almost half the amount of time that you were originally sentenced.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Fort Collins, Loveland or Estes Park and are now facing jail time, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
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