DENVER (KDVR) — A heated debate unfolded inside Denver City Hall this week as councilmembers considered a controversial proposal that would reduce maximum penalties for some municipal offenses — a plan supporters say is necessary after a Colorado Supreme Court ruling, but critics warn could weaken deterrence and send the wrong message on crime.
The proposal, known as File 26-0328, would overhaul parts of Denver’s municipal sentencing system and reclassify some low-level offenses into a lower penalty category carrying a maximum punishment of 10 days in jail and a $300 fine.
The discussion stems largely from the Colorado Supreme Court’s “Camp” decision, which found municipalities cannot punish certain offenses more harshly than the state does for comparable crimes…