Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition

Programs: JUVENILE DEFENDER CENTER The Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition seeks to ensure the guarantee of the 6th Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel for all children accused of behavior that would be a crime if committed by an adult. CJDC provides high quality continuing legal education seminars and provides expansive information and resources for juvenile defense attorneys. CJDC supports the mission and work of the National Juvenile Defender Center, which is currently conducting an assessment of Colorado’s juvenile indigent defense delivery system. JUVENILE POLICY CENTER CJDC engages in legislative reform efforts thought non-partisan advocacy, community organizing, and coalition building to ensure justice and fairness for all children and youth. The Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition is a member of the National Juvenile Justice Network, a consortium of advocacy organizations around the country engaged in juvenile justice policy. CJDC proudly released the RE-DIRECTING JUSTICE a detailed report that addresses the Consequences of Prosecuting Youth as Adults and the Need to Restore Judicial Oversight. CJDC’s current policy focus is on direct file, the Colorado law that used to give prosecutors the power to decide which children are prosecuted in adult criminal court and or juvenile delinquency court. THIS LAW CHANGED IN 2012 WITH THE ENACTMENT OF HOUSE BILL 1271. The law now limits direct file eligibility to youth who are 16 years of age or older who are accused of the most serious and repeat offenses. Youth who are direct filed can request a reverse transfer hearing and ask a judge to review whether their case should remain in adult court or transfer back to juvenile court. JUVENILE RESOURCE CENTER The Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition serves as a clearinghouse of information for youth, families, media, policy makers, and the general public regarding juvenile defense and juvenile justice issues.