Alternative Sentence Descriptions

A non-residential jail alternative for eligible participants, allowing them to remain at home while reporting daily to a Day Reporting Center (DRC). Participants must meet all DRC selection criteria. Available centers include the Longmont and Boulder Community Transition Centers.

The program provides monitoring, treatment, employment support, and daily check-ins. Participants are required to submit daily and weekly schedules and pay weekly fees. They must also complete daily breathalyzer tests and random urinalysis. This program ensures close supervision, case management, and treatment while helping participants maintain employment.

To be eligible for the Day Reporting Center (DRC) program, individuals must be suitable for the programming offered and willing to fully participate and follow all rules. A permanent residence within Boulder County is required, along with a landline telephone installed prior to the start of the sentence – cell phones are not permitted. Participants must have a minimum sentence of 20 days or at least 20 days remaining on their sentence.

Program fees are $8 per day, or $4 per day for those sentenced through the Adult Integrated Treatment Court (AITC). Individuals transferring from Work Release must have served at least 70% of a 181-day sentence and meet eligibility requirements for Day Reporting.

All Work Release fees must be paid in full before the transfer.

Referrals to the Day Reporting Program primarily come from the courts of the Twentieth Judicial District. Inmates may also be transferred from Work Release if approved by the court or after successfully completing Phase I of the DUI Integrated Treatment Court (DITC) program.

A standardized letter is sent to the sentencing judge indicating that the inmate meets the criteria for Day Reporting placement, unless the judge denies the request. If the judge does not respond within ten days, the inmate will be transferred from Work Release to the Day Reporting Program. If the court denies the transfer, the Day Reporting Supervisor will notify the inmate, and no further action will be taken.

The Day Reporting Supervisor also determines eligibility for individuals who are unemployed or who reside outside of Boulder County.

Inmates may be eligible for the Day Reporting program after successfully completing 84 days of their sentence on Work Release as part of the DUI Integrated Treatment Court (DITC) program.

The Work Crew Program allows inmates to serve their sentence on their days off. Participants perform tasks assigned by jail personnel at various county locations. They report at 6:30 a.m. and are released by 4 p.m. each day, without overnight housing.

The Work Crew Program is designed for clients with sentences of 20 days or less. While the majority of participants have misdemeanor charges, the court may also sentence individuals with other charges to the program at its discretion. Clients must be physically capable of performing manual labor in all weather conditions. Participation in the program is ultimately determined by the court.

Referrals to the Work Crew Program will primarily come from the courts of the Twentieth Judicial District. The sentencing court will send an order to the Jail, specifying the start date of the sentence, the number of days to be served, and the dates on which the sentence is to be completed.

There is a daily fee of $10, along with a one-time $5 insurance fee for participation in the Work Crew Program. Inmates must complete pre-booking at the Jail’s Alternative Sentencing office before their scheduled start date.

All changes to assigned workdays must be approved in advance by the Program Coordinator. If a workday is missed due to illness, a doctor’s note must be submitted to Work Crew staff on the next scheduled workday. Any other absences are considered unexcused and will be reported to the sentencing court.

The Boulder County Jail may accept out-of-county offenders into the Work Crew Program with prior approval from the Alternative Sentencing Sergeant or Commander. Call (303) 441-4666 prior to sentencing for approval and detailed instructions.

Work Release is a program that allows inmates to maintain employment while serving their jail sentence. Participants pay a weekly fee to live at a community treatment center. They are required to return to the facility after work and remain there unless given permission by staff to attend approved programs or activities.

To be eligible for the Work Release Program, individuals must be sentenced to a minimum of 30 days and have no history of psychotic disorders. They must hold a verifiable and acceptable job, working between 30 to 50 hours per week and no more than six days per week.

Employment with another current jail resident or a family member is not permitted. Participants must be able to pay the program fee of $20 per day and arrange their own transportation to and from work. They must also agree to follow all rules and regulations of the program.

The use of marijuana (including medical), alcohol, or non-prescribed medications is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Referrals to the Work Release Program will come from the Twentieth Judicial District courts.

Work Release will not accept any persons sentenced outside Boulder County.

Home Detention is a court-imposed or court-approved sentence requiring offenders to remain confined to their home or another approved residence. They may leave only for approved activities such as work, court-ordered treatment, drug and alcohol testing, medical appointments, or education. Participants must follow a strict schedule and are subject to random in-home drug and alcohol testing. Electronic monitoring bracelets are used to track compliance and detect any unauthorized activity. Supervision is provided by jail deputies.

Home Detention is available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and reside in Boulder County. Those with criminal convictions for murder, first or second-degree assault, robbery, first degree arson, first degree burglary, criminal extortion, or flight from prosecution for any of these offenses are not eligible. Additionally, individuals convicted of first- or second-degree sexual assault or any sexual offenses against children, including trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), exploitation, incest, pandering, pimping or procurement, solicitation, or assault, are not eligible for the program.

Basic Home Detention Units – Cost is $13 per day or sliding scale for financial hardships.

Referrals to the Home Detention Program will come from the Twentieth Judicial District courts. If you reside outside of Boulder County, the Boulder County Jail will refer you to a private vendor for the program.