Denver Reforms Low-Level Municipal Crimes | Denver News

Denver just rewrote its municipal sentencing rules after a state court ruling forced the city to align penalties with state law — and it’s going even further by decriminalizing “crimes of poverty” like littering or un-leashed dogs. With a 9-4 vote, the City Council slashed max jail time for low-level offenses to just 10 days and $300 fines, while keeping harsher penalties for serious crimes like assault. Mayor Mike Johnston, who initially hesitated, backed the bill after compromises were made to preserve stiffer punishments for certain municipal-only offenses. A new working group will now shape future sentencing reforms — turning a legal mandate into a bold step toward a more equitable justice system for minor infractions. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c1ba763f01e2c32e