The Denver Sheriff’s Department is embarrassed that one of its own helped an inmate with an extensive criminal history escape the new Denver County Jail. That jail had previously had the fine distinction of no escapes. The Deputy who aided the escape provided the inmate with a deputy’s coat and gave him a ride away from the jail. Escape in Colorado, C.R.S. 18-8-208, can be a class 2, 3 or 4 felony for the person escaping. If someone assists in an escape, they are likely to be charged with Accessory to a Crime, C.R.S. 18-8-105, or Conspiracy to a Crime, C.R.S. 18-2-201. You might want to read our web site pages on Accessory to a Crime and Conspiracy to a Crime, to understand the differences.
The inmate was being held on a charge of Aggravated Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-302, which generally involves the use of a deadly weapon. In an Aggravated Robbery case, prison is almost a certainty if a conviction occurs, due to the involvement of a firearm or knife. Also, the general rule is that if a person has several prior convictions, judges are reluctant to grant probation since the offender has shown that probation did not produce a change in behavior. Prison sentences for Aggravated Robbery could range from 2-32 years, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Additionally, on an Escape conviction, the inmate will receive prison time for that crime as well.
There must have been a lot of money on the line for the deputy to risk his career, or the deputy and his family may have been threatened. You have to admit that it is a small price to pay to lose your job if the safety of your family is threatened. I can’t imagine a judge putting the deputy in prison for his crime if the deputy alleges his family was threatened by acquaintances of the inmate he helped escape. While the deputy will likely never be rehired, he might even avoid prosecution by the Denver District Attorney if he alleges a threat to his family. Of course, if the DA can prove money changed hands for the escape assistance, the deputy is likely facing prison time.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 in the event you are charged with a crime like Escape or Robbery. If contacted by police, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.