We are often asked by clients who are facing sentencing in Weld, Morgan and Logan County: “How much time will I serve – how long will I actually be in jail in Weld County?” There are several factors that go into answering this question. The quick answer, however, is that the maximum amount of time that can be taken off a county sentence is 14 days for every 30 days in accordance with Colorado statutes. Each sheriff’s department (click here to visit the Weld County Sheriff Department website) applies the credits for reduction at their own discretion through programs that are specific to each county. Here is a list of possible reductions you can expect:
Good Time – C.R.S. 17-26-109 (1)
You will be given Good Time credit if you faithfully perform duties that are assigned to you while you are in jail.
- An inmate can get up to 2 days removed from their sentence in any 30 day period
The sheriff determines which duties are assigned to you, and whether or not you are “performing faithfully.” This means that if you try to escape, or if you violate rules, you can also lose Good Time credit.
Earned Time – C.R.S. 17-26-109(2)
As well as earning Good Time credit, an inmate in the Weld, Logan, or Morgan County jail can also be given Earned Time.
- An inmate can get up to 3 days removed from their sentence in any thirty day period
Earned Time is different from Good Time credit – it is specific to educational programs specifically run by the Sheriff’s Department. If an inmate successfully completes an education program, he or she may be rewarded with Earned Time. It is important to remember that Earned Time is a privilege; it is not automatic. Also, certain inmates may not be able to participate in educational programs for Earned Time: The availability of the programs, inmate behavior while in jail, and the classification of the inmate are all factors for Earned Time.
Trustee Prisoner – Good Time – C.R.S. 17-26-115
The opportunity for getting the most time removed from your jail sentence is as a Trustee Prisoner.
- 10 days removed from your jail sentence for every thirty
If you engage in work while you are in or out of jail and the sheriff designates you as a “Trustee Prisoner,” you can remove more of your sentence. By statute, you must perform your work well. A sheriff deputy evaluates your work performance, and it is the sheriff who determines whether or not you are designated as a trustee prisoner.
Common Misunderstandings and Misconceptions regarding Jail Time
Often, inmates mistakenly believe they automatically receive all the credits that are available while they are in jail. This is very far from the truth. Weld, Morgan, and Logan County courts do not involve themselves in the day-to-day operations of the county jail. Instead, sheriffs are in charge of which programs they offer, and what it takes to receive Good Time, Earned Time and Trustee Prisoner Credits. There isn’t an appeal process for an inmate that doesn’t get along with the people running the jail.
If you or a loved one is facing time in the Weld, Morgan, or Logan County jails, keep in mind that your actual time in jail will most likely be less if you are the kind of person who is willing to not cause trouble and work hard. Your sentence may be reduced significantly from what the judge original ordered.