Colorado § 16-12-203 - Definitions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-12-203 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-12-203. Definitions.
As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Direct appeal" means the appeal to the Colorado supreme court of any issues raised at the entry of a guilty plea, before trial, at trial, at the penalty phase hearing, or in a motion for new trial.
(2) "Direct appeal counsel" means the attorney retained by the defendant, or appointed by the trial court to represent an indigent defendant, as the successor to trial counsel for purposes of representing the defendant in direct appeal proceedings.
(3) "New postconviction counsel" means the attorney retained by the defendant, or appointed by the trial court to represent an indigent defendant, for the purposes of representing the defendant in postconviction review and postconviction review appeal proceedings. New postconviction counsel cannot have previously represented the defendant with regard to the class 1 felony charge.
(4) "Postconviction review" means review as provided in this part 2 by the trial court that occurs after conviction in a class 1 felony case in which the death penalty is imposed as punishment.
(5) "Postconviction review appeal" means the appeal to the Colorado supreme court of any issues raised in postconviction review proceedings.
(6) "Trial counsel" means the attorney who represents the defendant with regard to the class 1 felony charge: For the purposes of any guilty plea; before trial; at trial; at the penalty phase hearing; for the purposes of a motion for new trial; for the purposes of postconviction review if the defendant chooses to continue with trial counsel for purposes of postconviction review; and for the purposes of direct appeal if the defendant chooses to continue with trial counsel for purposes of direct appeal. "Trial counsel" does not include new postconviction counsel appointed pursuant to section 16-12-205 or direct appeal counsel.
Source: L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1574, § 1, effective June 4.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 16-12-203
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-12-203 cover?
Section 16-12-203 ("Definitions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 16-12-203?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-12-203" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 16-12-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.