Colorado § 18-8-108 - Compounding.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-108 — Compounding., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-8-108. Compounding.
(1) A person commits compounding if he accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit as consideration for:
(a) Refraining from seeking prosecution of an offender; or
(b) Refraining from reporting to law enforcement authorities the commission or suspected commission of any crime or information relating to a crime.
(2) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the benefit received by the defendant did not exceed an amount which the defendant reasonably believed to be due as restitution or indemnification for harm caused by the crime.
(3) Compounding is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 456, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 40-8-108. L. 2021: (3) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3195, § 276, effective March 1, 2022.
Cross references: For affirmative defenses generally, see §§ 18-1-407, 18-1-710, and 18-1-805.
ANNOTATION
Annotator's note. Since § 18-8-108 is similar to former G.S. § 810, relevant cases construing that provision have been included in the annotations to this section.
A promise to compound any criminal offense is itself a crime and affords no valid consideration for a contract. Lomax v. Colo. Nat'l Bank, 46 Colo. 229, 104 P. 85 (1909).
Thief or third person may recompense owner for loss resulting from theft. A thief is under a legal, as well as a moral, duty to repay the person whose property he has stolen, and it is not in itself an illegal contract for him to give his own obligation therefor, or for a third party to agree to recompense the owner for the loss. Giles v. De Cow, 30 Colo. 412, 70 P. 681 (1902); Lomax v. Colo. Nat'l Bank, 46 Colo. 229, 104 P. 85 (1909).
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-108
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-108 cover?
Section 18-8-108 ("Compounding.") 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 § 18-8-108?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-108" (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 § 18-8-108 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.