Colorado § 18-8-115 - Duty to report a crime - liability for disclosure.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-115 — Duty to report a crime - liability for disclosure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-8-115. Duty to report a crime - liability for disclosure.
It is the duty of every corporation or person who has reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed to report promptly the suspected crime to law enforcement authorities. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, a corporation or person may disclose information concerning a suspected crime to other persons or corporations for the purpose of giving notice of the possibility that other such criminal conduct may be attempted which may affect the persons or corporations notified. When acting in good faith, such corporation or person shall be immune from any civil liability for such reporting or disclosure. This duty shall exist notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary; except that this section shall not require disclosure of any communication privileged by law.
Source: L. 79: Entire section added, p. 729, § 9, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 976, § 15, effective July 1.
ANNOTATION
The tenth circuit held no general duty exists under this section to stop or report a crime being committed, in context of defending a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud against the government. U.S. v. Zimmermann, 943 F.2d 1204 (10th Cir. 1991).
This section does not require the degree of certainty on the part of a citizen reporting the commission of a crime as does the probable cause standard that police officers are held to in making warrantless arrests. Lunsford v. W. States Life Ins., 919 P.2d 899 (Colo. App. 1996).
Applied in Edwards v. New Century Hospice, Inc., 2023 CO 49, 535 P.3d 969.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-115
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-115 cover?
Section 18-8-115 ("Duty to report a crime - liability for disclosure.") 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 § 18-8-115?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-115" (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 § 18-8-115 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.