Colorado § 18-8-211 - Riots in detention facilities.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-211 — Riots in detention facilities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18-8-211. Riots in detention facilities.

(1) A person confined in any detention facility within the state commits active participation in a riot when he, with two or more other persons, actively participates in violent conduct that creates grave danger of, or does cause, damage to property or injury to persons and substantially obstructs the performance of institutional functions, or commands, induces, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade others to engage in such conduct.

(2) Active participation in a riot by any person while confined in any detention facility within the state:

(a) Is a class 3 felony if the participant employs in the course of such participation a deadly weapon, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(e), destructive device, as defined in section 18-9-101 (1), or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon, or if the participant, in the course of such participation, represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon; or

(b) Is a class 4 felony if the participant does not employ any such weapon or device in the course of such participation.

(3) A person confined in any detention facility in this state commits a class 5 felony if, during a riot or when a riot is impending, he intentionally disobeys an order of a detention officer to move, disperse, or refrain from specified activities in the immediate vicinity of the riot or impending riot.

(4) "Detention facility", as used in this section, means any building, structure, enclosure, vehicle, institution, or place, whether permanent or temporary, fixed or mobile, where persons are or may be lawfully held in custody or confinement under the authority of the state of Colorado or any political subdivision of the state of Colorado.

Source: L. 76, Ex. Sess.: Entire section added, p. 14, § 1, effective September 18. L. 77: (4) amended, p. 949, § 12, effective July 13. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 701, § 3, effective July 1; (1) amended, p. 725, § 2, effective October 1. L. 86: (1), IP(2), (2)(b), and (3) amended and (4) R&RE, p. 771, §§ 10, 11, effective July 1. L. 2000: (2)(a) amended, p. 696, § 9, effective July 1. L. 2023: (2)(b) amended, (HB 23-1293), ch. 298, p. 1788, § 28, effective October 1.

ANNOTATION

Engaging in a riot, § 18-9-104, is not a lesser included offense of riots in detention facilities. Each offense contains a different element. The riots in detention facilities offense requires the offender to be confined in a detention center and the engaging in a riot offense requires causing a public disturbance. People v. Lacallo, 2014 COA 78, 338 P.3d 442.

Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-211

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-211 cover?

Section 18-8-211 ("Riots in detention facilities.") 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 § 18-8-211?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-211" (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 § 18-8-211 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.