Colorado § 18-8-803 - Use of excessive force.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-803 — Use of excessive force., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-8-803. Use of excessive force.
(1) Subject to the provisions of section 18-1-707, a peace officer who uses excessive force in pursuance of such officer's law enforcement duties shall be subject to the criminal laws of this state to the same degree as any other citizen, including the provisions of part 1 of article 3 of this title concerning homicide and related offenses and the provisions of part 2 of said article 3 concerning assaults.
(2) As used in this section, "excessive force" means physical force which exceeds the degree of physical force permitted pursuant to section 18-1-707. The use of excessive force shall be presumed when a peace officer continues to apply physical force in excess of the force permitted by section 18-1-707 to a person who has been rendered incapable of resisting arrest.
Source: L. 91: Entire part added, p. 397, § 1, effective June 5.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "Constitutional Issues in the Criminal Prosecution of Law Enforcement Officers", see 33 Colo. Law. 55 (Mar. 2004).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-803
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-803 cover?
Section 18-8-803 ("Use of excessive force.") 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 § 18-8-803?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-803" (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 § 18-8-803 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.