Community service is a standard sentencing term in many Denver, Colorado criminal cases, including DUI.1 Typically the court orders you to complete a certain number of hours of useful public service by a certain date as a term of probation.
How many hours do I have to do?
It varies by case.
For example, underage drinking and driving (UDD) carries up to 24 hours of community service.2
Meanwhile, driving after revocation prohibited (DARP) – which is when habitual traffic offenders drive after their license is revoked – carries 40-to-300 hours of community service.3
How do I prove that I completed my hours?
Make sure to log all of your hours and have your volunteer services supervisor at the organization sign off on the time sheet. This will serve as proof to the court that you completed all the required hours.
Where can I complete my community service?
The following are nonprofit organizations in the Denver Metro Area that offer volunteer opportunities where you can fulfill your court-ordered community service requirements.
However, double-check with the court beforehand that it will recognize the particular organization’s community service opportunities.
| The American Red Cross of the Mile High Area | 444 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203 (303) 722-7474 |
| Arc Thrift Stores | (303) 231-9222 |
| Colorado Talking Book Library | 180 Sheridan Blvd Denver, CO, 80226 (303) 727-9277 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | 10700 E 45th Ave Denver, CO 80239 (303) 371-9250 |
| Goodwill of Colorado | (719) 635-4483 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver | (303) 534-2929 |
| Project Angel Heart | 4950 Washington St Denver, CO 80216 (303) 830-0202 |
| Second Chances Denver | (303) 721-7677 [email protected] |
| Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado | (303) 715-1010 [email protected] |
| We Don’t Waste | (631) 678-8974 |
Through outreach and advocacy, these community service providers serve a wide array of marginalized and low-income local community members, including
- people experiencing homelessness,
- people with disabilities, and
- people with mental health problems and in need of health care services.
Note that you typically need to submit to a background check before you can start work.
Can I do community service virtually?
Some organizations may offer virtual opportunities for community service. However, the court may insist you appear in person unless you can show you are immunocompromised.
Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
Some organizations may require proof of vaccination, including boosters. Call ahead of time to ask.
What if I need more time to complete my hours?
If you need more time, tell your attorney right away. Then your attorney may be able to ask the judge before the next court date for an extension.
Judges may offer extensions if you have a good excuse, such as:
- you were ill;
- you were injured;
- you are taking care of a sick or injured family member; or
- you have a new job.
What happens if I do not complete my hours?
Completing community service hours is typically a condition of probation. So if you do not complete your hours by the deadline, the judge has the discretion to send you to jail.
However, judges may agree to give you a second chance and grant you an extension if you can show that
- you have been going to community service regularly, and
- you have a good excuse for not finishing your hours on time.
Most community service opportunities require manual labor.
Call our criminal defense and domestic violence law firm for legal advice. We offer consultations throughout Colorado, including Denver, Littleton, Fort Collins, and more.
See our related article, “What is the community service requirement in connection with a Colorado DUI?”
Legal References
- CRS 42-4-1301. See also, for example, People v. Davis (1989) 768 P.2d 1227
- Same.
- CRS 42-2-206.
