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Federal Sentencing in Denver County, Colorado

Denver · Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse

Denver is the seat of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado and handles the largest share of federal criminal cases in the state. Most federal indictments filed in Colorado — from drug trafficking to white-collar fraud — are docketed at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse on 19th Street.

Facts

  • The District of Colorado is a single federal district covering the entire state, headquartered in Denver.
  • Federal sentencing in Denver follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, but judges apply them as advisory since United States v. Booker (2005).
  • The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado is based in Denver and prosecutes every federal case in the state.
  • Denver hosts the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which reviews federal sentences appealed out of Colorado.

Figures

  • Roughly 60–70% of Colorado's federal criminal filings are handled out of the Denver courthouse.
  • Denver County's population is about 715,000 — the largest in Colorado.
  • The median federal sentence for drug trafficking in the District of Colorado runs around 60 months, close to the national median.
  • Federal drug cases account for roughly one-third of the district's criminal docket.

Common myths

  • Myth: Colorado's marijuana legalization protects me from federal prosecution.

    Reality: Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. State legalization does not bar federal charges, and Denver-based U.S. Attorneys still prosecute large-scale trafficking.

  • Myth: Federal judges in Denver must sentence within the guideline range.

    Reality: Guidelines are advisory. Judges must calculate the range but can vary above or below it based on 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors.

  • Myth: A first-time offender always gets probation in federal court.

    Reality: Many federal offenses carry mandatory minimums that eliminate probation entirely, regardless of criminal history.

Educational only

Colorado Sentencing Calculator is a marketing company and not a law firm. Nothing in this guide is legal advice. For advice on a specific case, consult a licensed federal defense attorney.

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