Boulder Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Boulder during a mental health crisis, Colorado law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Boulder cases are generally handled in Boulder County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Colorado law that applies in Boulder
C.R.S. § 18-1.3-101 — Pretrial diversion.
- C.R.S. § 13-5-144 (problem-solving courts)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Boulder case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Boulder arrest, the case is filed with Boulder County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Boulder County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Boulder
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Colorado breakdown, see the Colorado diversion guide.
Boulder diversion FAQs
Does Boulder have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Boulder are typically heard in Boulder County courts, where diversion is governed by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-101 (Pretrial diversion) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Boulder criminal cases heard?
Most Boulder arrests are prosecuted in the Boulder County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Boulder?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Colorado law.
Can felony charges in Boulder be diverted?
It depends on Colorado law and the specific charge. Some Colorado programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Boulder diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Boulder?
Successful completion of a Colorado diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Boulder?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Boulder County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.