Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18. Criminal Code § 18-1.3-104.5. Alternatives in imposition of sentence in drug felony cases--exhaustion of remedies

(2)(a) Prior to the imposition of any sentence to the department of corrections for a level 4 drug felony offense at sentencing or at resentencing after a revocation of probation or community corrections sentence, the court shall exhaust all reasonable and appropriate alternative sentences for the offense considering all factors outlined in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2).

(b) If the court sentences the defendant to the department of corrections for a level 4 drug felony offense, it must determine that incarceration is the most suitable option given the facts and circumstances of the case, including the defendant's willingness to participate in treatment. Further, the court must also determine that all other reasonable and appropriate sanctions and responses to the violation that are available to the court have been tried and failed, do not appear likely to be successful if tried, or present an unacceptable risk to public safety.

(c) In making the determination in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2), the court shall review, to the extent available, the information provided by the supervising agency, which includes, but is not limited to, a complete statement as to what treatment and sentencing options have been tried and have failed, what other community options are available and the reasons why any other available community options appear to be unlikely to be successful. The supervising agency shall provide to the court the risk level of the offender as determined by an evidence-based risk assessment tool employed by the supervising agency and any other information relevant to the defendant's risk to public safety.