Vote ‘NO’ on Colorado Props 128 and 130

Krizman Law invites votes in fight against ‘criminal injustice system’

Denver, CO, Oct. 14, 2024 – Casey Krizman, trial attorney at Krizman Law, is urging Colorado voters to reject propositions 128 and 130 in the upcoming 2024 election, arguing that both measures perpetuate a flawed and ineffective “tough on crime” approach to criminal justice reform.

“Neither Proposition 128 nor 130 makes us safer,” said Krizman. “They represent outdated approaches that fail to address the root causes of crime.”

Proposition 128: Extended Sentencing Requirements

Proposition 128 would require individuals convicted of violent crimes serve at least 85% of their prison sentences. Proponents argue this will improve public safety by keeping violent offenders incarcerated longer.

Krizman challenges this rationale, noting that these offenders already serve an average of 23 years in prison. “Requiring more time than that is counterproductive,” he said. “These individuals will eventually return to our communities. We should focus on rehabilitation through education and work programs provided by the Department of Corrections, which can help reduce a prisoner’s sentence and better prepare them for reintegration.”

Proposition 130: Increased Funding for Law Enforcement

Proposition 130 would allocate $350 million to law enforcement agencies to put more officers on the streets, whether local citizens want them or not.

Krizman views this as a tiresome tactic by “tough on crime” politicians. “What we’ve learned since the enlightened protests of 2020 is that battling crime is far more complex than batons and guns.”

More effective approaches to crime are available. He points to Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program as an example. “The STAR program allows mental health professionals and trained de-escalation experts to respond to 911 calls instead of just law enforcement,” Krizman said. “Most folks who call 911 are looking for help, not an arrest. This program helps avoid unnecessary arrests and prevents more individuals from being swept into the criminal injustice system.”

Advocating for Smarter Solutions

“Rather than pretending to be tough on crime, let’s get smart on crime,” he said. “We need a multifaceted approach that tackles mental health issues, substance abuse, socioeconomic factors, and biased policing.”

He calls for:

• Early Intervention in Mental Health: “We need to help people with mental health problems before they become a danger to themselves or others,” Krizman said.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: “Provide treatment for those struggling with drugs and alcohol,” he continued. “De-stigmatize diagnoses like alcoholism and treat them as the diseases they are.”
• Socioeconomic Support: “Address the socioeconomic factors leading to crime, such as the cost of living and housing,” Krizman said. “We must find solutions for the unhoused and support vulnerable communities.”
• Combat Biased Policing: “Biased policing is pervasive,” he noted. “We need to confront and correct these injustices to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

A Call to Action

“First things first: Vote NO on Propositions 128 and 130,” Krizman said. “Let’s beat back this attempt to throw the same tired and ineffective solutions at the problem. Let’s get smart about this. Let’s get real.”

Krizman Law is a criminal defense practice based in Denver and serving the Colorado Front Range. It is known for relentless criminal defense™, ensuring clients’ rights and interests are aggressively protected. It maintains a “Superb” rating of 10 by legal directory and ratings firm Avvo and has received that agency’s Client Choice Award seven years in a row. Krizman Law was nominated as Firm of the Year in 2023 and 2024 by law firm growth company Crisp. Trial Attorney and founder Casey Krizman has worked inside the legal system as a public defender and a prosecuting attorney. His team shares his commitment to caring, zealous defense. See our recent case results and client testimonials.