In re People v. Lawrence.

2026 CO 39. No. 26SA25. Statutory Interpretation—Equal Protection—Transfer of Custody When Defendant Turns 18.

June 1, 2026

Lawrence was charged as an adult for crimes committed when he was a minor. He was initially held in Division of Youth Services (DYS) custody but was transferred to a county jail when he turned 18. Lawrence filed an objection to that confinement and, following a hearing, the district court upheld the transfer but noted that it would welcome a different opinion from a higher court on this issue. Lawrence then sought relief in the supreme court pursuant to C.A.R. 21, and the court issued an order to show cause.

The court concluded that, under the plain and unambiguous language of CRS § 19-2.5-305(4)(g) of the Children’s Code, Lawrence was properly transferred from DYS custody to the county jail when he turned 18. The court further concluded that Lawrence’s right to equal protection of the laws was not violated by the transfer because, contrary to his assertions, he was not similarly situated to another defendant who was allowed to remain in DYS custody.

Accordingly, the court discharged its order to show cause and remanded this case to the district court for further proceedings.