Colorado criminal cases are dismissed at a higher rate when prosecutors face heavier workloads

When prosecutors’ caseloads increase, so do dismissal rates.

By: Rebecca Dunlea, UMass Lowell, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 17, 2026

Words: 1,232

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Rebecca Dunlea, UMass Lowell

Nearly 1 in 5 felony cases filed in Denver and resolved in 2025 was dismissed with no strings attached.

For misdemeanor cases, the rate was 1 in 4.

A criminal case might be dismissed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, evidence falls apart. Law enforcement, prosecutor or lab errors can similarly derail a case. Or perhaps prosecutors decide that pursuing it no longer serves the interests of justice. These …

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