Aurora moves to eliminate mandatory jail sentences for retail theft after Colorado Supreme Court ruling

Aurora is revising parts of its municipal code for retail theft after a Colorado Supreme Court ruling affecting how cities can punish conduct already covered by state law. On Monday, the Aurora City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to remove retail-theft mandatory minimum jail sentences and other changes. The city’s existing code required at least 72 hours in jail for retail theft over $100, with longer mandatory terms for repeat offenders. City Attorney Pete Schulte said prosecutors had already stopped seeking the mandatory minimums after the Supreme Court decision and council direction, noting jail logistics had also become impractical. Retail theft itself remains in the city code, but mandatory minimums—including the three-day minimum for theft between $100 and $299.99—are slated for removal.