Colorado legal term
Written instrument in Colorado Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Colorado legislative session
In Colorado criminal law, “Written instrument” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Colorado criminal code.
What does “Written instrument” mean in Colorado criminal law?
"Written instrument" means a paper, document, or other instrument containing written or printed matter or the equivalent thereof, used for purposes of reciting, embodying, conveying, or recording information, and any money, token, stamp, seal, badge, or trademark or any evidence or symbol of value, right, privilege, or identification, that is capable of being used to the advantage or disadvantage of another. (C.R.S. § 18-5-901)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal impersonation
- Identity theft
- Introducing contraband in the second degree
- Issuing a false financial statement
- Offering a false instrument for recording
- Defacing or destruction of written instruments
- Forgery
- Obtaining signature by deception
- Second degree forgery
- Use of forged academic record
- Use, transportation, and storage of drip gasoline
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.