Flakes v. People

We granted certiorari to consider the constitutionality of section 19-2-517 of the Colorado Revised Statutes-the direct file statute within the Children's Code. Petitioner Gary Flakes ("Flakes") asserts that the sentencing provisions of the direct file statute require an adult sentence under the cireumstances of his case and violate the constitutional doctrines of equal protection, due process, uniformity of the laws, and separation of powers.

The direct file statute authorizes a prosecutor to charge a juvenile as an adult by filing certain enumerated charges directly in district court. 1 The…