People v. Williams

Pursuant to section 16-12-102, C.R.S. 1973 (now in 1978 Repl. Vol. 8), and C.A.R. 4(b), the People appeal a ruling of the Boulder County District Court that the offense of “holding hostages,” as defined in section 18-8-207, C.R.S. 1973 (now in 1978 Repl. Vol. 8), is a specific rather than a general intent crime. We disapprove the ruling of the district court.

The criminal proceeding on which this appeal is based arose from the following events. On the evening of November 7, 1977, defendant-appellee Richard Williams (defendant) was arrested on charges of criminal mischief 1 and confined in the…