Legal aid for juveniles topic of possible bills

Colorado lawmakers studying the lack of legal representation for juvenile offenders are beginning to discuss potential legislation to address the issue.

State and national experts have told a committee of lawmakers, defense attorneys and judges that about half of indigent juvenile offenders don’t get legal representation before their cases are resolved.

Youth advocates say that has long-term impacts on juvenile offenders who are stuck with criminal records.

The committee plans to begin discussions Friday on possible bills lawmakers can introduce in the next legislative session, which begins in January.