Colorado Law on Fugitive from Justice | Greeley Extradition Attorney
In Greeley, Colorado, when someone is wanted for a crime in another state, and they flee to Colorado, it is called Fugitive from Justice. It can be very easy for a defendant to be accused of this crime if they travel often, or if they are unaware of their court date, summons, or even an accusation. However, anytime a wanted person avoids police or the courts by leaving the state, law enforcement considers it to be fleeing from justice, and they will attempt to extradite the wanted person back to the home state. This extradition process is decided in advance by states who have previously agreed on procedures which each of them will use.
What Does It Mean to be Fugitives from Justice, C.R.S. 16-19-103, in Weld County?
In Weld County, a person will be considered a Fugitive from Justice, C.R.S. 16-19-103, when they are:
The responsibility then falls onto the Colorado Governor to:
To clarify, if you commit Felony Child Abuse in another state, like Texas or Kansas, and then avoid your legal responsibilities there by coming to Colorado, the police could pick you up and extradite you back. If police run your plates, or pick you up for an additional crime, they will run your name through their database. Once they come across your felony charge, Colorado police will reach out to that other state and offer you up.
What is Extradition in Greeley, Colorado Courts?
Extradition is the process of sending someone back to their home state to face legal proceedings. In most situations, Colorado will not extradite someone for a misdemeanor. It is simply too costly to use extradition methods in small cases. A felony case usually qualifies, but sometimes foreign states won’t want to spend the money on extradition for a crime where the victim is not on-board, or the seriousness of the felony is lacking.
What is "Fleeing" from Justice in Longmont and Windsor?
To have "fled from justice" in Longmont and Windsor means a variety of things. If a person has left the state where they:
- failed to appear in court
- did not answer a lawful summons / subpoena
- ran from police
- left the state to avoid prosecution
- left the state, where doing so violated their probation, parole, or bond.
When this occurs, Colorado will consider that person a Fugitive from Justice. Basically, if you've been accused or convicted of a felony crime in another state, and you do anything that could be considered to be avoiding that state’s legal system and its repercussions, Colorado law enforcement could arrest you under this legal statute. They will accept a request by another state to have you sent back to the state where the crime occurred.
How Does Extradition Work in Northern Colorado for Fugitives from Justice?
In Northern Colorado, when Greeley police come across a Fugitive from Justice, they agree to extradite them back to the state where the crime was committed. It will likely break down as follows.
- Local police will pick you up (either because they ran your plates for a traffic stop, or they ran your name for whatever reason).
- They will then put you in front of a judge. The judge will decide how long the other state has to come pick you up.
- You will be held in the Weld County Jail until that state sends someone to pick you up. Usually, they will come by the end of the holding period.
- They will take you back to the state where the crime occurred and carry out their criminal process there.
Sometimes, the state will not come for the person picked up. In that case, you are free to go. However, if your name gets run again, you will be arrested once more and go through the process again. It is strongly recommended that even if the state doesn't pick you up, you still return to said state and take care of your business.
How Our Defense Lawyers Can Help Fugitives From Justice in Logan County and Boulder County
If you're a Fugitive From Justice being extradited to a different state, consider this advice:
While there isn't much a Colorado defense lawyer can do to prevent your eventual removal to the requesting state, we CAN assist you in shortening your holding period in the Logan County or Boulder County Jail. In some cases, we’ve arranged for you to post a bond in Colorado for the benefit of the requesting state. Then, you can travel on your own back to that state. This means you avoid the long and uncomfortable trip back in an overcrowded jail van and county jails. States generally charge restitution for having to pick you up. If you are able to get there yourself, you will also save money.
If you're a Fugitive From Justice being extradited to Colorado...
We are here to help you with your Weld, Logan County or Boulder County case! Our defense lawyers are focused only in Criminal Defense Law, which means all their time is not stretched between side practices in divorce law or civil law. They are focused on your criminal case and how to get you the best outcome. The attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office have experience working with different kinds of criminal defense cases, so call our office today to see what we can do for you!