Have you been charged with a Greeley Municipal Court offense? There is at least some good news, since most Municipal offenses offenses are typically considered less serous than County or District Court crimes. The bad news is that such cases can still carry a maximum penalty of $ 2450 in fines and 364 days in Weld County Jail. Plus, you don’t automatically get a jury trial. Therefore, it is a good idea to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side when charged with a municipal offense. Our lawyers have many years of experience defending Greeley Municipal Court offenses. Below, our lawyers will discuss these four things you should know about Greeley Municipal Court:
- What is the Difference Between Greeley Municipal Courts and Weld County Courts?
- Common Greeley Municipal Court Offenses
- What are Possible Penalties of a Municipal Court Conviction in Greeley, Colorado?
- In Greeley, Can You Have a Jury at a Municipal Court Trial?
1. What is the Difference Between Greeley Municipal Courts and Weld County Courts?
Charges in Greeley Municipal Court are from offenses from the municipality or city. These offenses come from the Greeley Municipal Code. In many cases, these crimes mirror Colorado state laws. These offenses only happen within the Greeley city limits. In the Weld County Court system, misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses get a jury trial automatically, whereas in Municipal Courts you must request a jury trial and pay a fee. A jury is not automatic.
2. Common Greeley Municipal Court Offenses
Some common Municipal Court charges in Greeley, people find themselves facing are:
- Animal Violations, such as a dog at large
- Damage to Public Property
- Discharging Weapons
- Disturbing the Peace
- Harassment
- Littering
- Lower-level Drug Offenses
- Public Indecency
- Shoplifting
- Traffic Offenses like speeding, running a red light or stop sign
- Theft
- Trespassing
- Zoning violations
3. What are Possible Penalties of a Municipal Court Conviction in Greeley, Colorado?
A conviction in Greeley’s Municipal Court may not seem serious, however the penalties can have serious consequences. Some possible penalties are up to a year in Weld County Jail and/ or up to a $1,000 fine. Penalties can also include treatment, education classes, probation, and community service. A Municipal Court conviction can have lasting impacts on a defendant’s job, career, and education, just like a more serious state law violation.
4. In Greeley, Can You Have a Jury at a Municipal Court Trial?
The simple answer is yes, you can request a jury trial in Greeley Municipal Courts. A defendant must request a jury trial of three or six in writing and pay a fee, otherwise a judge will preside over your trial instead of a jury. There is a time limit for requesting a jury, so be sure and ask how much time you hae at your first hearing. An experienced Municipal Code Offense lawyer with a successful record can help you request a jury or how to get a reduced charge and sentence. It is important to note that trials in Municipal Court must be completed within 90 days of when you plead not guilty, compared to 6 months in the state court system. It is important to have a Greeley city court lawyer beside you to help you navigate the confusing court system.
If you or a loved one has been issued a Greeley Municipal Code Violation, be smart, exercise your
right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
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