Getting arrested in Weld County is overwhelming, stressful, and embarrassing. Police in Greeley, Berthoud, or Erie arrest defendants and immediately take them to Weld County jail. Rights are read, and the reason for the arrest is given, but getting arrested often causes people to panic because they have no idea what will happen next. After a defendant is taken to jail, they must stay there until their bond or bail is paid. In some misdemeanor cases like Third Degree Criminal Trespass (CRS 18-4-504), the bond will be lower. For more serious cases like First Degree Assault (CRS 18-3-202) or Kidnapping (CRS 18-3-302), bond will be much higher.
Be aware that you will have to pay the bail or bond amount regardless of whether you committed the crime or not. If you are arrested, that means that the District Attorney has decided to press charges against you. There is a court date that you must appear at and the government wants to guarantee that you will be there to handle those charges. If a defendant bonds out and then fails to appear at their court date, the money posted for bail or bond is forfeited. If a person pleads guilty or agrees to a plea deal given to them by the District Attorney, the bail or bond money is forfeited. Following sentencing, bond or bail may be returned after charges are dismissed by the District Attorney, or if the defendant is found not guilty. Receiving restitution takes time.
Remember, while you are out on bond, there will be many restrictions regardless of your guilt or plea. If your alleged crime is a crime against another person, like Assault (CRS 18-3-202), Menacing (CRS 18-3-206), or Harassment (CRS 18-9-111), you may be ordered to stay away from that person, even if you live with them. You may not be able to drink alcohol or use any drugs while you are out on bail, and the courts will prohibit you from leaving Colorado. You are also told that committing a new crime will violate the terms of your bail bond.
If police in Greeley arrest you for a Weld County felony or misdemeanor crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.