Warrants

Bench warrants are court orders to the police to arrest someone and place them in custody until the court reconvenes. Municipal court warrants are issued for failure to appear in court at a scheduled court date as promised in writing, or for failure to comply with other orders of the court. The judge issuing the warrant will set a dollar amount of bail. In addition to the bail amount set by the judge, a $50 warrant fee is imposed by court order on each warrant or writ issued. People must post a bond in the amount of the bail to secure their release from custody.

Writs of Commitment are issued for failure to pay a fine by a designated date as promised. Writs are court orders to the police to arrest someone and place them in custody until the fine is paid or they serve time in jail. The amount of jail time is determined by the amount of the fine owed, not to exceed 10 days in jail.

To resolve a warrant/writ, you should appear at the municipal court building at 3030 Turnpike Drive on any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, at 7 a.m. Your case will be called after all scheduled cases are heard. If you surrender after 7 a.m., the court is required to arrest you and take you into custody. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you.

A bond must be posted on a bench warrant to secure release from custody. You may post the bond:

• By posting the full amount in cash, either by the defendant or by another person (this amount may be applied against any future fine imposed by the court or returned in full if all subsequent court appearances and obligations are met).
• Through the services of a commercial surety bail bonding agency. In this method, the bondsman secures the release of a person from custody and pledges to assure their future appearance before the court. In return, a non-refundable premium is paid to the bail bondsman. The contract between an individual and their bail bondsman is a private matter and not subject to the control of the court. A list of licensed bail bonding agents is printed in the telephone directory.

Colorado law requires the Division of Motor Vehicle to cancel your driver's license when a bench warrant or writ of commitment is issued for your failure to appear or comply with conditions of a traffic summons (or any type of offense if the person is less than 18 years of age). To reinstate your driver's license, the law imposes a $30 fee in addition to any other warrant/writ fees and costs that might apply. If you are licensed to drive in another state, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle will initiate license revocation proceedings in that state.