Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

My boyfriend has a bench warrant out for failure to appear. His ex wife didn't tell him that he got a notice in the mail about court and he missed th court date. He has a fine he owes with the county but it won't let him pay it online because of the warrant. Is the fine for failure to appear? Is it possible that he can go pay the fine and the bench warrant will be taken care of? He is wants to turn himself in but is concerned about going to jail because of not wanting to lose his job. If he pays the fine is there a possiblity he won't go to jail? If he does go to jail, how long would he have to go for? Thanks


Asked on 2/27/13, 6:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Damon Cassens Waters, Kubik, and Cassens

The answer kind of depends on what he failed to appear for and/or what he was charged with.

Assuming he was charged with a traffic offense of some sort, the "fine" you speak of could be one of two things (or both) - either the fine and costs as written on the summons, or what's called a OJW (an adminstrative warrant fee). Going in and paying both usually solves the issue.

If he wants to fight the charge, he will need to both pay the OJW, and post bond.

As to whether or not he goes to jail, it depends on what he's charged with, his record, and what jurisdiction.

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Answered on 2/27/13, 7:04 am


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