When a person is arrested and charged with a crime in Fort Collins and Larimer County, they can be released on bail or bond depending on the type of case. A bail bond is a transaction where the court receives money to hold over the defendant’s head – giving them an incentive to appear at all court dates and comply with their bond conditions. If the defendant fails to appear, then the court gets to keep the money. If the defendant appears as they are supposed to throughout the pendency of the case, then when the case is closed, the money is returned. But, if while out on bond the defendant violates his or her requirement to appear, then they can face a new charge of Violation of Bail Bond Conditions.
Violation of Bail Bond Conditions in Colorado: What is a Bail Bond Violation Criminal Charge?
In Larimer County, Colorado, Violation of Bail Bond Conditions – C.R.S. 18-8-212 – is defined as:
(2) A person who is released on bond and is charged with any felony or misdemeanor arising from the conduct for which the person was arrested commits a class 2 misdemeanor if the person intentionally fails to appear in the case for any proceedings for which victims or witnesses have appeared in court.
Previously, a person could face this crime if they violated a condition of their bond. For example, if a bond condition was that the person does not consume alcohol, and then they get a hot UA, this crime could be charged. However, the change in legislation removes that language and makes it so the minor violations can result in a new charge. Now, it is strictly related to not showing up for court.