Definition of Fugitive From Justice
C.R.S. 16-19-103 defines Fugitives from Justice:
Basically, this means that if Boulder County has issued a warrant for your arrest, and you are in Michigan, it is the responsibility of the governor of Michigan to arrest you and send you back to Colorado. The governor does this by issuing a warrant in the state you reside. Generally, this happens during a routine traffic stop or any other circumstance where you have police contact and they run a your identifying information through the system. They will be notified of the outstanding warrant and will take you into custody and begin the extradition process.
What is Extradition?
Extradition means removing a person from one state and transporting them to the state with the warrant for criminal proceedings or punishment. State – to – state extradition procedures and rules are found in the U.S. Constitution, Article IV Section 2 and in Colorado’s Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. It is uniform because it has been agreed to by many states. It defines specific procedures to be used for extradition among ‘member’ states. This means it doesn’t matter which of the 50 states you are found in, you will be sent back to the state that issued the warrant if proper procedures are followed.
Examples of Fugitives From Justice Cases in Larimer County
At the O’Malley Law Office, we have helped clients who were considered Fugitives from Justice. One of our clients was apprehended in California. Luckily, he was able to get ahold of us and we worked out a deal where he paid a small bond to the courts in California and they allowed him to drive himself to Colorado to turn himself in.
Another of our clients was arrested in Texas for a warrant issued in Colorado. He did not come to us until after his extradition, but told us about his experience. It took Texas weeks to get him to Colorado and he traveled in a crowded van filled with other inmates. They made many stops along the way and he spent nights in numerous small county jails. He was also given the financial responsibility of paying for the trip, as it was added to his restitution.
Why You Need a Fort Collins Lawyer If You Are Considered a Fugitive From Justice
At the O’Malley Law Office, we work hard to help you with your legal situation. We may be able to work out a deal like the one above where your extradition does not have to be so miserable. The courts do not look kindly on a person who had to be extradited from another state, as it is a costly and lengthy process. Your experienced criminal defense attorney can argue for your circumstances and prove to the courts that you were not running from the law. Whether you are charged with Assault, a Domestic Violence offense, or Burglary, we can defend you and get you the best possible outcome for your case.