How Much Does a Misdemeanor Cost in Larimer County, Colorado?
Top Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain Court Costs and Fines

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Larimer County, Colorado, you may be shocked at the numerous costs involved.  Even before you are ever convicted of your charges, you will be charged docket fees, filing fees, and other fees for certifying documents or request copies of documents.  Your budget will suddenly become much tighter as you pay to drive to the Larimer County Courts and take (possibly unpaid) time off work.  Then, if you are convicted of your charges, you will be required to pay fines, surcharges, and restitution – all of which can total tens of thousands of dollars.  If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, don’t wait, and contact us today.  A top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid some of the economic strain that comes with a misdemeanor offense by representing you at the Larimer County Courts.

1. Larimer County Court Fees & Costs – How Much are Court Fees for a Misdemeanor?

Defendants charged with misdemeanors must pay several different Larimer County Court fees and costs before they are even convicted of their charges.  Common fees and costs include:

• Docket fees / Court costs: total of $21 if the offense is heard at the County Court; $35 for the District Court
• Filing fees: $12 for your attorney to access your case in Colorado’s EFile system
• Fees for document certification, copies of documents, cost of prosecution, etc.

2. Post-Conviction Penalties: Fines, Restitution, and Surcharges in Fort Collins

In Fort Collins, penalties assessed to a defendant post-conviction include fines and restitution.  A defendant convicted of a class 2 misdemeanor will be assessed a fine of up to $750, but a class 1 misdemeanor will result in a maximum $1,000 fine.  The Larimer County Courts may also mandate that the defendant pay restitution to the victim to cover any costs that resulted from the crime.  Property damage, medical bills, and travel costs are common expenses that defendants are required to cover through restitution.

Finally, surcharges may also be assessed to a defendant if they have been convicted of a crime, depending on the offense.  The most common example is Driving While Ability Impaired / Driving Under the Influence.  Defendants convicted of DWAI / DUI offenses are subject to several different surcharges, which fund programs that help prevent drunk driving.  Other offenses subject to surcharges include Child Abuse, sex crimes, and drug offenses.

3. Other Costs of Misdemeanors in Loveland and Estes Park

Because of the many costs of misdemeanors in Loveland and Estes Park, it truly is difficult to put a price tag on a misdemeanor offense.  Other costs that a defendant could incur as a result of being criminally charged include:

• Representation by a top private criminal defense lawyer.
• Representation by other attorneys if the defendant also needs a lawyer who practices another kind of law outside of criminal defense, such as family or immigration law.
• Probation costs: supervision fees of $50/month, urinalyses / drug tests, mandatory treatment, etc.
• Personal costs, such as travel expenses and potential employment loss.

There’s no way around it – being charged with a crime WILL cost you money.  While it sounds counterintuitive, representation by a top criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect your finances.  One of our top priorities is reducing the potential costs you will face throughout your criminal case.  We understand better than any other attorney that even misdemeanors can result in financial burdens that are difficult to overcome.  Don’t wait, and call us today so that we can help you avoid economic turmoil that will result from criminal charges.

Have you been charged with a misdemeanor offense?  First, be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent.  Then call 970-658-0007 to discuss your case with one of our top criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

Photo by John Guccione