How does bail work in Colorado?
1. Constitutional Framework
Colo. Const. art. II, § 19 grants bail right except capital offenses and certain repeat violent felonies. § 20 prohibits excessive bail.
2. Cash, Surety, Property, OR Bonds
Section 16-4-104 lists bond types: PR bond (with or without conditions), unsecured personal bond, cash, surety, and property bonds. HB 19-1225 eliminated monetary bail for many low-level offenses.
3. Bail Hearing
Section 16-4-102 requires appearance "without unnecessary delay" — Colo. R. Crim. P. 5 interprets as within 48 hours.
4. Bail Schedules
County jails maintain bond schedules for petty offenses and misdemeanors.
5. Bail Bond Agent / Bondsman
Licensed by Colorado Division of Insurance under § 10-23-101; 10-15% premium typical.
6. Conditions
Section 16-4-105 authorizes electronic monitoring, no-contact, drug testing, and pretrial supervision.
7. Bail Forfeiture
Section 16-4-112 governs forfeiture; surety has 15 days to file motion to set aside.
8. Bail Reduction
Section 16-4-109 allows modification on motion.
9. Pretrial Release Programs
Counties operate pretrial services with risk-based assessments.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- Monetary bond set despite HB 19-1225 exemption
- Capital or repeat-violent-offender bail denial
- Bond forfeiture proceeding
- Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 16-4-101 to 16-4-114
- HB 19-1225
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.