In Greeley Colorado, municipal codes or city laws within Greeley’s city limits are enforced by the Greeley, Municipal Court. While Municipal offenses or violations are always misdemeanors and not considered “serious crimes,” a conviction can still have serious repercussions. To learn more about the Greeley, Municipal Court and Greeley municipal code violations, read below or call the O’Malley Law Office to discuss answers to any of your questions.
What are Municipal Court Offenses in Greeley?
Some offenses that commonly land people in front of the Municipal Court in Greeley are:
- Animal Violations, such as a dog at large
- Traffic Offenses like speeding, running a red light or stop sign
- Theft
- Littering
- Lower level Drug Offenses
- Harassment
- Discharging Weapons
- Public Indecency
- Disturbing the Peace
- Damage to Public Property
- Trespassing
- Shoplifting
What are the Differences Between Greeley Municipal Courts and Weld County Court?
In Weld County, many people probably do not realize that Municipal Courts operate in a very different way than a Weld county court or district court. One large difference is that a jury trial is not automatic. In Municipal Courts, a defendant must request a jury trial of six and pay a fee. If the fee is not paid on time or the jury request is not in writing, a judge will preside over your trial instead of a jury. An experienced Municipal Code Offense attorney who has a successful record can help navigate the confusing court system. An attorney can help you negotiate for a reduced sentence or lessen your charges, so it is important to have a Greeley city court lawyer beside you. Other differences between the Municipal Courts and County Courts are that a jury is not filled with 12 peers but only 6. It is also important to note that trials have to be completed in 180 days in a County Court but only 90 days in the Municipal Court.
What Happens if You are Convicted of a Municipal Court Violation in Greeley, Colorado?
While most do not consider Municipal Court Violations as “serious” crimes, in Greeley they can still have serious implications. Some possible punishments are fines up to $1,000 and / or possible time in the Greeley City Jail for up to a year. Probation, treatment classes and community services can also result from a conviction. A conviction for a Municipal Offense or Municipal Code violation can also impact jobs, housing, professional licensing, and schooling.
What Happens if You Are Not from Greeley and Charged with a Municipal Violation?
If you are not from Greeley and you are charged with a Municipal Violation, you may not have to return to Greeley for a court hearing if you have proper legal representation. It is always important to have skilled legal representation and not to just assume that you do not have to appear at a court appointed hearing.
If you are from Greeley, but have received a violation from another town such as Fort Collins, it is important to note that every town is different and every municipality operates a little different. Always get help from a criminal lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been given a ticket for a Municipal Code Violation, be smart, exercise your
right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
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