If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Weld County, Colorado, one of the first issues that arises is whether you will be released from custody while your case is pending. In many Weld County cases, release decisions involve Pretrial Services, a program designed to help courts determine appropriate conditions of release and monitor compliance before trial.
Understanding how Pretrial Services works in Weld County can help defendants avoid violations and protect their rights.
What is Pretrial Services in Weld County?
Pretrial Services is a county-supervised program that assists Weld County judges in making bond and release decisions. When a defendant is eligible for release, the court may order supervision through Pretrial Services instead of, or in addition to, posting a monetary bond.
Pretrial Services is commonly used in:
- Misdemeanor cases
- Felony cases
- Cases where the court determines supervision is appropriate to ensure court appearance and public safety
How Pretrial Services Works in a Greeley Criminal Case
After an arrest in Weld County:
- A bond or advisement hearing is held
- The judge may order release to Pretrial Services
- The defendant must meet with a Pretrial Services officer
- Conditions of release are set by the court
These conditions are not optional and must be followed strictly.
Common Pretrial Services Conditions in Weld County
Conditions of Pretrial Services supervision may include:
- Regular check-ins with a Pretrial Services officer
- No new criminal charges
- Court appearance compliance
- Travel restrictions
- Drug or alcohol monitoring
- Compliance with protection orders
- Random testing, if ordered by the court
The specific requirements depend on the charge, criminal history, and risk assessment.
Drug and Alcohol Monitoring Through Pretrial Services
In Weld County, Pretrial Services may require:
- Random drug or alcohol testing
- Breathalyzer testing
- Monitoring related to DUI or drug-related charges
Failure to comply with testing requirements can result in a violation, even if no new charges are filed.
Consequences of Pretrial Services Violations
Violating Pretrial Services conditions can have serious consequences, including:
- A court-issued warrant
- Bond revocation
- Increased bond or stricter conditions
- Being taken back into custody
These consequences can occur even before your criminal case is resolved.
Pretrial Services vs. Probation: Key Differences
It is important to understand that:
- Pretrial Services occurs before a case is resolved
- Probation occurs after a conviction or plea
- Pretrial Services is not a punishment but a condition of release
- Violations can still lead to jail time
Many defendants mistakenly assume Pretrial Services is informal or flexible, but it is not.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in Criminal Cases in Johnstown and Milliken
An experienced Weld County criminal defense attorney can:
- Advocate for reasonable release conditions
- Request modification of overly restrictive conditions
- Address alleged violations quickly
- Help ensure compliance throughout the pretrial process
Local knowledge of Weld County judges, prosecutors, and Pretrial Services procedures can make a meaningful difference.
What to Do If You Are Placed on Pretrial Services in Weld County
If you are released on Pretrial Services in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Firestone, Frederick, Johnstown, Milliken, or elsewhere in Weld County:
- Take all conditions seriously.
- Keep detailed records of compliance.
- Do not miss court dates or check-ins.
- Speak with your attorney immediately if issues arise.
If you or someone you love is on Pretrial Services for a criminal case, be smart, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Christina Morillo