The Weld County Court has procedures which determine IF and WHEN, you will get taken to the Weld County Jail in a criminal case. In most cases, people don’t ever go to jail for their criminal case. But, if you are a repeat offender, or if the crime is more serious, then it is more likely you will go to jail. There are also certain types of crimes which make it more likely you’ll go to jail. Crimes involving Sex, Assaults, Home Burglary and Weapons, will generally be more likely to get you a sentence to jail or prison. Property crimes, those involving dishonesty, and drug crimes, are less likely to send you to jail.
When Do People Normally Go to Jail in a Weld County Criminal Court Case?
Usually, if people end up going to the Weld County Jail, they go for a short stay when they are arrested up front, or when they are sentenced to jail at the end of their case. If you have a misdemeanor case, Greeley Police often issue you a Summons, instead of arresting you. If you obey the Summons and come to court as ordered, you will not get arrested up front. With felony charges, it is more likely you’ll get arrested and need to appear before a judge for a bond hearing before being released. Following sentencing, judges can give you probation, and you won’t go to jail. But, if you have a serious crime or repeat behavior, you increase the chances of going to jail or prison. Your attorney will normally be able to tell you whether you are likely to get any jail or prison time at sentencing.
What Types of Crimes in Greeley are More Likely to Get Jail or Prison Sentences?
Crimes involving sex, domestic violence, assaults, weapons, and danger to the public are more likely to result in a sentence to the Weld County Jail or prison. If you have a lengthy criminal history, you are more likely to get jail. First time offenders are less likely to get a sentence to incarceration. Whatever the case, you normally won’t go to jail or prison until AFTER you plead guilty or are found guilty by a jury. Jail sentences are given out at your sentencing hearing.
Special Times You Can Go to Jail Before Sentencing in Greeley Courts
If you violate court orders or skip your court hearing in a Greeley court, you might go to jail early. For example, if a judge tells you not to drink, and you get a hot UA, you might just get to go to jail. If a judge gives you a protection order or a no-contact order, and you have contact with your victim, you’ll get arrested and sent to jail. You’ll also get new charges. Bond conditions are also meant to be obeyed. If you violate one, then you’ll lose your bond and get sent to jail. Obey the rules, and you’ll probably stay out of jail before sentencing.
How to Get Probation Instead of Jail Time in a Weld County Court
If you want probation, don’t be a nut. Obey the rules the judge gives you. They don’t want to lose their job by taking a risk on a nut. BUT, for someone who obeys the rules, they are usually willing to take a risk, and let you stay out of jail. Then, you must go to see the probation officer, obey the rules such as your protection order, doing your community service and paying your fines and costs. We have many clients who get a probation sentence, and then get lazy. They act like the orders of the judge are just suggestions. Then, they face a Probation Revocation hearing for not doing what they were ordered to do. When their probation is revoked, they get sent to jail. It is common sense and easy: do what the judge and your probation officer say, and stay out of jail.
Our defense attorneys know how to increase the chances of you getting probation and staying out of jail. Come and meet with us and learn how the court system works. After handling thousands of criminal cases, we can coach you on how to do well in the Weld County Court and avoid jail or prison. So, give us a call at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
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