Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are court orders for police to arrest someone and place them in custody until the court reconvenes. Municipal court warrants are issued for failure to appear in court at a scheduled court date, or for failure to comply with other orders of the court.
The judge issuing the warrant will set a dollar amount for the bond. In addition to the bond amount set by the judge, a warrant fee is imposed by court order on each warrant issued. Individuals must post a bond to secure their release from custody. All Lakewood Municipal Court warrants issued are enforceable by every law enforcement agency throughout the state of Colorado.
Pay or Serve Warrants
Pay or serve warrants are issued for failure to pay a fine by a designated date as promised. Pay or serve warrants are court orders for police to arrest someone and place them in custody until the fine is paid or until they serve time in jail. The amount of jail time is determined by the amount of the fine owed, not to exceed 15 days.
Warrant Resolution
To resolve any warrant, you should appear at the Municipal Court Violations Bureau between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. In most cases, you will be scheduled to appear in front of an available judge. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you.
Colorado law requires the Division of Motor Vehicle to cancel your driver’s license when a bench warrant or pay or serve warrant is issued for your failure to appear or comply with conditions of a traffic summons (or any type of offense if the person is less than 18 years of age). Additional fees may be incurred to reinstate your driver’s license. If you are licensed to drive in another state, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle will initiate license revocation proceedings in that state.
Bonds
A bond must be posted on a bench warrant to secure release from custody. You may post the bond yourself or through a surety.
By posting the full amount in cash, either by the defendant or by another person, this amount may be applied against any future fine imposed by the court, or the money might be returned in full if all subsequent court appearances and obligations are met.