When a juvenile is arrested in Colorado, the child may be released to a parent or responsible adult, referred for detention screening, or held for a prompt detention hearing. If the child remains in custody, the hearing generally must occur within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The district attorney then decides whether to file a delinquency petition, offer diversion, or decline to prosecute formally. Decisions made during
2014
As a Colorado defense attorney, I am often asked about the timeline and procedure of a felony case. Most people know from pop culture portrayals of the legal system that a defendant who pleads not guilty in a felony case will typically go to trial, but there are actually several other important steps that may be less familiar.
To help defendants, their families, and other interested parties better understand
