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
If you’ve been arrested, you’re facing a number of potential outcomes. The worst-case scenario is a trial, a conviction, and significant penalties. Many people think that the best-case scenario the opposite – a trial, an acquittal, and no penalties.
There is one other better scenario possible here in Colorado, though. It’s a decision known as “nolle prosequi,” or a “no file” decision.
A “no file” decision is a specific kind
