In Colorado criminal cases, a violation of bond conditions is treated as a separate criminal offense that can result in additional charges, jail time, and consecutive sentencing. When a person is released on bond or bail, the court imposes strict bail bond conditions that must be followed until trial or other proceedings conclude. Failing to comply can significantly worsen the outcome of the underlying case.
At Wolf Law in Denver, we defend individuals accused of bond violations across felony and misdemeanor cases in Colorado courts. These cases often move quickly and involve close scrutiny of alleged conduct, court orders, and compliance timelines, making early legal guidance especially important.
Wolf Law is proud to serve clients across Colorado with experienced, compassionate criminal defense built on teamwork, strategy, and courtroom excellence. Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley work side by side to lead the firm’s criminal defense practice, combining decades of trial experience and a shared commitment to protecting clients’ rights and futures. Known for his clear legal insight and national commentary on high-profile criminal cases, Jeff Wolf brings strategic perspective and thought leadership, while Colleen Kelley adds extensive courtroom experience and a steady, client-focused approach to complex criminal cases. Together, they reflect Wolf Law’s collaborative, client-centered approach to defending individuals at every stage of the criminal justice process.
What Is a Bail Bond in Colorado?
A bail bond is a legal mechanism that allows a person charged with a criminal action to be released from custody while their case is pending. When a person is released on bond, they remain subject to the authority of the court and must comply with all bond conditions.
Bond is intended to ensure the person appears for trial or other proceedings and does not commit a new crime while the case is pending.
Common Bail Bond Conditions
Colorado courts routinely impose bond conditions, which may include:
- Appearing for all court hearings
- Avoiding contact with victims or witnesses
- Remaining within a judicial district
- Abstaining from drugs or alcohol
- Complying with monitoring or supervision
- Refraining from committing any new criminal offense
Bond appearance conditions are legally binding. A person who is on bail is expected to follow them exactly.
What Constitutes a Violation of Bond Conditions?
A violation of bond conditions occurs when a person subject to bond knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with any court-ordered condition. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Fails to appear for a court hearing
- Knowingly fails to appear for trial
- Commits a new crime while released on bond
- Violates no-contact or geographic restrictions
- Attempts to avoid prosecution
A bond violation is treated as a separate criminal action charged pursuant to the Colorado criminal code.
Failure to Appear and Bail Bond Violations
One of the most common violations is when a person fails to appear in court. A person commits a violation when they knowingly fail or intentionally fail to appear for trial or other proceedings after being released on bond.
Failure to appear may result in:
- Immediate issuance of a warrant
- Revocation of bond
- New criminal charges
Criminal Charges for Bond Violations
Under Colorado law, a bond violation can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the underlying offense.
- If the underlying case is a misdemeanor offense, the bond violation may be charged as a misdemeanor arising from the conduct
- If the underlying case is a felony offense, the bond violation may be charged as a felony
In many cases, a person commits a class 6 felony when the underlying case is a felony.
Sentencing Consequences for Bond Violations
A person convicted of violating bond conditions faces additional penalties separate from the underlying sentence.
Possible consequences include:
- Jail or imprisonment
- Revocation of bail
- Ineligibility for probation or a suspended sentence
- A sentence that shall be served consecutively (which means on top of any sentence received for the underlying offense)
Colorado law often requires that the sentence for the bond violation be served consecutively with any sentence imposed for the underlying offense.
Consecutive Sentencing Explained
When a sentence is served consecutively, it begins after the underlying sentence is completed. This means:
- The underlying sentence is served first
- The bond violation sentence is added afterward
- The total imprisonment period increases
A suspended sentence and shall not run concurrently when the court orders consecutive sentencing pursuant to this section.
Deferred Prosecution and Bond Violations
Even in cases involving deferred prosecution, a bond violation can have serious consequences. A person who violates bond conditions during deferred prosecution may lose eligibility for the agreement and face prosecution for both the original charge and the bond violation.
Bond Violations in Sex Offense Cases
In cases involving a sex offense, bond conditions are often stricter. Violations may result in immediate custody, increased bail, or denial of future bond eligibility.
Courts take these violations seriously to protect victims and public safety.
What Prosecutors Must Prove
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The person was released on bond
- The court imposed specific bond conditions
- The person knowingly or intentionally failed to comply
- The violation occurred while the criminal action was pending
Evidence may include court records, testimony, electronic monitoring data, or law enforcement reports.
Defenses to Bond Violation Charges
Common defenses may include:
- Lack of notice of bond conditions
- No intentional or knowing failure
- Medical emergencies or unavoidable circumstances
- Clerical or scheduling errors
- Insufficient evidence
Every bond violation case depends heavily on facts, timing, and documentation.
Why Bond Violations Are Taken Seriously
Violating bond conditions signals to the court that the person may not comply with judicial orders. As a result, bond violations often lead to:
- Higher bail amounts
- Pretrial detention
- Loss of probation eligibility
- Increased sentencing exposure
These violations can dramatically affect the outcome of the underlying case.
Speak With a Denver Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of a violation of bond conditions in a Colorado criminal case, you may be facing new charges, jail time, and consecutive sentencing. Immediate legal representation is critical.
Wolf Law, based in Denver, Colorado, provides experienced criminal defense for bond violations, failure to appear charges, and related offenses. We work to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your underlying case.
Call 720.479.8574 today to schedule a free consultation with Wolf Law.
