How to resolve a warrant in Colorado

The path to resolving a warrant in Colorado

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

Step 1

Confirm the warrant and the issuing court

If the case is in Denver, you can check Denver County Court's public portal by name and date of birth; otherwise contact the clerk of the District or County Court handling the case, or the county sheriff's warrants/records division, to verify that a warrant exists and to get the court, case or warrant number, the charge, any hearing date, and any bond amount.
Official source
Step 2

Ask the court how it handles recalling or quashing the warrant

For a bench or failure-to-appear warrant, some Colorado courts allow you to ask the court to recall or quash the warrant and set a new court date. Ask the clerk what that specific court's procedure is. This is noted only as an available option, not as a recommended strategy. In Colorado, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant (issued by a judge, most often for failure to appear in court or failure to comply with a court order), and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.
Official source
Step 3

Arrange to self-surrender rather than wait for an unplanned arrest

Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may be able to resolve it by appearing in court or by surrendering at the county jail through the sheriff. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In Colorado, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. A bench warrant for missing court can lead the judge to add a failure-to-appear charge and to set or raise bond.
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Step 4

Bond hearing and release decision follow

After surrender and booking, a judicial officer sets the type and amount of bond, generally within the statutory time frame after arrest. A bond can be a personal recognizance bond, a cash or property bond with the court, or a surety bond through a licensed bail bonding agent for a fee.
Official source

Turning yourself in on your own terms in Colorado

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's procedures, typically during regular court or jail-intake business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

What to bring

A valid government-issued photo ID
Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have
Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in Colorado (cash or property with the court, or a licensed bail bonding agent's fee)
A written list of any medications you take
Contact information for a family member or friend who can help
Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail

What to expect

Expect booking (fingerprints, photograph, and a records check) and a hold until a bond hearing before a judicial officer, where the type and amount of bond are set.

Processing times vary by county and by day.

This is logistical information only.

In Colorado, the specifics depend on the case; in traffic and some matters, an unresolved failure to appear can also trigger a hold or suspension on a driver's license.

How bail and release work in Colorado

Commercial bail available

In Colorado, commercial bail exists. If a judge sets money bail, it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee — and a judge may also release you on your own recognizance or on conditions.

Colorado uses a bond system set under state law (Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 16, Article 4).

A judicial officer sets the type and amount of bond, which can be a personal recognizance (PR) bond (unsecured), a cash bond, a property bond, or a surety bond posted through a licensed bail bonding agent for a fee.

Commercial bail bonding agents legally operate in Colorado and are licensed and regulated by the Colorado Division of Insurance (part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies).

Recent reforms have limited money bail for many lower-level offenses and require a prompt bond-setting hearing after arrest.

A surety bail bond carries a non-refundable premium (fee) charged by the licensed bail bonding agent. The Colorado Division of Insurance regulates these agents and their premiums and prohibits overcharging; a bonding agent must provide a written premium and collateral receipt. Cash or property posted directly with the court is returned, less any costs, once the bond conditions are met.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

Confirm the warrant directly with the issuing court or the county sheriff before acting; do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' or bail-lead websites.
A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact.
If you use a bail bonding agent, get a written premium and collateral receipt, which Colorado law requires.
Call the court or jail ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.
Bring valid photo ID and any case or warrant numbers so staff can locate your matter.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in Colorado

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official Colorado sources.

Not sure you actually have a warrant?

Before you act, confirm whether one exists. warrant.guru walks through exactly how to check in Colorado.

Check for a warrant in Colorado Looking for someone in jail or prison? Find them

Common questions about resolving a warrant in Colorado

How do I resolve a warrant in Colorado?

Confirm the warrant with the court that issued it or the county sheriff, then work through these steps: Confirm the warrant and the issuing court; Ask the court how it handles recalling or quashing the warrant; Arrange to self-surrender rather than wait for an unplanned arrest; Bond hearing and release decision follow.

How do I turn myself in in Colorado?

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's procedures, typically during regular court or jail-intake business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

Does Colorado have commercial bail bondsmen?

Yes. Commercial bail exists in Colorado: licensed bail agents operate here, and if a judge sets money bail it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee. A judge may also grant own-recognizance or conditional release.

What should I bring if I turn myself in in Colorado?

A valid government-issued photo ID; Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have; Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in Colorado (cash or property with the court, or a licensed bail bonding agent's fee); A written list of any medications you take; Contact information for a family member or friend who can help; Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail.

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 7 sources

How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in Colorado?