Morgan County Court Process
Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Morgan County.
Court Information
Court Process Timeline
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain Benefits
- • Reduced charges
- • Lighter sentence
- • Certainty of outcome
- • Lower costs
Trial Risks
- • Maximum sentence if convicted
- • Higher legal fees
- • Uncertainty
- • Time consuming
Sentencing
Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.
Don't Face This Alone
A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.
Find Morgan County AttorneysThe administration of justice for DUI cases in Morgan County operates within the 13th Judicial District. The county presents a "high-stakes" environment where loss of driving privileges can lead to social and economic isolation.
Morgan County DWI Court Procedures
The Arrest and Vehicle Impound
Following a DUI arrest in Morgan County, your vehicle will likely be impounded by a private towing company operating on a rotation list. Wiggins Junction Towing & Roadside is a primary vendor. Be aware that your vehicle might be taken to Wiggins (15 miles west of Fort Morgan), Sterling (45 miles east), or even further depending on capacity.
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need proof of ownership (registration or title) and valid insurance. A valid driver's license is also required. However, if your license was confiscated during the arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to drive the vehicle.
Key Tip: If arrested on a Friday night, have a family member retrieve the vehicle on Saturday using a Power of Attorney or notarized letter of authorization. This will minimize storage fees.
Detention at the Morgan County Jail
After arrest, you'll be taken to the Morgan County Detention Center located at 801 E. Beaver Ave, Fort Morgan, CO 80701. Due to sobriety requirements, processing and release may be delayed if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is high.
The 13th Judicial District has moved away from rigid bond schedules, so you'll likely be held without bond until you appear before a judge or magistrate. Weekend bond hearings are held at 7:00 AM on Sunday and 7:00 AM on Monday, conducted via audiovisual technology. Missing the Sunday hearing means staying in jail until Monday.
Court Appearances at the 13th Judicial District Court
Your DUI case will be adjudicated at the Morgan County Combined Court, located at 400 Warner Street, Fort Morgan, CO 80701. Be aware that phones must be turned off in the courtroom, and recording of any kind without authorization is strictly prohibited.
The Clerk's Office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but closes strictly from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch. Daily advisements and bond hearings typically occur at 2:15 PM on weekdays.
DMV and Express Consent
After being served a Notice of Revocation, you have only 7 days to request a hearing from the DMV. Send your request to dor_regulatoryhearings@state.co.us. Mailing it to the local Fort Morgan DMV office can result in delays.
The Fort Morgan Driver License Office is located at 231 Prospect St, Fort Morgan, CO 80701.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Morgan County District Court
Colorado Court System
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