Denver County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Denver bail and bond: the two jails, the bonding office, and the steps to release
Denver has no separate county government, so one set of offices handles everything. The Denver Sheriff runs two jails: the Downtown Detention Center at 490 W. Colfax Avenue, and the Denver County Jail at 10500 E. Smith Road. Everyone arrested is processed downtown first. Start with Denver County Inmate Search for his custody status, charge list and bond. Bond is paid through Denver County Court, not the Sheriff. You can pay in person at the downtown jail or online through the court's public portal. The bonding office phone is 720-337-0062. Read about both jails here, and see the bond help page.
Is my brother in the Downtown Detention Center or the County Jail?
Use Denver County Inmate Search first. Fresh arrests show up late since everyone is processed downtown first. Slow fingerprint checks add time.
Still nothing after a long wait? Call the downtown desk at 720-337-0400. For the Smith Road jail, the line is 720-913-3642.
Where is the Denver bond window?
Go to the County Court Bonding Office in the lobby of the Downtown Detention Center, 490 W. Colfax Avenue. The Sheriff's Department does not take bond money. The office phone is 720-337-0062.
The bond cannot be posted until the arrested person is fully booked and fingerprints have cleared. Bring valid photo ID.
What hours is the bonding office open?
The Denver bonding office in the Downtown Detention Center lobby keeps long hours every day of the week. Call 720-337-0062 to check the current hours before you drive downtown.
How long after I pay does my son walk out?
The Sheriff lists a two-hour release window that begins once every party has signed the bond. The clock starts when the paperwork is finished, not when you arrive. Pick him up at the downtown center. Bring a phone charger and a coat.
Where can I see what his bond is?
Open Denver County Inmate Search and read the bond line in his record. A blank line means he may still be in processing or waiting to see a judge. The bonding office at 720-337-0062 can answer what the search cannot.
Call the bonding office for the amount that fits the charge. Domestic violence, child abuse, sex offenses and DUI with prior convictions are left to the judge at the first appearance. A judge can change any amount.
What forms of payment does the bonding office take?
The Sheriff site lists credit card payments and says valid ID is required. The court also runs an online bond portal where a person can post bond for someone else. Ask 720-337-0062 whether cash or a money order is also taken.
State law lets a card vendor add up to 3.5 percent, and it caps the jail's bond processing fee at $10 (C.R.S. 16-4-102). Get the final total before you pay, and keep every receipt.
Can a booking fee keep him in jail?
Any booking charge stays separate from bond money.
Under Colorado law, a booking fee can never be a condition of release on a money bond (C.R.S. 16-4-102).
Can I use a bail bondsman in Denver?
Yes. A licensed bonding company can post the bond for a fee. Colorado caps what a licensed agent may charge: the greater of $50 or 15 percent of the bail (C.R.S. 10-2-707). The Sheriff states that premiums paid to a professional bonding company are not refunded. Bonding agents can also post bond through the court's online portal. Pick a company on your own, get all costs on paper, and learn the rules for a missed court date.
No bondsman can promise a release time. The same rule applies to everyone: fingerprints must clear first.
Will the court take real estate as security?
Colorado law lets a judge accept real estate in this state as the security. Free-and-clear equity must reach 1.5 times the bond, and the court takes a deed of trust for that amount (C.R.S. 16-4-104). A property bond is slow because the court reviews the papers first.
The court's bond page says property bond reviews are done in person, by appointment. Call the bonding office at 720-337-0062 to set one up.
How soon does a Denver judge see him?
Colorado requires a court appearance as soon as practicable and within 48 hours after arriving at the jail, with an individual bond order entered in that time (C.R.S. 16-4-102). Denver County Court holds the first advisement at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse.
The record says hold, no bond. Why?
A judge must act before some people go free. Colorado's Constitution, article II, section 19, permits holding a capital defendant without bail on evident proof or a great presumption. It also allows denial after a hearing for certain violent crimes in listed situations, such as one committed while on parole.
An outside-county hold or a probation violation also blocks release. An ICE hold is separate; if that person misses the next court date, the Sheriff says the bond is forfeited and not refunded.
Does the judge have to keep the bond where it is?
A judge can lower, raise, or change the conditions, and Colorado law starts from the idea that people in custody are eligible for release on bond (C.R.S. 16-4-103). His lawyer may request a fresh hearing; bring pay stubs, a lease and family letters.
Can the court give him a lawyer for free?
The Colorado Public Defender handles felonies and state-level misdemeanors from its Denver office at 1560 Broadway, Suite 300, phone 303-620-4999. For a city ordinance case, ask the Denver County Court judge about counsel. The judge can appoint counsel at his first appearance.
How are Denver teens detained?
Youth held in Denver go to the Gilliam Youth Services Center, 2844 Downing Street, which the state's Division of Youth Services runs for ages 10 to 18. Call 303-291-8951 to ask about visits and status. Youth records are confidential and stay off the adult search.
What follows a missed Denver court date?
The Sheriff says the bond is forfeited and a new arrest warrant is issued. Contact a lawyer and the bonding company that same day. Waiting makes it harder to fix.
How does a bond refund work?
The Sheriff says a bond is returned at case end if every condition was met. Money paid to a professional bonding company stays with the company. Hold onto receipts and ask 720-337-0062 how to claim a refund.
What does a Denver bail scam look like?
Gift cards, payment apps and crypto requests mark a fraud. If someone calls claiming to be a Denver deputy, hang up and dial 720-337-0400 yourself.
Which public offices matter after a Denver arrest?
Denver families can reach these public offices:
- Downtown Detention Center (Van Cise-Simonet): 490 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204; 720-337-0400; dsdinfo@denvergov.org.
- Denver County Jail: 10500 E. Smith Road, Denver, CO 80239; 720-913-3642.
- County Court Bonding Office: lobby of the Downtown Detention Center; 720-337-0062; the Sheriff lists 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
- Denver County Court (criminal): Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue, Room 160; 720-337-0410.
- Denver District Court (criminal): Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, Room 135; 303-606-2300; weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Denver Juvenile Court: 520 W. Colfax Avenue, Room 125; 303-606-2307.
- Denver District Attorney: case line 720-913-9000; County Court misdemeanor cases 720-913-9011.
- Public Defender, Denver office: 1560 Broadway, Suite 300; 303-620-4999; Denver@coloradodefenders.us.
- Gilliam Youth Services Center: 2844 Downing Street, Denver, CO 80205; 303-291-8951.
Which Colorado bond rules apply in Denver?
Colorado sets these rules for every Denver case:
- 48 hours: a court enters a bond order within 48 hours of his arrival at the jail.
- PR: release on a signed promise alone.
- Unsecured: money is owed only if he skips court.
- Cash: the full sum, paid through the County Court Bonding Office.
- Agent bond: the fee may not exceed 15 percent, or $50 when larger.
- Property: Colorado land holding equity of 1.5 times the bond.
- Traffic and petty: cash bond is barred.
- Later fees: the $10 bond charge and a card surcharge of up to 3.5 percent may be billed after release and cannot delay it.
- Remote payment: HB25-1015 requires online cash bond by credit card; Denver County Court runs an online bond portal.
- No bail: Amendment I (2024) adds first-degree murder when proof is evident or the presumption great.
The statute is at Colorado bail law, C.R.S. Title 16, Article 4 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-16.pdf), and each bond type is at Colorado Judicial Branch guide to bond types (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/types-bonds).
Where does a Denver federal case go?
Federal cases from Denver go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse in Denver, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294, 303-844-3433. The steps:
- A first appearance before a magistrate judge.
- A Pretrial Services interview.
- A detention hearing if prosecutors ask to hold him.
- Release on federal terms if the judge allows it.
Until sentencing, the U.S. Marshals decide where he stays: U.S. Marshals Service, 901 19th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, CO 80294, 303-728-7800.
Denver no longer lists him. Where should I look?
Pick the search that fits the agency holding him:
- Federal: Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/); before sentencing, the Marshals at 303-728-7800.
- State prison: Colorado Department of Corrections inmate search (https://www.doc.state.co.us/oss/).
- Denver jails: Denver County Inmate Search.
Our Denver inmate search page gathers more lookups.
Will a Denver jail hold someone for ICE?
C.R.S. 24-76.6-102 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) forbids Colorado jails to arrest or overstay-hold anyone solely on a civil immigration detainer. Once a Denver judge's order allows release, city custody ends, though ICE may act under federal authority.
Denver falls under the ICE Denver Field Office, 12445 East Caley Avenue, Centennial, CO 80111, 720-873-2899. Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/) with the A-number and birth country.
How do I use VINE for a Denver jail?
VINE is free and shows custody status:
- Go to VINELink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com/) and choose Colorado.
- Type his name or ID number.
- Click the listing for status and location.
- Register for a text, call or email when he is moved or released.
Where are Denver hearing dates and warrants listed?
These tools cost nothing:
- County Court cases and warrants: the Denver County Court public portal, or 720-337-0410.
- District Court dockets: Colorado Judicial Branch docket search (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/dockets); choose Denver.
- Records: court record request form (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form), or 303-606-2300.
- Jail questions: Downtown Detention Center, 720-337-0400.
Someone with a warrant may surrender at 490 W. Colfax, preferably with a lawyer beside him.
Who should I phone before paying?
Two calls save trouble:
- The Bonding Office, 720-337-0062, for the amount, the hours and accepted payment.
- The Downtown Detention Center, 720-337-0400, to confirm he is booked and held there.
Denver bail contacts
- Jails: Denver jails: Downtown Detention Center, 490 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204, 720-337-0400; Denver County Jail, 10500 E. Smith Road, Denver, CO 80239, 720-913-3642
- Bond guide: Denver bail and bond pages
- Custody lookup: Denver County Inmate Search
- Bonding office: County Court Bonding Office, lobby of the Downtown Detention Center, 490 W. Colfax Avenue; 720-337-0062; online portal through Denver County Court; hours: see question 3
- Courts: Denver County Court, Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204; clerk 720-337-0410 (misdemeanors and first advisements). Denver District Court handles felonies. Second Judicial District
- Public defense: Colorado Public Defender, Denver office, 1560 Broadway, Suite 300, 303-620-4999
- Juvenile: Gilliam Youth Services Center, 2844 Downing Street, Denver, CO 80205; 303-291-8951
Details here may change; check with the bonding office or the jail first. This overview is not legal advice.
Denver County Jail
Address:
10500 East Smith Road
Denver, CO 80239
Phone:
720-913-3600
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Denver County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Denver County?
Who can set bail in Denver County?
When is bail set in Denver County Colorado?
Does Denver County have bail?
Yes, Colorado is a bail state and therefore Denver County has bail. Once bail is paid or the accused secures a bond accepted by the courts, the accused should be released within 6 hours of when the jail is notified, unless ankle bracelet monitoring or other conditions requiring more time have to be set up.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Denver County?
Denver County Colorado recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Denver County?
A bond hearing officer sets bail in Colorado.This officer must be an attorney and can set bail for any court in the state and is available on weekends and holidays via audio-visual technology that allows the public to view the hearing.
When is bail set in Denver County Colorado?
Bail is set in Colorado the first time the accused is brought into court, usually directly from jail within 48 hours after the arrest. This first appearance to determine bail or bond is called initial appearance or 1st advisement. Bail can be determined before criminal charges are read. The judge will advise the arrested that they are being investigated and will set bail except for cases involving homicide.
Bail and Bond Frequently Asked Questions for Denver County Colorado
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Denver County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Denver County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will remain detained in the Denver County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Denver County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Denver County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid. Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Denver County have bail?
Yes, Colorado is a bail state. Once bail is paid or the accused secures a bond accepted by the courts, the accused should be released within 6 hours of when the jail is notified, unless ankle bracelet monitoring or other conditions requiring more time have to be set up.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Denver County?
Denver County Colorado recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Denver County?
A bond hearing officer sets bail in Colorado.This officer must be an attorney and can set bail for any court in the state and is available on weekends and holidays via audio-visual technology that allows the public to view the hearing.
When is bail set in Colorado?
Bail is set in Colorado the first time the accused is brought into court, usually directly from jail within 48 hours after the arrest. This first appearance to determine bail or bond is called initial appearance or 1st advisement. Bail can be determined before criminal charges are read. The judge will advise the arrested that they are being investigated and will set bail except for cases involving homicide.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Denver County Colorado?
Yes, the accused can ask for bail reduction at the second court appearance if it was set by a judge at the first appearance.
In Denver County Colorado, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Colorado could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Denver County Colorado?
Yes, each jail has an online payment system. To contact the jail for online payment information, go to the Denver County Jail for more information about the jails in Denver County.
What options are there to pay bail in Denver County Colorado?
Cash is accepted. Personal checks are not accepted but a certified check, money order or cashier’s check are accepted. Payment of bail by credit cards is permitted.
Contact your Clerk of Court, sheriff’s office or police station clerk to ask how cash can be paid for bail. To contact the jail for information about cash payments, go to the Denver County Jail for more information about the jails in Denver County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Colorado?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount.
If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Denver County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Colorado?
The jail or court can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies in Denver County but they cannot recommend a specific company. You can read reviews about bond companies or get recommendations.
Find out exactly how much a bondsperson would charge, including extra costs. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company.
Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
Bail Bond Laws of Colorado
Effective January 1, 2022
1. Bond fees, booking fees, and other fees or debts never need to be paid to secure a person’s release on money bond. A payor need only pay the bond amount in order to secure release.
2. While never a basis to hold a defendant in jail, the following fees are chargeable as a debt to the defendant after release if the payor chooses not to pay the fees at the time of bonding: a $10 bond fee and a maximum 3.5% credit card payment fee. No other bond-related fees may be charged at any time, including any kiosk fees or fees for payment by cash, check, or money order.
3. Bond payments are to be made out to the holding county and are never to be made out in the name of the incarcerated person.
4. A sheriff must release a defendant within six hours after a personal recognizance bond is set and the defendant has returned to jail or within six hours after a cash bond has been set and the defendant has returned to jail and the defendant or surety notified the jail that bond is prepared to be posted, unless extraordinary circumstances exist. In the event of a delay of more than six hours, a surety and the defendant have a right to know what, if any, extraordinary circumstance is causing the delay. Supervisory conditions of release do not justify a delay in release; except that a sheriff may hold a defendant for up to 24 hours if necessary to ensure a defendant is fitted with required electronic monitoring.
5. Anyone who posts a money bond has the right to receive a copy of the bond paperwork, including documentation of the next upcoming court date.
6. A surety may never be asked to use posted bond money to pay a defendant’s debts. Only when defendants have posted their own money bond may they be asked if they would like to voluntarily relinquish bond money to pay their debts. Relinquishment of bond money by a defendant to pay a debt is never required and is entirely a voluntary choice by the defendant.