Denver County Court is offering a one day program, “RAP it Up (Restorative Accountability Program)”, for persons of all ages who have an outstanding warrant for a ticket for Denver County Juvenile Court known as 191-J to clear their warrant on February 16, 2010. This opportunity will allow persons with outstanding warrants that were issued form Courtroom 191-J, and are more than a year old, to come to court and take care of their warrant without arrest. Members of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar have volunteered to provide attorney counsel free of charge to all who want to take advantage of this opportunity and they will be present on site.
Denver County Juvenile Court hears cases where a juvenile has been ticketed for a minor offense such as curfew, petty theft, possession of marijuana, offenses at schools, etc. In 2009 the court heard over 6400 cases. While the original offense may be minor, failure to clear the case results in a warrant and can impact a person far into adulthood, long after the age of 18. Many do not know that failure to clear the warrant can result in arrest including time in jail, a hold against a driving license and an adult arrest record. The driving related “hold” prohibits persons from obtaining or renewing a driver’s license and in many cases, suspension of a current license. Persons convicted of driving under a suspended license face jail time. This program offers a compromise between holding persons who have violated the law or a City ordinance accountable while allowing for the court to clear its backlog of outstanding warrants.
Persons taking advantage of the “RAP it Up” program should be prepared to pay a minimum fee of $30 for the Outstanding Judgment Warrant and court costs of $46. In some cases the court may impose restitution and/or community service. Arrangements have been made with the Salvation Army food bank so that persons can take care of community service hours on that same day, February 16, 2010. In cases where the $46 court costs are a financial hardship, persons can work off the hours at the food bank. Transportation from the Court to the food back and back will be provided by Denver Parks and Recreation.
Minors, under the age of 18 must appear with a parent or guardian.
Cases will be heard between the hours of 8:30 and 1:30 at the City and County Building, 1450 Cherokee St., #191-J. If people are not sure if they have a warrant they can call 720-865-8099. Participants can also call this line to reserve a time to appear, otherwise we will process persons as they arrive. Questions can also be emailed to JuvenileCases@DenverGov.org. Additional information can be found on Facebook: Denver County Court – Juvenile Division or follow us on twitter: DCCJuvenile
Please contact me if you have questions, think you qualify for this exemption, or seek representation.
