With popular destinations like Larimer Square and easy access to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater and the Rocky Mountains, Denver draws thousands of visitors every year. Whether someone is arrested on suspicion of DUI, assault, or another offense, an out-of-state visitor charged with a crime in Denver can face unique and significant challenges. Blackley & Wingad can help them comply with state criminal laws while navigating their case.
Understanding Out-of-State Charges
Every state has unique criminal laws that are enforced through its criminal court system. When someone commits an offense in North Capitol Hill, Central Business District, River North Art District, or elsewhere in Denver, they are subject to Colorado’s laws and jurisdiction. When prosecutors file a case and it is heard at Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, for example, defendants are expected to attend initial appearances, regardless of where they are based.
Denver welcomed nearly 37 million visitors in 2025, and local law enforcement treats visitors and locals alike when enforcing the law. Common offenses that could lead to an arrest in Denver include drug-related offenses, assault, drunk driving, and theft. These crimes contribute to the city’s overall annual crime rate of 50.85 per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
An out-of-state defendant may be required to appear for court proceedings in Denver, but that does not necessarily mean traveling to Colorado for every hearing. Under Colorado Rule of Criminal Procedure 43, defendants are generally required to be present at proceedings such as arraignment, plea, trial, and sentencing.
However, with the court’s approval, defendants may participate by video or audio in proceedings that do not involve a jury. A Denver criminal defense lawyer can determine when an in-person appearance is required and when remote participation may be permitted.
What to Expect Following an Arrest in Colorado When Visiting From Out of State
After an arrest in Denver, an out-of-state visitor may be transported to the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center at 490 W. Colfax Avenue for booking and processing. Defendants, whether they are local or visiting from out of state, go through the same booking process. After release, the defendant is required to appear for an initial hearing and any potential subsequent court appearances.
Only an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Colorado can represent someone in a local criminal court. While courts have discretion over whether a defendant may participate remotely in certain proceedings, having legal representation can be crucial for protecting their rights and potentially reducing the number of court appearances that require them to return to Colorado.
Why Someone Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer From Blackley & Wingad
Being arrested while visiting from out of state can lead to complex legal challenges and other obstacles, which can make balancing a criminal case and personal life difficult, if not overwhelming. When someone decides to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer from Blackley & Wingad, they gain steadfast support from a dedicated legal team that brings more than three decades of combined experience to these matters.
A Denver criminal defense attorney can explain the state’s criminal laws and the potential outcomes of a criminal case. By relying on our vast trial and courtroom experience, we can manage the complexities of their case while taking steps to minimize the need to make appearances in Colorado. While they focus on their personal life and work, we can advocate for their rights and interests in Denver.
FAQs
What Happens If an Out-of-State Visitor Is Charged With a Crime in Colorado?
An out-of-state visitor can potentially become part of Colorado’s roughly 30,000 incarcerated individuals serving time behind bars. Being from another state does not prevent Colorado courts from exercising jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed within the state. A defendant may face jail or prison time, fines, probation, and other penalties associated with the underlying charge.
Do Defendants Have to Return to Colorado for Court After an Arrest?
Defendants may have to return to Colorado for certain court proceedings after an arrest. Colorado Rule of Criminal Procedure 43 generally requires defendants to be present for proceedings such as arraignment, plea, trial, and sentencing. However, with court approval, a defendant may participate by video or audio in proceedings that do not involve a jury, which can potentially reduce the number of trips that are required by the defendant.
Does Colorado Extradite for Misdemeanors?
Colorado can seek extradition for misdemeanor charges, although authorities do not pursue extradition in every case. Leaving the state does not make a pending charge or arrest warrant disappear. If an outstanding Colorado warrant is discovered during a traffic stop or any other encounter with law enforcement in another state, the defendant could be arrested and held while authorities determine whether Colorado will seek their return.
Can a Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer Appear in Court for an Out-of-State Client?
A Denver criminal defense lawyer can represent an out-of-state client throughout a Colorado criminal case, but hiring an attorney does not automatically eliminate the defendant’s obligation to appear. Depending on the proceeding and court approval, the defendant may be permitted to participate remotely by video or audio. An attorney can determine which proceedings require the defendant’s physical presence and seek remote participation when permitted.
What Happens If Someone Ignores Criminal Charges After Leaving Colorado?
Ignoring criminal charges after leaving Colorado does not make the case disappear, and it can potentially complicate their situation. The defendant could be arrested in their home state and potentially held while authorities determine how to proceed with the Colorado case. Failing to attend mandatory court appearances could lead to serious challenges for their case, which is why someone should never ignore a criminal charge in any state.
Talk to a Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being arrested while visiting Denver can leave an accused person facing criminal proceedings hundreds or thousands of miles from home. Blackley & Wingad brings decades of trial experience from more than 100 trials to criminal defense cases.
Our co-founding attorneys began their careers as Assistant Public Defenders in Miami-Dade County, where they gained extensive experience from investigating criminal allegations and preparing serious criminal cases for trial.
With a Denver office and experience in representing clients across multiple jurisdictions, our attorneys bring an aggressive, trial-ready approach to defending visitors accused of crimes in Colorado. Contact Blackley & Wingad, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, to discuss the charges and what to do next in a Denver criminal case.
