DISTRICT COURT, [COUNTY] COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO
Court Address: [COURT STREET ADDRESS]
Telephone: ([###]) [###-####]
People of the State of Colorado,
Plaintiff,
v.
[DEFENDANT FULL LEGAL NAME],
Defendant.
Case No.: [######]
Division: [##] Courtroom: [##]
MOTION FOR REDUCTION OF BAIL
AND MODIFICATION OF BOND CONDITIONS
[// GUIDANCE: Insert the above caption exactly as it appears on the charging document. Verify Division/Courtroom numbers with the clerk’s office.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction & Relief Requested
- Procedural Posture
- Governing Law & Standard of Review
- Statutory Bail Factors Applied to This Case
4.1 Nature & Circumstances of the Alleged Offense
4.2 Weight of the Evidence
4.3 Defendant’s Ties to the Community
4.4 Prior Criminal History & Record of Court Appearances
4.5 Financial Circumstances & Ability to Post Bond
4.6 Public Safety Considerations - Proposed Alternative Bond & Conditions
- Constitutional Considerations—Excessive Bail
- Request for Hearing
- Prayer for Relief
- Verification (C.R.C.P. 11 & Colo. R. Crim. P. 47)
- Certificate of Service
- Proposed Order (Exhibit A)
1. Introduction & Relief Requested
1.1 Defendant, [DEFENDANT], by and through undersigned counsel, respectfully moves this Court under Colo. Const. art. II, § 19; Colo. R. Crim. P. 46; and the bail provisions codified at C.R.S. tit. 16, art. 4, for an order (a) reducing the current bail amount of $[CURRENT BAIL AMOUNT], and (b) modifying existing bond conditions as set forth below.
1.2 Defendant seeks a reduction commensurate with Defendant’s financial resources and risk profile and proposes an adjusted bail of $[REQUESTED BAIL AMOUNT] or, in the alternative, release on a non-monetary bond with enhanced supervision.
2. Procedural Posture
2.1 On [DATE], Defendant was arrested on charges of [LIST COUNTS], class [FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR] offenses.
2.2 At the [FIRST APPEARANCE / BAIL SETTING] on [DATE], the Court set bail at $[AMOUNT] and imposed the following conditions: [SUMMARIZE CONDITIONS].
2.3 Defendant has remained in pre-trial custody at [FACILITY] for [NUMBER] days, unable to satisfy the bond.
3. Governing Law & Standard of Review
3.1 Under the Colorado Constitution, “[a]ll persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties” except in narrowly defined circumstances. Colo. Const. art. II, § 19.
3.2 Colo. R. Crim. P. 46 directs courts to impose the “least restrictive conditions” necessary to ensure public safety and the defendant’s appearance.
3.3 When bail is alleged to be excessive, the Court must reassess the statutory bail factors de novo and tailor conditions to the individual circumstances of the defendant.
4. Statutory Bail Factors Applied to This Case
[// GUIDANCE: Customize each subsection with fact-specific arguments supported by record citations (police reports, pre-trial services assessments, etc.).]
4.1 Nature & Circumstances of the Alleged Offense
• The offense is non-violent and does not involve a weapon or threat of bodily injury.
• Maximum statutory penalty is [YEARS/MONTHS]; sentencing guidelines permit probation.
4.2 Weight of the Evidence
• Discovery indicates the prosecution’s case relies primarily on [HEARSAY / UNCORROBORATED TESTIMONY].
• Video surveillance reviewed by counsel appears exculpatory.
4.3 Defendant’s Ties to the Community
• Resident of Colorado for [YEARS].
• Immediate family (spouse, two minor children) resides at [ADDRESS]—offering court-approved third-party supervision.
• Full-time employment at [EMPLOYER], verified by letter dated [DATE].
4.4 Prior Criminal History & Record of Court Appearances
• No felony convictions; one prior misdemeanor resolved without failure-to-appear.
• Completed probation successfully in [YEAR], demonstrating compliance with court orders.
4.5 Financial Circumstances & Ability to Post Bond
• Monthly net income: $[FIGURE]; essential expenses: $[FIGURE].
• Defendant cannot reasonably afford the current bail; detention is solely the result of indigence.
4.6 Public Safety Considerations
• Pre-Trial Services risk assessment score: [LOW / MODERATE].
• No history of violence or restraining orders.
• Defendant consents to GPS monitoring, random UA testing, and any other condition the Court deems appropriate.
5. Proposed Alternative Bond & Conditions
In lieu of the existing monetary bond, Defendant proposes:
a. A reduced cash or surety bond of $[REQUESTED AMOUNT]; OR
b. A personal recognizance bond with the following additional safeguards:
i. Pre-Trial Services Level II supervision;
ii. GPS ankle monitor with exclusion zones as ordered;
iii. Weekly check-ins (in person or virtual);
iv. Full compliance with protective orders;
v. Any other reasonable condition to assure appearance and community safety.
[// GUIDANCE: Offer multiple graduated alternatives; Courts appreciate flexibility.]
6. Constitutional Considerations—Excessive Bail
6.1 The Eighth Amendment and Colo. Const. art. II, § 20 prohibit excessive bail.
6.2 Where detention results solely from an inability to pay, bail becomes punitive rather than regulatory, implicating due-process concerns.
7. Request for Hearing
Pursuant to Colo. R. Crim. P. 46(c)(2), Defendant respectfully requests that the Court set this Motion for hearing at the earliest practicable date.
8. Prayer for Relief
WHEREFORE, Defendant prays that this Court:
1. Reduce bail to $[REQUESTED AMOUNT], or, alternatively, grant release on a non-monetary bond with conditions as proposed in Section 5;
2. Order Pre-Trial Services to facilitate immediate release upon posting or execution of the modified bond;
3. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
9. Verification
I, [ATTORNEY NAME], certify under C.R.C.P. 11 and Colo. R. Crim. P. 47 that the foregoing facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry.
10. Certificate of Service
I hereby certify that on the [DAY] day of [MONTH], 20__, a true and correct copy of the foregoing MOTION FOR REDUCTION OF BAIL AND MODIFICATION OF BOND CONDITIONS was filed using the Colorado Courts E-Filing system, thereby serving all parties of record.
/s/ [ATTORNEY NAME]
[ATTORNEY NAME]
Attorney for Defendant
[LAW FIRM NAME]
[ADDRESS] | Tel: ([###]) [###-####] | Email: [EMAIL]
11. Proposed Order (Exhibit A)
text
DISTRICT COURT, [COUNTY] COUNTY, COLORADO
Case No.: [######]
ORDER RE: MOTION FOR REDUCTION OF BAIL
THIS MATTER, having come before the Court on Defendant’s Motion for Reduction of Bail and Modification of Bond Conditions, and the Court being fully advised in the premises, hereby ORDERS:
- The Motion is GRANTED / DENIED.
- Bail is set at $[NEW AMOUNT] / Defendant is released on a [PR / NON-MONETARY] bond.
- The following conditions shall apply:
a. [CONDITION 1]
b. [CONDITION 2]
c. [CONDITION 3] - All other previous orders remain in full force and effect.
DATED this ___ day of ____, 20__.
BY THE COURT:
[Judge’s Name]
District Court Judge
[// GUIDANCE: Attach the Proposed Order as a separate PDF or Word file if local practice requires.]
ATTORNEY SIGNATURE BLOCK (Motion)
Respectfully submitted this [DAY] day of [MONTH], 20__.
/s/ [ATTORNEY NAME]
[ATTORNEY NAME], Reg. No. [BAR #]
[LAW FIRM NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[City], CO [ZIP]
Telephone: ([###]) [###-####]
Email: [EMAIL]
Attorney for Defendant, [DEFENDANT NAME]
[// GUIDANCE:
1. Double-check local administrative orders for county-specific bond guidelines.
2. Attach supporting exhibits (pay stubs, character letters, risk assessment) under separate cover.
3. If the defendant is in custody, coordinate transport order for the hearing.]