Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. The legal process is complex, filled with unfamiliar terms and requirements. Among the many steps you might encounter, a court order for fingerprints is a common one. While it may seem like a minor detail, understanding this part of the process is crucial for anyone navigating the Colorado criminal justice system. This guide, brought to you by Jesse Wiens Law, an experienced criminal defense attorney, aims to demystify this requirement and provide you with the information you need to feel prepared.
What Are Court-Ordered Fingerprints?
In Colorado, if you are charged with a criminal offense and have not already been fingerprinted and photographed for that charge, the court will order you to do so. This is a standard procedure and is not a sign of guilt. It is simply a way for law enforcement agencies to create an official record of your case. These fingerprints are sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI to be cross-referenced with your name.
The requirement to be fingerprinted is outlined in Colorado law, specifically under Colorado Revised Statute § 16-21-104. This law states that the court must order you to report to the investigating agency for fingerprinting and photographing within 14 days of the charges being filed. The agency is then required to send the fingerprints to the CBI within 24 hours of completion (not including weekends or holidays).
Why Do I Need to Be Fingerprinted?
Court-ordered fingerprints are a vital component of the criminal justice system in Colorado. The primary purpose is to establish an accurate and verifiable criminal history record. While a name-based background check can be prone to errors due to common names, aliases, or misspellings, fingerprints offer a unique identifier that cannot be faked or counterfeited, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy in criminal history checks.
This process is not only for identifying individuals but also for creating a secure record that can be used for tracking the case as it progresses through the legal system. Having a full and accurate understanding of your record is a key part of building your defense strategy, which is why working with a skilled criminal defense law firm in Colorado is so important.
The Process in Eagle County, Colorado
For those facing charges in Eagle County, the process for court-ordered fingerprints is specific and requires adherence to a set of instructions. The fingerprints are taken at the Eagle County Detention Facility. It’s important to note the specific hours and requirements to ensure a smooth process.
Location and Hours
The Eagle County Detention Facility is the designated location for court-ordered fingerprints. You must be aware of the specific hours to complete this task:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Note that on weekends, you must use the West entrance of the building.
What to Bring
To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, you must bring the following items:
- A cash fee of $30
- Identification
- A printed copy of your court paperwork
Bringing a valid, government-issued photo ID is essential. This could be a driver’s license, a state ID card, a passport, or a military ID card. Failing to bring these items could result in a delay in the process, which can have an impact on your case.
What Happens After Fingerprinting?
After your fingerprints are taken, the process doesn’t end there. The prints are sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI for a comprehensive criminal background check. The results of this check, known as a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report, will be sent directly to the investigating agency, not to you or your attorney.
If you believe there are inaccuracies or discrepancies in the report, it is your right to challenge them. The responsibility for correcting such data rests with the contributing agency (e.g., the police department or county court). You can also challenge your record directly with the CBI or the FBI. An experienced defense lawyer in Colorado can guide you through this process and help ensure your record is accurate.
Common Questions About Court-Ordered Fingerprints
Clients often have many questions about the fingerprinting process. Here are some of the most common ones we address:
- Is an appointment required? While some services require appointments, for the court-ordered fingerprints in Eagle County, you can go during the specified hours without an appointment. However, it is always a good idea to confirm with the law enforcement agency where you are being fingerprinted as each jurisdiction can be different.
- What is “Live Scan” and is it acceptable? “Live Scan” is an electronic, ink-less method of capturing fingerprints. It is accepted and preferred by many state and federal agencies because it reduces the chance of smudges and smears, ensuring a high-quality print.
- Can my fingerprints be used for anything else? The fingerprints taken for your criminal case are used to create a criminal history record. It is important to remember that these are separate from fingerprints you might have taken for a job or licensing, which are often non-criminal justice submissions.
Trust a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney
Navigating the criminal justice system is a challenge, and every step, including court-ordered fingerprints, can feel confusing. While this guide provides general information, it is not a substitute for legal advice. Each case is unique, and the best way to protect your rights is to have an experienced advocate on your side.
Jesse Wiens Law is a trusted criminal defense law firm in Colorado with a deep understanding of the local courts and legal processes. We are dedicated to providing clear guidance and strong representation to our clients, ensuring you are never alone in this process. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and to fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don’t wait to get the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a person is charged and has not yet been fingerprinted and photographed, the court may order them to do so under C.R.S. § 16-21-104. This creates an official record in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI.
No. Fingerprinting is a standard procedure for defendant identification and record-keeping. It is not an indication of guilt, merely part of the criminal process.
The court may direct you to report for fingerprinting within 14 days after charges are filed. The agency then must submit to the CBI within 24 hours (excluding weekends/holidays).
Fingerprints ensure unique and accurate identification. Name-based checks can be inconsistent due to aliases or spelling variations; fingerprints eliminate confusion and record errors.
Failing to comply may result in a violation of court order or bond conditions, which can lead to additional legal consequences such as arrest warrants or bond revocation.
Contact Jesse Wiens Law today for a confidential consultation.
