Domestic Violence Fast Track Program

The Fast Track program was developed to accelerate the prosecution of misdemeanor crimes involving domestic violence. The program allows for early intervention and treatment of the offender as well as safe participation of the victim.  Victims are notified of their right to appear and participate in the legal process in accordance with The Victim Rights Act.

The Process

When law enforcement finds probable cause that a crime has occurred involving two persons who are, or have been, in an intimate relationship, the offender must be arrested and transported to jail (Colorado Revised Statute 18-6-803.6).  This mandatory arrest serves to protect the victim and prevent further violence.  After the offender is arrested, the court will hold a bond setting hearing within 48 hours after an arrestee's arrival at a jail or holding center to include hearings on weekends and holidays.  During the hearing the offender is advised of the charges being filed against him/her and the amount of bond.

For the Defendant to post bond, he/she must agree to the conditions of the Mandatory Protection Order (MPO) pursuant to C.R.S 18-1-1001.  The protection order contains conditions such as:

• Defendant shall refrain from contacting or directly or indirectly communicating with the victim(s) or witness(es)
• Defendant shall vacate the home of the victim(s) or witness(es)
• Defendant must stay away from any other location the victim(s) or witness(es) is/are likely to be found.
• Defendant must relinquish all weapons. 

The protection order will remain in place for the duration of the case; however, can be modified by a judge at a court hearing.  To request modification, a Victim Protection Order Modification Request Form must be submitted to our office 48 hours in advance of the next

court date.  Both parties to the case must be present in court for the judge to consider making a modification to the conditions.

At the first court hearing, the defendant may have an opportunity to speak with a Deputy District Attorney (DDA) about a possible plea agreement. The DDA will review case reports, the defendant’s criminal history, and discuss with the victim, prior to considering a plea agreement. 

 If the Defendant does not accept a plea offer, the case is scheduled for jury trial.

If the Defendant accepts the plea offer or is otherwise convicted of any crime, the underlying factual basis of which has been found to include an act of domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3 (1), shall be ordered to complete a treatment evaluation and treatment program that conform with the standards adopted by the domestic violence offender management board as required by section 16-11.8-103 (4), C.R.S