Sedgwick County Court Process
Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Sedgwick County.
Court Information
Court Process Timeline
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain Benefits
- • Reduced charges
- • Lighter sentence
- • Certainty of outcome
- • Lower costs
Trial Risks
- • Maximum sentence if convicted
- • Higher legal fees
- • Uncertainty
- • Time consuming
Sentencing
Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.
Don't Face This Alone
A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.
Find Sedgwick County AttorneysThe Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is located at 315 Cedar St, Ste 320, Julesburg, CO 80737. This is where initial intake and processing occurs after a DUI arrest.
DWI Court Procedures in Sedgwick County, Colorado: A Local Guide
Navigating a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge in Sedgwick County, Colorado, requires understanding the local court procedures and unique logistical challenges. This guide provides specific information about the Sedgwick County court system and its handling of DWI cases.
Judicial Rigor and the 13th Judicial District
Sedgwick County operates within the 13th Judicial District, a large administrative region encompassing seven counties. The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prosecutes DUIs aggressively, especially those occurring on Interstate 76. Because of the high speeds on I-76 and potential for accidents, plea offers for "Wet Reckless" (Reckless Driving with alcohol involvement) are less common, especially with a high BAC (over 0.15) or poor driving behavior. The district uses a rotating judicial system; court dockets in Julesburg are not daily but scheduled on specific rotation days, imposing rigidity on scheduling.
Sedgwick County Court Information
Court proceedings are held at the Sedgwick County Combined Court, located at 315 Cedar Street, Julesburg, CO 80737. The court's operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.. Note the strict 3:00 p.m. closing time. Arriving late could lead to a warrant issuance.
County Court Judge Myka M. Landry (Division 5) presides over the majority of misdemeanor DUI cases (first and second offenses). Felony DUIs (4th lifetime offense or injury-related) are handled by District Court Judges such as Chief Judge Carl S. McGuire III, Judge Stevie M.G. Gagliano, and Judge Robert C. James.
Arraignment and Webex Virtual Courts
For out-of-state defendants, physically appearing for a short advisement can be difficult. The 13th Judicial District has implemented virtual courtrooms using Webex. Defense counsel can file a motion for the defendant to appear via Webex. This is widely accepted for procedural hearings but usually not for trials or sentencing.
Obtaining Discovery
Obtaining body cam footage or police reports from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) or Colorado State Patrol (CSP) can be slower than in urban areas. Defense counsel should file discovery requests immediately to ensure evidence is available before the Pre-Trial Conference.
Important Contact Information
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office: 315 Cedar St, Ste 320, Julesburg, CO 80737.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Sedgwick County District Court
Colorado Court System
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in Sedgwick County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know Sedgwick County courts and can fight for the best outcome.