The maximum penalty for misdemeanors filed in the Fort Collins Municipal Court is a fine of $1,000 or 6 months in jail, or both. If a fine or cost is assessed in your Municipal Court case, that amount is due when it is assessed. If you cannot pay the amount due in full at that time, you will need to talk with a clerk about signing a Promissory Note. If you sign a Note and then fail to pay that Note on time, a charge of Failure to Pay Fines will be added and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. Additional fines and costs of at least $75.00 will be added to the total due on the warrant.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor and you fail to appear for Court or pay the fine prior to your Court date, costs will be added and a summons for Failure to Appear and a warrant for you arrest will be issued. Again, additional fines and costs of at least $75 will be added.
Remember, the above only applies to Fort Collins Municipal Court. The penalties and procedures in other courts will be different.