What's Next for Officer Dunagan? What to Watch for at His November 2 Court Hearing
~Anne Boswell
Just two weeks away from the pre-trial conference for Las Animas Police Officer Thomas Dunagan and you might be wondering what could go down that day.
On November 2nd at 10am, Dunagan is expected to appear for the hearing, which can be described as a check-in with the judge, the District Attorney, and Dunagan's defense attorney.
The purpose is to update on the case's progress. Dunagan faces extortion charges and official misconduct. According to the City of Las Animas, Dunagan is on unpaid leave at this time.
The pre-trial conference could have the judge asking where they are with plea negotiations, discovery updates such as if all evidence and reports have been exchanged between attorneys and sometimes there's an ask for more time, called a continuance.
You can expect the hearing to either be very brief if a continuance is requested or as long as a couple of hours or more.
The hearing is open to the public but if you go to watch the judicial process, you should know a couple of things. A dress code can be enforced by the judge. It doesn't mean you have to dress to the nines like you're the lead attorney on "Law and Order." It just means, don't wear pj bottoms and a dirty hoodie. The judge can actually find attendees in contempt for dressing slovenly in his court. This usually doesn't happen here in Colorado but has been known to happen. Also, you will NOT be able to bring your phone into court. Yes, I know, you might say, "but it's on silent," it doesn't matter. You will have to leave it with the Sheriff's deputy that checks you in if you bring it inside the courthouse. Only attorneys may have computers, tablets, and phones. You must also stay quiet. It's often difficult to hear for all parties to start with as the courtroom is a big room with tall ceilings. And you want to be able to hear all that's said, so pretend your Mama is watching you. Zip your lips.
The pre-trial conference may be the first time the public and media hear anything about the case, especially if the records have been sealed, as they were in this case.
If you really want to follow along, you should be listening for these terms, "discovery is complete, or discovery is not complete." Don't be surprised if a mountain of evidence (discovery) has been received, more time might be needed or at least there will be an ask.
If no more time is needed, they could set a Motions Hearing, this is where they could argue about getting certain evidence thrown out.
A trial date could be set at this hearing if both sides are ready. Should this go to trial it will take several days. Also, there will be challenges as in many small communities there is much family relation and friendships that could exclude someone from being a suitable juror.
Follow us as we follow this all the way through to the end.
Dunagan's pre-trial conference is set for Monday, November 2nd at 10am at the Bent County Courthouse, third floor. (you might want to arrive a little earlier if you plan to attend this public hearing)
(related content: https://www.coloradonewsyourway.com/post/officer-dunagan-s-first-court-hearing-in-charges-of-extortion-and-official-misconduct
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Plea deal and probation will be the outcome