Colorado courts and judges laws and regulations govern how judges resolve disputes in interpreting and applying the law. These laws are passed by the various legislative bodies in Colorado, such as the Colorado state legislature, and are enforced by the executive branch of government. A party that is dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court typically may appeal to the intermediate Court of Appeals. They also may have the option of asking the highest state court to hear the case.

The assignment of a case to a Colorado court is determined by the court that has jurisdiction. There are three general types of courts in Colorado:

1. County courts. County judges in CO generally have jurisdiction over traffic cases and other misdemeanors. The vast majority of these cases are resolved without a trial.
2. District courts. A federal district court of Colorado has jurisdiction over federal issues and is subject to review by a United States court of appeals.
3. Supreme Court. There is only one Supreme Court of Colorado and it consists of a panel of judges. A federal court only may overrule a state supreme court when there is an issue of federal jurisdiction.
   

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Learn about the laws regarding county and municipal judges in Colorado

Colorado county and municipal courts are the workhorses of the Colorado judicial system and decide most cases in Colorado. Colorado county courts commonly handle matters of probate law, traffic law and family law. Local rules for county courts address the procedures for assigning cases, issuing subpoenas and filing discovery motions.

I recommend: The City and County of Denver has local rules that govern procedures in the Denver County Court. The City of Colorado Springs provides legal procedures for its municipal criminal court.

Examine laws that affect district CO courts

District courts in Colorado are the trial courts for the federal court system. They also include courts that handle bankruptcy law as separate units of the district courts. District courts have rules that govern court procedures, such as filing civil actions, making motions and requesting continuances.

I recommend: The United States District Court for the District of Colorado provides an up-to-date list of its rules of practice. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado offers its local bankruptcy rules, procedures and other filing information.

Review the laws governing Supreme Court judges in Colorado

The Colorado Supreme Court is the highest state court in Colorado and generally only hears appeals involving state law. It does not make finding of facts and, therefore, does not hold trials. The Supreme Court issues rules for topics like judicial conduct, the discipline of attorneys and the publication of opinions.

I recommend: The Colorado State Judicial Branch has a list of Colorado Supreme Court protocols that cover issues such as oral and case arguments. The Colorado Bar Association lists the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct which are approved by the Colorado Supreme Court.

A basic knowledge of Colorado courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are on the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge of how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to understand the court process and know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in each state that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Colorado courts and Colorado judges, keep the following in mind:

1. The Denver court system is different from the rest of the state because it represents both a city and a county.

2. The Supreme Court in Colorado and Court of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through Colorado court records.

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Locate courts and judges in Colorado

There are 22 judicial districts in Colorado, each containing at least two counties. District courts in Colorado handle any civil, domestic, criminal, juvenile and probate cases. Additionally, there is a court in each county, with jurisdiction limited to that county alone. County courts handle civil matters concerning less than $15,000, misdemeanor and some felony criminal cases, traffic violations, restraining orders and small claims. Colorado also has seven water courts, one in each of the major river basins, that have exclusive jurisdiction over cases concerning water. The Denver court system functions as a municipal and county court and Denver taxes pay to run the court, rather than state taxes.

I recommend: Determine the correct division for your type of question or case on the Denver County Court website. The Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help page provides helpful information, including local court rules and case filing requirements. Link to District and County Courts information, including judges and clerks, on the Colorado Judicial Branch Appellate and Trial Courts page.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Colorado Court of Appeals

The Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Colorado appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are seven judges in Colorado Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has 19 judges.

I recommend: To find information on appellate court decisions, access the Colorado Judicial Branch Search for Opinions page. Obtain biographical information in the directory of Colorado judges for the Court of Appeals provided by the Colorado Judicial Branch.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in Colorado

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Colorado Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. The District of Colorado Bankruptcy Court provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Colorado bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Find answers to your bankruptcy questions on the US Bankruptcy Court – District of Colorado FAQ page. Access the bankruptcy court records search on the District of Colorado Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of Colorado courts and judges, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.

Attorneys have many reasons for keeping informed of Colorado courts and judges news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of appointments as judges die or retire in order to correctly file papers with the court. Courts may change their procedures and administrative rules, which can affect the way that attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may want to know a judge’s legal education and background, as it may affect how a judge comes to a decision.

Anyone who wishes to stay current on news related to courts in Colorado should identify key legal websites in Colorado and check them periodically for updates. The best sources of information on news and trends on Colorado courts and judges include the following:

1. Independent news sources on Colorado judges and courts, such as blogs, newspapers and magazines. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased opinions or news about a court or judge.
2. Court websites. These sites are the best source of official news and trends, such as current appointments and court decisions.
3. Organizations for legal professionals. Meetings of these organizations provide opportunities to get inside news information on courts and judges.
   

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Study sources of unbiased news and trends for CO courts and judges

Journalists frequently report on news and events that affect the Colorado judiciary in online newspapers and magazines. Attorneys and law professors also may provide opinions on recent court decisions in blogs and journals.

I recommend: Examiner.com provides professional reporting on a variety of topics and has a page dedicated to the latest news on the Colorado Supreme Court. U.S. Politics Today provides news for political professionals, including the latest news about the Colorado Supreme Court.

Review CO courts and judges websites to get official news and other information

Colorado courts and judges websites are the best places to get current news about judges for a particular court, as well as information about upcoming appointments and retirements. A Colorado court also may publish important court decisions and opinions on the official website, which can help attorneys stay informed of the latest ruling trends.

I recommend: The Colorado State Judicial Branch contains the latest press releases with official news on Colorado courts. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado provides current announcements, such as a listing of recently filed motions.

Join professional legal organizations to get inside news on Colorado courts and judges

Colorado bar and attorney organizations hold meetings to evaluate and discuss legal news and trends. These meetings also provide an opportunity to hear from attorneys who actually have tried cases before a particular court in Colorado.

I recommend: The Colorado Bar Association has regularly scheduled events to allow attorneys in Colorado to exchange information on courts and judges. The Colorado Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society holds regular events that provide news on Colorado courts and judges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There also are online forums dedicated to news and trends in the Colorado courts. These forums may have a separate directory for each court and typically invite readers to discuss and evaluate news on courts and judges based on personal experience. The evaluation methods may consist of surveys, polls and votes that include reader comments.

Colorado, like other states, has the traditional state Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and trial courts at the district and county level. Types of courts unique to Colorado are the Water Courts, which are responsible for overseeing water rights. Functions of the Colorado courts include providing alternative dispute resolution services, monitoring victim restitution payments, and providing Law School for Journalists classes. In terms of technology, Colorado courts utilize electronic document filing systems and are in the process of developing software that will allow data sharing between organizations.

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Water Courts

Colorado has seven Water Courts (one for each major river basin) that oversee water rights throughout the state. To obtain rights to surface or groundwater, one must go through a process of filing an application with the court, await statements of opposition from individuals, receive recommendations from the division engineer and approval from the water referee and judge.

I recommend: Refer to the Water Courts webpage to learn more about this body’s duties and responsibilities.

Office of Dispute Resolution

The Office of Dispute Resolution works with parties to resolve their conflict in hopes of avoiding the courtroom process. Techniques such as mediation and negotiation are effective methods to getting individuals to sit down, share their points of view and achieve a resolution that leaves both parties satisfied.

I recommend: Refer to the HG.org website for information and resources on resolution techniques utilized by the Office of Dispute Resolution.

Victim restitution

Victim restitution is the process by which a victim receives, from the defendant, compensation for damages for the crime committed against them. Defendants failing to make payments to the victim face late fees, garnishment of wages, suspension of driver's license or a warrant for their arrest.

I recommend: Refer to the U.S. Department of Justice Victim Restitution webpage for more information on the process involved in establishing restitution.

Law School for Journalists

The Colorado Courts offer a Law School for Journalists program designed to provide fundamentals of the legal and judiciary system for individuals to help them accurately report court cases.

I recommend: For more information, refer to the Law School for Journalists webpage.

Lexis Nexis File & Serve

Lexis Nexis File & Serve is an electronic legal document filing system designed to improve efficiency and access to court records and is compatible with other case management and document management software.

I recommend: For more information, refer to the Lexis Nexis File & Serve webpage.

Data Information Sharing (DISH)

Data Information Sharing also known as DISH, will allow the Colorado Department of Human Services' Child Support Enforcement Units to access one another's data when it's completed. Benefits of this project include more efficient court operations, expedited support orders and improved data accuracy.

I recommend: For more information on this project, refer to the DISH webpage.