What are Colorado Court Records?

Index

An index is a list or catalog that helps locate specific case files or documents within the court's record system. It typically includes information such as the names of parties involved, case numbers, dates, and sometimes the nature of the case.

Transcripts

These are verbatim records of everything said during court proceedings, including testimonies, arguments, and rulings. Transcripts are typically prepared by court reporters and are essential for appeals and legal reviews.

Case Files

These are collections of all documents related to a specific legal case. They include pleadings, motions, evidence, orders, and other relevant paperwork filed with the court.

Calendars

Court calendars list the dates and times of court hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings. They help manage the court's docket and inform parties of upcoming events.

Orders

These are official directives issued by a judge that require parties to take specific actions or refrain from certain activities. Orders can address procedural matters, interim decisions, or final rulings.

Judgments

Judgments are the final decisions made by a court regarding the rights and obligations of the parties in a case. They can include monetary awards, injunctions, or declarations of legal status.

Decrees

Similar to judgments, decrees are formal and authoritative orders issued by a court, often in matters of equity, such as divorce or probate cases. They outline the court's final decision and any required actions.

Minutes

These are summaries of what transpired during court sessions, including motions made, orders issued, and other significant actions. Minutes are typically recorded by the court clerk.

Registers of Actions

These are chronological logs of all actions taken in a case, from the initial filing to the final disposition. They provide a comprehensive overview of the case's progress and procedural history.

Civil Cases

Civil cases typically involve disputes between private individuals or entities, such as disagreements over contracts, wills, personal injuries, or family law issues. Government agencies, departments, and officials may also be involved in civil cases.

When deciding civil cases, judges often need to interpret laws promulgated by the legislative branch or rules established by government agencies within the executive branch of the Colorado government. While court proceedings are a common way to resolve legal disputes, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods exist. ADR encompasses two main types: negotiation, where the parties involved control the decision-making, and adjudication, where a neutral third party makes the final decision.

Mediation is the most widely used form of negotiation-based ADR. In mediation, a trained neutral third party assists the disputing parties in resolving, but the parties themselves make the final decision. Arbitration, on the other hand, is the most common form of adjudication-based ADR. In arbitration, a neutral third party listens to the evidence and arguments presented by both sides and then makes a binding decision, known as an award. This award can only be appealed in court under limited circumstances.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases in Colorado trial courts involve charges of violating the laws passed by the Colorado General Assembly. These charges are typically filed by government attorneys, known as district attorneys, who act on behalf of the people of Colorado. Although some criminal charges, called indictments, are brought by grand juries, this method is relatively rare in Colorado.

The Colorado General Assembly defines what constitutes a crime and determines the range of penalties that trial judges may impose on those convicted. The Judicial Branch oversees state courts and probation services, while the Colorado Department of Corrections, part of the executive branch, manages the state prison system and community corrections facilities. Parole also falls under the Department of Corrections. Additionally, the Governor has the constitutional authority to alter the sentences of convicted individuals.

City or municipal governments are organized similarly to the state government. City councils enact ordinances that regulate behavior within city limits. When these ordinances are violated, city attorneys may file charges, leading to trials in municipal courts before municipal judges. Although municipal courts operate outside the state court system, their procedures resemble those used in state courts.

Examples of criminal cases in Colorado include:

Felonies

• Violent Crimes: Murder, assault, robbery, and kidnapping
• Property Crimes: Burglary, arson, and grand theft
• Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances

Misdemeanors

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Simple Assault

Supreme Court

The Colorado Supreme Court is the state's highest judicial authority. Most of its caseload comes from requests to review decisions made by the Colorado Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court also has direct appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the constitutionality of statutes, decisions of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), writs of habeas corpus, water rights adjudication, election-related summary proceedings, and prosecutorial appeals on search and seizure issues in ongoing criminal cases. These specific appeals are filed directly with the Supreme Court, bypassing the Court of Appeals. Additionally, the Supreme Court holds exclusive authority to establish rules for civil and criminal procedure.

The Supreme Court is responsible for licensing and disciplining Colorado attorneys through its attorney regulation system, funded by attorney registration fees. It also oversees the State Court Administrator, the Board of Law Examiners, the Board of Continuing Legal Education, the Commission on Judicial Discipline, and the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee.

The court consists of seven justices who serve ten-year terms. The Chief Justice (CJ), chosen from among the justices, acts as the executive head of the Colorado Judicial System and chairs the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. The CJ appoints the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and Chief Judges of each of the state's 22 judicial districts, with the authority to assign active and retired judges to carry out judicial duties.

Court of Appeals

The Colorado Court of Appeals serves as the state's intermediate appellate court. It primarily has jurisdiction over appeals from Colorado District Courts, Denver Probate Court, and Denver Juvenile Court, with certain exceptions. The court also handles appeals from decisions made by various state administrative boards and agencies, such as the Industrial Claim Appeals Office. Decisions made by the Court of Appeals can be reviewed by the Colorado Supreme Court.

The Colorado Court of Appeals comprises 22 judges, each serving eight-year terms. The court operates in three-member panels, with judges assigned and rotated by the Chief Judge, who the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court appoints. Since the Court of Appeals was established by statute, its jurisdiction is confined to areas specified by state law, along with the inherent powers granted to all courts.

District Court

Colorado is divided into 22 judicial districts, with each county served by a District Court. Many of the 22 judicial districts comprise more than one Colorado county. Judges in the District Court are assigned to the judicial district and may serve more than one Colorado county in a particular judicial district, especially in rural areas where as many as seven counties may be included in a district.

Colorado District Courts may handle many cases, such as dissolution of marriage, civil claims in any amount, probate, juvenile matters, mental health, and criminal matters. A district court decision may be appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals or the Colorado Supreme Court.

Water Courts

Colorado has seven water courts, each located in one of the major river basins: South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Colorado, White, and San Juan. These water courts are divisions of the District Courts, with a District Court judge from each river basin appointed by the Supreme Court to serve as the water judge. The court staff includes a clerk and a water referee, who investigates water rights applications and has the authority to make rulings under the supervision of the water judge. Water courts have exclusive jurisdiction over matters related to water rights, including the determination, use, and administration of water resources. There are no jury trials in Water Courts, and any appeals from their decisions are taken directly to the Colorado Supreme Court.

County Court

Each county in Colorado is served by a County Court, which is presided over by at least one county judge. These courts are responsible for handling traffic violations, minor criminal offenses, and civil cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed $25,000 (increased from $15,000 on January 1, 2019). You have the right to a jury trial in many County Court cases. An appeal of the decision of the County Court may be made to the District Court.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Courts operate as divisions of the County Court, providing a venue for individuals to present their own cases and receive quick resolutions on civil disputes involving amounts up to $7,500. These courts hold both day and evening sessions to serve the public better. Unlike other courts, Small Claims Courts do not offer jury trials; cases are sometimes heard by a magistrate rather than a judge. Typically, neither party in a court case is allowed to have an attorney represent them. Additionally, plaintiffs are limited to filing no more than two claims per month or 18 claims per year in Small Claims Court.

Denver Courts

Denver's Court system is unique compared to the rest of Colorado, mainly because Denver serves as both a city and a county. The Denver County Court operates as both a municipal and county court, with its funding coming solely from Denver taxes rather than state taxes. The city's mayor appoints judges in the Denver County Court. Unlike other areas in Colorado where District Courts manage juvenile and probate cases, Denver has distinct Juvenile and Probate Courts. These specialized courts and the Denver District Court are part of the state court system.

Municipal Courts

Municipal or City Courts handle violations of city ordinances within the boundaries of the cities where the courts are located. These cases typically involve traffic infractions, shoplifting, and minor offenses such as leash-law violations or public disturbances. In some instances, you may be entitled to a jury trial and the opportunity to present your case in Municipal Court. While Municipal Courts are not part of the state court system, you may appeal their decisions to a state court.

Problem-Solving Courts

Colorado has Problem-Solving Courts in all 22 judicial districts to provide alternatives to incarceration for offenders. These specialized courts focus on addressing underlying issues such as mental health and substance abuse by offering intensive supervision and tailored treatment plans. Problem-Solving Courts are designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach. They aim to reduce substance abuse and recidivism by integrating treatment with legal case processing.

Colorado's Problem-Solving Courts include Adult Drug Courts, Juvenile Drug Courts, DUI Courts, Adult and Juvenile Mental Health Courts, Family and Dependency/Neglect Courts, and Veterans Treatment Courts. Participants in Problem-Solving Courts receive comprehensive support from a team of professionals, including probation officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, and mental health experts.

Problem solving courts focus on providing individualized support and supervision, helping participants overcome obstacles on their path to recovery.