Denver County Court

Criminal Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT MY CASE ONLINE?

Yes. It can take up to two weeks for your case to be available online. You must have your case number in order to see your case for free.

Municipal Ordinance Case Numbers: Case numbers can be found on the summons and complaint issued for municipal ordinance violations and on all court paperwork. The case number will start with the year, then the letters “GV” and then a number.  If your summons has a “GS”, you can call the Clerk’s Office at 720-337-0410 and a case number will be provided.

Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses: Case numbers for misdemeanor and petty offense violations can be found on all court paperwork. Summons and complaints for misdemeanor and petty offense violations are given a case number after the case is filed with the Court. You must call the Clerk’s Office to get your case number at 720-337-0410, or you can pay $2.00 to search for your case using your name and date of birth. This $2.00 search will show all cases you have in Denver County Court. Misdemeanor and petty offense case numbers start with the year, then the letter “M” and then a number.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO PAY MY FINE?

If you received a summons and complaint that can be paid without coming to court, and you choose to pay, you must pay your fine and fees prior to the court date. You can pay online. You can also mail a check or money order made payable to the Manager of Finance to 520 W. Colfax, Room 160, Denver CO 80204, along with a signed copy of your summons and complaint indicating you are pleading guilty. Your payment must be received prior to the court date.

The majority of criminal summons and complaints require a court appearance and cannot be paid prior to court. If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the judicial officer will sentence you. Your sentence usually includes fines and costs which must be paid the same day of sentencing.

CAN I TRANSFER MY CASE TO ANOTHER COUNTY?

No, criminal cases must be heard in the county where you received the summons and complaint.

IF THERE IS NO FINE AMOUNT LISTED ON THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT, HOW DO I PAY?

If you received a summons and complaint that does not list a fine amount, you must appear on the court date and at the location listed on your summons and complaint. If you plead guilty, the Judge will impose the fine at that time.

CAN I REQUEST A CONTINUANCE OF THE COURT DATE ON THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT?

If your summons and complaint is scheduled for the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse located at 520 W. Colfax, you may request a  one time continuance. The continuance can be for any reason, but the request must be in advance of the current date and time and you cannot be in custody or on bond.  The Continuance will not exceed two weeks. Continuances can be requested and received in person, over the telephone or electronically via the Court’s Website with a valid email address;

CAN I REQUEST AN EXTENSION TO PAY A FINE?

You can request time to pay your fine after you have appeared in court. You will need to speak to a collection investigator and provide financial information   . The collection investigators are located in Room 160 of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue. The collection investigator will decide if you qualify for an extension or payment plan. You will be required to make a down payment. Typically, if the amount you owe is $100 or less, you will need to pay in full on the day you appear in court.

NOTE: If at any time you file for bankruptcy protection, pursuant to Title 11, Section 523(a) U.S.C., debts for fines, penalties, forfeitures, or criminal restitution obligations are not dischargeable in a bankruptcy action and must be paid.

CAN I REQUEST A CONTINUANCE OF MY TRIAL DATE?

Because there are many parties involved and you have the right to a speedy trial, you must see the judicial officer to request a continuance of a trial date.

HOW DO I SUBPOENA DOCUMENTS OR WITNESSES?

You can subpoena (require) someone to come to court to testify and bring documents or other forms of physical evidence. Access subpoenas online and information on how to serve the subpoena. Subpoenas are free, however, serving the subpoenas is at your own expense.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS WHEN I GO TO COURT?

Dress in business attire. Shirt and shoes are required. Casual attire such as wearing a tank top or shorts is inappropriate and the Judge could decide not to hear your case if dressed inappropriately.

Other Courtroom Rules:

  • No food, drink, or gum chewing;
  • No weapons;
  • All electronic devices, except lap tops for the purpose of taking notes, devices used to schedule future proceedings and muted cell phones, must be turned off in the courtroom;
  • Address the judge as “Your Honor”
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude;
  • Be on time for your hearing;
  • Do not enter the area between the counsel table and judge’s bench without permission;
  • If you are under the age of 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you.
  • No electronic transmission of information from the courtroom including cell phone texting, photos, videos, cell phone calls, internet use and other similar communication is prohibited unless approved by the judge or magistrate.

HOW DO I REQUEST A DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION?

It is the policy of the Court to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal and full access to the judicial system. To request an accommodation, complete the ADA Request Form. You should file this form with the Court’ ADA Coordinator as far in advance as possible, but at least five (5) days before the date that you need the accommodation.

WHAT IF I DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH?

The Court provides interpreters upon request. You can submit your request online or call the Court as soon as possible to make the request.

Cases scheduled for the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at 520 W. Colfax Avenue, should call (720) 377-0410.

CAN I BRING CHILDREN TO COURT?

It is not recommended that you bring children to court. Court proceedings can take a long time and individuals waiting for their case to be called must remain quiet. Some judges do not allow children in the courtroom.

Children may be brought to the Warm Welcome Court Childcare Center while their caregivers are conducting court business. The Childcare Center is a safe drop-in center that is free of charge. You can read more about the Childcare Center and their policies and procedures.

WHAT IF I MISS MY COURT DATE OR TRIAL DATE?

If you miss your court date, you should contact the Court as quickly as possible to find out the status. You can access your case status online for free if you have your case number or you can call the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at (720) 337-0410.

The Court will order a warrant for your arrest. If the Court is holding any bond money, that money can be forfeited to the Court. The Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles will be notified and a hold will be placed on your license which could result in your license being cancelled.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST?

If you have a warrant for your arrest you have three options for clearing the warrant.

  • Turn yourself in to the Denver Police Department and be booked into jail. You will be brought before a judge, but more than likely you will spend a night in jail;
  • Post the full amount of the bond imposed and all required fees. To find the bond amount, you can look up your case online. You must go to the Bonding Office located on the first floor of the VanCise-Simonet Detention Center, 490 W. Colfax Avenue to pay the bond. You will be given a new court date to appear.
  • Pay a warrant cancellation/docket fee of $100 and receive a new appearance date. The $100 fee is nonrefundable. You can do this online or appear and pay the fee at the Clerk’s Office in Room 160 of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue. This will cancel your warrant and get your case back on the Judge’s docket. Note: You may only use this option if you failed to appear at arraignment and your case does not involve domestic violence.  Personal checks will not be accepted.

If you choose not to do any of these options, your warrant will remain active and you could be arrested at any time. The Marshals actively work to arrest individuals who fail to appear or comply with a court order. You could also be arrested by other law enforcement officers if you are stopped or contacted. If you are arrested, you will need to post bond or wait to appear before a Judge before you are released. The arrest will be a permanent part of your criminal record.

If you have a warrant for your arrest because of a case in another court, you must contact the court that issued the warrant and inquire about their warrant cancellation policies.

HOW DO I CLEAR A HOLD PLACED ON MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?

You must pay all outstanding fines or fees owed to the Court before the Court will release the hold on your driver’s license. For more detailed information, see the OJW Section of this site.

I WON MY CASE. WILL MY JURY FEE BE REFUNDED?

Yes. Your jury fee will be mailed to the person who deposited the money with the Court within 6 weeks after the disposition of the case. If you do not receive your refund, call (720) 865-7805.

If the depositor’s address has changed, tell the Judge or clerk.

I LOST MY CASE. CAN I FILE AN APPEAL?

Yes, view the Appeal Section for more information.

CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS ON A FINE?

You can request time to pay your fine after you have appeared in court. You will need to speak to a collection investigator in person and provide financial information   . The collection investigators are located in Room 160 of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue. The collection investigator will decide if you qualify for an extension or payment plan. You will be required to make a down payment. Typically, if the amount you owe is $100 or less, you will need to pay in full on the day you appear in court.

NOTE: If at any time you file for bankruptcy protection, pursuant to Title 11, Section 523(a) U.S.C., debts for fines, penalties, forfeitures, or criminal restitution obligations are not dischargeable in a bankruptcy action and must be paid.

I RECEIVED A SUBPOENA – NOW WHAT DO I DO?

You must appear in court. Failure to appear in court in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order and the Court may issue a warrant for your arrest.

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