Denver County Court

Getting Ready for Final Hearing

NOTE:  If you lost your paperwork and don’t know when your Final Hearing is scheduled, you can find your court date by doing a Court Date Search.

If your ticket is an infraction and you plead not guilty, a Final Hearing will be scheduled.  At the Final Hearing a Judge or Magistrate will hear your case and there will be no prosecutor present.  The police officer will state why he or she gave you the ticket.  You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.

You or your attorney can:

  • Make an opening statement;
  • Present evidence;
  • Argue the law;
  • Bring witnesses;
  • Question (cross-examine) the officer who gave you the ticket; and
  • Make a closing statement.

When the case is called, you should step to the counsel table.  The officer will testify first.  After the testimony, the Judge or Magistrate will ask you if you want to cross-examine the officer.  This means you can ask the officer questions about matters brought up in his or her testimony and other related matters concerning the case.  It does not mean introducing your testimony at that time.

You have the right to remain silent and not testify in your defense.  After hearing the officer’s testimony, you may waive the right to remain silent by testifying to your version of the facts.  If you choose to testify, you may be asked questions (cross-examined) on matters that were brought up in your testimony.  You may also call witnesses and present evidence such as photographs, charts, or other written materials.

After all witnesses have testified, the Judge or Magistrate will ask if either side wishes to make a closing statement.

You should come prepared:

  • Understand the charge(s).  You can read the charges in the Denver Revised Municipal Code.
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask the witnesses and the officer during cross-examination.
  • Bring evidence you want to give to the judicial officer.
  • Subpoena witnesses if you want to require someone to come to court to testify and bring documents.  Subpoenas are free, however serving the subpoenas is your responsibility.

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