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This section contains information concerning:

CONTEST A PARKING TICKET TO A JUDICIAL OFFICER

To contest a parking ticket before a Judge or Magistrate, you must set a Final Hearing. To set a Final Hearing you must be the owner or operator of the cited vehicle. You will need to appear at the Parking Magistrates Office at 201 W. Colfax Avenue and bring an acceptable form of photo identification and the ticket or Notice of Outstanding Ticket with you.

If you are disputing multiple tickets issued by different officers, you may be required to appear on numerous court dates. You will be issued a Summons for each Final Hearing date. You will also be required to read and sign the Summons and Complaint form. Each Final Hearing Summons may be assessed $26.00 in court costs. The Final Hearing date is usually set 3 weeks from the date you appear in the Parking Magistrates Office.  The Final Hearing will be held in either Courtroom 105 or Courtroom 100 located in the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock Street.

Please note: If your parking ticket is in default status, you will not be allowed to set a Final Hearing and will be required to pay the outstanding amount in full.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PARKING TICKET FINAL HEARING

If you wish to contest your parking ticket before a judicial officer, a Final Hearing will be set. Parking tickets cannot be contested before a Jury. There will be no prosecutor present at the Final Hearing and the police officer or right-of-way officer will state why he or she issued the ticket. You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.

You or your attorney can:

When your case is called, you should step to the counsel table. The officer will testify first. After the testimony, the judicial officer 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 own testimony at that time.

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

Come to your hearing prepared.

  • Understand the violations. You can read the charges in the Denver Revised Municipal Code., or for some violations, in Title 42 of the Colorado Revised Statues
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask your 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.

Please note: Officer notes or other items considered to be discovery are not available until the time of the Final Hearing pursuant to Denver Rules for Non-Criminal Infractions Rule 15.

Should the judicial officer find you responsible for the fine and court costs, you must immediately pay the amount due.

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 other information regarding serving the subpoena and required witness fees.

COURTROOM RULES

Dress in business attire. Shirt and shoes are required casual attire 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 or Magistrate as “Your Honor”;
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude;
  • Be on time;
  • 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.

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO APPEAR

A default judgment will be entered and your vehicle will be placed on the immobilization (boot) list and a $100 boot fee will apply. All fines and fees must be paid in full and you can no longer contest your ticket(s).

HOW TO CANCEL A FINAL HEARING

To cancel a Final Hearing date you must pay all fines and fees. You may pay by U.S. mail, online, in person at the Parking Cashier’s Office at 201 W. Colfax Avenue, or by calling 1-866-9988. Payment must be received 48 hours prior to your scheduled court date. If paying by mail, please include the parking ticket number on your check or money order. Do not send cash.

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