Denver County Court

Juvenile Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT MY CASE ONLINE?

No, juvenile records are confidential. You, your parents, legal guardian, or attorney of record may have access to the file and can have copies of selected court documents at the Clerk’s Office in Room 160 of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Photo identification will be required.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO PAY MY FINE?

Juvenile 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, juvenile cases must be heard in the county where you received the summons and complaint. The only time your case will be transferred to a different court is if the Denver Juvenile District Court orders your case relinquished to be heard in District Court.

CAN I REQUEST A CONTINUANCE OF MY COURT DATE?

If the case is scheduled for an Arraignment, a one-time continuance can be done over the phone by a parent/guardian contacting 720-337-0410 and making the request through the Clerk’s Office.  If the scheduled hearing is not an Arraignment, you must submit a written continuance request to the judicial officer in the case.  Only in emergency situations such as military service, death in the family or an illness resulting in hospitalization can court dates be continued to a future date.  Proper documentation must be presented upon appearing in court.

CAN I REQUEST AN EXTENSION TO PAY A FINE?

You and your parent or legal guardian 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 Judge 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 subpoena’s online and information on how to serve the subpoena. Serving the subpoena 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. Men are not allowed to wear hats or any type of head gear.

Other Courtroom Rules:

  • No food, drink, or gum chewing;
  • No weapons;
  • No markers;
  • No sharp objects;
  • Turn off pagers, cell phones, and other electronic devices;
  • 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.

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.  Request an accommodation online.  You request and accomodation 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) 337-0410.

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 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 may be notified and a hold placed on your license which could prevent you from getting your license or 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 two options for clearing the warrant.

  • Post the full amount of the bond imposed and all required fees. 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 must have a parent or legal guardian with you at the time of posting bond.  You will be given a new court date to appear.
  • You can appear for the add-on docket Monday through Thursday at 8:00 a.m.  The warrant will remain active until you appear.

If you choose not to do either of these options, your warrant will remain active and you could be arrested at any time. The County Court Marshal’s 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 could spend time in a juvenile detention facility.

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 LOST MY CASE. CAN I FILE AN APPEAL?

Yes, view the Appeal Section for more information.

CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS ON A FINE?

You and your parent or legal guardian 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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