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| Frequently Asked Questions |
Can I lose my job if I serve as a juror?
State law protects a juror’s job. Section 13-71-134, C.R.S. says, “An employer shall not threaten, coerce, or discharge an employee for reporting for juror service as summoned.”
Do I still have to serve on jury duty if I am a dependant of OR an active duty member serving in the military and do not claim residency in Colorado?
Military members are not exempt from jury duty in Colorado. If you are living in the County you are summoned for, you must report for Jury Service. Colorado does not consider your home of record or residence for jury duty purposes; instead, the County in which you are living controls.
How are jurors assigned to trials?
The initial assignment is random. Before a trial begins, jurors may be required to complete questionnaires which provide information relevant to jury service. The parties and attorneys in the case will review this information prior to jury selection. When the jurors arrive in the courtroom, the judge will provide some initial instructions and the parties or the attorneys will ask additional questions of each juror. Each side in the case may ask the court to excuse any juror for a specific cause. Each side is also allotted a certain number of “peremptory” or discretionary challenges for which a cause need not be given. However, the law does not permit these challenges to be made in a discriminatory manner.
How was I chosen for Jury Service?
Each year, the Judicial Branch receives lists of all registered voters and all holders of driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards throughout the state, as well as records from the Colorado Department of Revenue. The lists are merged, duplicates and names of deceased citizens are removed, and the resulting list is divided by county location. Throughout the year, each county requests a certain number of names, based on the number of trials scheduled, which are randomly selected from the list.
If I have a felony conviction, am I eligible to serve on a jury?
By Colorado Revised Statues, Title 13, Article 71 Colorado Uniform Jury Selection and Service Act, §13-71-105 (3), you are eligible to be a trial juror, but you are not eligible to be a grand juror. However, a felony conviction may be a factor the parties consider in determining whether to keep a person on the jury.
What are the legal qualifications for jury service?
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You reside or live at least 50% of the time in the county or municipality from which you have been summoned, whether or not you are registered to vote.
- You are a Citizen of the United States.
- You can read, speak, and understand the English language.
- You have not been selected and served as an impaneled juror in any court within the preceding twelve months, nor have you been scheduled for juror service within the next twelve months by another court. (Any person claiming this disqualification shall submit proof from the appropriate authority verifying prior or pending service.)
- You do not have sole responsibility for the daily care of a permanently disabled person living in the same household, where your juror service would cause substantial risk of injury to the health of the disabled person. (If you do, you may be required to submit a statement from your doctor or authorized Christian Science practitioner to the jury commissioner as soon as possible after receipt of this summons before you may be disqualified.)
- You do not have a physical or mental disability that would affect your ability to serve as a juror. (If you do, you may be required to submit a statement from your doctor or authorized Christian Science practitioner to the jury commissioner as soon as possible after receipt of your summons before you may be disqualified.)
By law, there are no economic, age-related, or occupational exclusions from jury service.
What do I do if I lost my questionnaire?
Use this link ONLY IF you do not have your original summons. Your original summons has barcoded identification on it. Replacement Questionnaire's.
What if I have a disability?
If you require an ADA accommodation for a program or service, please submit request at least 5 business days prior to the date of the program or service. Contact the jury commissioner at the court in which you have been summoned. Under the Americans with Disibilities Act, the jury commissioners can request reasonable accomodations for a person with a disability. For additional information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, please see the ADA section in the Human Resources Division under the Court Administration tab.
What if I have other commitments for the date I’m supposed to appear, how can I obtain a postponement for the jury summons I received?
You have the right to one postponement. You can request a postponement by either completing the postponement section of your paper summons or by completing the postponement request online through your county's homepage. (Click on Jury using the tabs above to find your county's homepage).
What if my employer doesn’t want to pay me for the first three days of service?
Your employer has a duty under state law (§ 13-71-126, C.R.S.) to pay regular wages up to $50 per day if you are regularly employed. Employers may pay more than $50 by mutual agreement. If you are a part-time or temporary worker and have worked for the same employer for three months or more, then you are a regular employee.
What is the “one day/one trial” system?
The “one day/one trial” system has been in effect since 1990 and describes the length of service required for trial jurors. Grand jurors serve a term of twelve months. “One day/one trial” means that any person who is summoned and appears for service may be released from further service unless that person is assigned to a particular trial. When a juror is assigned to a trial, the length of jury service will be for the duration of that trial. In Colorado, the average length of a trial is three days.
Who will pay me for serving as a juror?
Your employer has a duty under state law (§ 13-71-126, C.R.S.) to pay regular wages up to $50 per day if you are regularly employed. Employers may pay more than $50 by mutual agreement. If you are self-employed, you must compensate yourself for the first three days. Unemployed persons may apply for reimbursement of certain expenses during the first three days. After the third day, all jurors receive $50 per day from the state and will be required to fill out a W-9 to begin receiving payment of $50 per day. There are provisions for special hardships and certain expenses; please discuss these with the jury commissioner.
Why do I receive summonses year after year, when other people don’t?
Since the summons process is random, there is no easy explanation to this question. Each name goes into the system with a different random number attached to it each year. In some counties with small populations, almost every qualified citizen will be called for jury service each year due to the number of jury trials requested. However, to help alleviate this situation, a new system was put into place in 2001 whereby an individual who receives a summons in one year will have a lower priority to be called the next year.
How can I file a complaint against an attorney?
To file a complaint against an attorney, contact the Office of Attorney Regulation (303-866-6400 in Denver or toll-free, 877-888-1370).
How can I find a lawyer to represent me?
The courts are not permitted to recommend lawyers. If you have the means to hire a lawyer, you can consult the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory. The website www.martindale.com provides more detailed information about a lawyer's background and areas of specialization.
If you are unable to afford an attorney and you are charged with a criminal offense, ask the judge or court clerk for an application for the Public Defender.
If you are unable to afford an attorney and you have questions about a civil case, contact Legal Aid at (800) 521-6968. There is also information available under the "Self Help" tab of this website, as well as necessary forms under the "Forms" tab if you wish to represent yourself (proceed "pro se").
How can I find out whether an attorney is licensed in Colorado, or whether an attorney has ever been disciplined?
Basic license information is available from the Attorney Registration Office (303-866-6554 in Denver); for an attorney's disciplinary history, you can contact the Office of Attorney Regulation (303-866-6400 in Denver or toll-free, 877-888-1370).
How can I find out which forms I need if I do not have an attorney?
Our Self-Help Page contains forms for various types of cases, as well as instructions on how to proceed. You can download forms from our website at no cost, or purchase them from your local courthouse, generally for a nominal fee. While court staff are prohibited by law from giving legal advice, they may be able to answer basic forms and procedural questions.
How can I file a complaint against a judge?
To file a complaint against a judge, contact the Judicial Discipline Commission (303-894-2110 in Denver).
Can I get a continuance?
If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney will make a formal request for a continuance from the judge. If you are representing yourself (pro se), contact the Clerk of Court for instructions on how to go about requesting a continuance and whether the judge will permit one in your case.
Can I talk to the judge about my case?
Every case has two parties. In a civil case, it is the plaintiff and the defendant. In a criminal case, it is the State of Colorado (represented by the District Attorney) and the defendant. The judge is the impartial trier of facts. As such, it is inappropriate for him or her to have a conversation with one party... without the other party being present. Such a one-sided conversation is referred to as an ex parte communication. Written communications to the judge are always shown to the opposing party for their comment before being shown to the judge.
Comments and Suggestions.
We are always looking for ways to improve our service to the public. The best way for us to do that is to hear from the public about what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong, and what we could be doing better. Please send your comments and/ or suggestions to the District Administrator at chris.yuhas@judicial.state.co.us
Does the court accept faxed pleadings?
Yes, the courts will accept faxed pleadings. The cost is $1.00 per page and credit card information must accompany the documents.
How can I file a complaint against a court clerk?
The clerks are supervised by the Clerk of Court and all complaints should be addressed initially to that individual. However, if you believe you have not received an adequate response to your complaint, the Clerks of Court for Eagle, Summit, Lake, and Clear Creek Counties are supervised by the District Administrator. The District Administrator, Fifth Judicial District may be contacted at PO Box 269, Breckenridge, CO 80424, telephone (970) 547-2635, email: chris.yuhas@judicial.state.co.us.
How do I order a transcript of a hearing?
Fill out the form found under the Court Business Resources tab on this page. After the form is completed, submit it to the Clerk of Court in the county where your case was heard. The Clerk of Court will contact the court reporter or transcriber who took the case with your request. That court reporter or transcriber will then contact you to make arrangements for payment. Partial payment must be made in advance before the court reporter or transcriber will begin work.
How long will my case take?
All cases, whether civil or criminal, are governed by rules of procedure. The rules allow for set amounts of time for service of process, the filing of motions, answers to be made, discovery to be produced and so forth. In addition, the judge may have a case management order in place that will set forth how much time the attorneys have to reach a settlement, or request a jury trial. Every case class is somewhat different, and the time it takes to be resolved by the courts depends on a number of factors including how many parties and witnesses are involved, how simple or complex the issues are, and how full the judge's calendar may be. The Judicial Branch has set organizational goals to encourage the expeditious resolution of cases. In district court, most cases should be resolved within one year; and in county court, most cases should be resolved within six months. However, each case is unique and will be given the amount of time necessary for a fair and just resolution.
How much will it cost me to file a case?
Court filing fees can be found under the "Forms" tab on this website.
I did not show up for court when my case was scheduled. Can I just reset my case for a new date?
If you failed to appear when your case was initially scheduled to be heard, without first notifying the court, a warrant was issued for your Failure to Appear (FTA). You must first come to court in person to resolve the warrant before your case will be reset for a new trial date.
The District Attorney's Office is not returning my telephone calls. Who can I speak to about this?
The District Attorney's Office is part of the Executive Branch of government, and is not part of the Court. If you have an issue concerning the District Attorney's Office, contact the District Attorney, Mark Hurlbert, at: PO Box 488, Breckenridge, CO 80424; or telephone (970) 453-2327.
What evidence display equipment is available in the courtroom?
Clear Creek (Georgetown) has projectors and screens in both courtrooms, as well as a 34" TV with DVD capability.
Eagle has a portable projector, with screens in all courtrooms, a 34" TV with DVD/VCR capability, and a document camera (Elmo).
Lake (Leadville) has a portable projector and screen, a 34" TV with DVD/VCR capability.
Summit (Breckenridge) has a portable projector and screens in courtrooms 1 and 2, and a 36" TV with DVD/VCR capability, and portable document camera (Elmo). Courtroom 3 has an integrated system with the same capabilities.
Are all adults and juveniles who are on Probation required to be supervised by the Probation Department?
No, some adults may be sentenced to unsupervised probation. Lower risk adult offenders on supervised probation may be supervised by a private company under contract with the Probation Department. Some juveniles may be placed on probation and supervised by an agency other than the Probation Department such as the Department of Human Services.
Are there sex offenders who are on Probation?
Yes, some sex offenders are on probation. Most adults are ordered to participate in the Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Program which holds them to very strict standards of conduct. Juveniles are assigned to a juvenile probation officer who only supervises sex offenders. Colorado has strict standards for supervision of sex offenders that are established by the Sex Offender Management Board.
Can Probation be transferred to another part of Colorado?
Yes. There are 22 Judicial Districts in Colorado, each with a Probation Department. Agreements exist with all the departments so that an individual who lives in one area but is convicted of a crime in another can see a Probation Officer close to home. There are certain criteria that must be met in order for a person to transfer to another district and any person desiring such a transfer must discuss this with their current Probation Officer. Juveniles on probation may have their case transferred to their home Judicial District by the Court through the statutory change of venue process.
Can Probation be transferred to another state?
Yes. Colorado participates in the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and the Interstate Compact for Juveniles which govern the movement of offenders between states. There are very specific requirements that must be met before anyone convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors or adjudicated a delinquent will be allowed to move from the state. Generally, we cannot allow someone on Probation to move to another state without the consent of the other state. Talk to your Probation Officer about the requirements and the process. Your Probation Officer must approve of the move and you must apply to the other state through our office and be accepted by them prior to moving.
Can a Probation Officer arrest anyone?
Probation Officers can take individuals who are on probation into custody. They cannot arrest people who are not on probation.
How can I transfer my Probation from another state to Colorado?
Since Colorado participates in the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and the Interstate Compact for Juveniles which govern the movement of offenders between states it may be possible to transfer probation to Colorado. Generally, you must have family or employment to be seriously considered. Talk to your Probation Officer about the requirements and the process. You must apply through the Adult or Juvenile Compact office of the state you are in and be accepted by Colorado prior to moving.
How do I find out if someone is on Probation?
Information about an adult’s sentence is considered public information and is available from the District Court Clerk’s office. Juvenile information is confidential.
How do I pay supervision fees and other costs I am supposed to pay?
Adults who are on supervised probation are required by law to pay a $50 per month supervision fee. Other fines and fees plus restitution may be ordered as well. If you are unable to pay immediately, your Probation Officer will refer you to the Collections Office to set up a payment schedule that fits with your personal budget. If you are a lower risk case and supervised by the private provider who contracts with the Probation Department, your supervision fee will be paid to the provider instead of the Collection Office of the Court.
How does someone get on Probation?
A sentence to probation is ordered by the Court after an adult defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of a criminal offense. A juvenile may be sentenced to probation if adjudicated a delinquent by the Court because of a criminal act. The Probation Department also supervises offenders who reach an agreement for a deferred sentence or adjudication with the District Attorney’s office.
Is Probation the same as Community Corrections?
No. Community Corrections is another sentencing option available to the Judge for adults. However, technically offenders sentenced to Community Corrections are under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department and there are times when a person on probation is placed in the residential program at Community Corrections as a condition of probation. The Community Corrections facility also houses offenders who are coming to the end of their prison sentence and are transitioning back to living in the community.
Is Probation the same as Parole?
No. Probation is a sentencing option imposed instead of a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections for adults or commitment to the Division of Youth Corrections for juveniles. Parole is a conditional release from the secure custody provided by either of these state departments. Supervision requirements may be similar and there are rare occasions when someone is on parole and probation at the same time.
What are the “Terms and Conditions” of Probation?
The Terms and Conditions of probation are the requirements set by the Court as part of the probation sentence. Some conditions, like the necessity to remain law abiding, are required by law and others may be more directly related to the specific individual, like attending mental health counseling or paying restitution.
What does the Probation Department do for victims of crime?
The Probation Department provides services to victims consistent with the Victim Rights Amendment through Victim’s Assistance Coordinators. Individual Probation Officers are responsible for enforcing restitution orders and other conditions of probation.
What happens after I have been put on Probation by the Judge?
Unless the Court specifically places an individual on unsupervised probation, you should immediately report to the Probation Office. At that time you will be given instructions about who your Probation Officer is and when to return. If a Presentence Report was not completed as part of your sentencing process, you will be required to fill out a number of forms so that your Probation Officer has complete information about you. During the time you are on probation you will work with your Probation Officer to complete the terms and conditions of probation set by the Court. If you are a juvenile, your probation may be supervised by an agency other than the Probation Department if so ordered by the Court.
What happens if I don’t do what I am supposed to do while on Probation?
The Court will set the conditions of your probation and those will be reviewed with you by your Probation Officer. Violation of any condition may lead to the filing of a complaint with the Court and a hearing where the Court will determine if you violated your probation and if your probation will be revoked. If probation is revoked, you may be re-sentenced to probation or sentenced to Community Corrections, jail or prison if you are an adult or committed to the Division of Youth Corrections if you are a juvenile.
What is Alcohol Probation?
Alcohol Probation is a type of probation typically ordered in sentences for drinking and driving offenses. The Alcohol Drug Driving Safety Unit (ADDS Unit) is the part of the Probation Department that oversees these probationers. An alcohol evaluation is completed with the defendant and a level of alcohol classes is determined. The ADDS Unit monitors the completions of the alcohol classes, community service, Victim Impact Panel, and any other conditions of the sentence. The probationer does not necessarily have face to face contact with the probation officer after the initial meeting and is not charged a monthly supervision fee.
What is Drug Court?
Drug Court is a special court designed to deal with adult and juvenile defendants whose criminal behavior is directly related to their substance abuse. Participants must be referred for screening by the District Attorney, accepted into the program by the Drug Court Team, and agree to participate. Participants appear in Court weekly and are involved in numerous other activities intended to promote substance free living.
What is a Pre-sentence Report?
A presentence report is a document prepared by the Probation Department about a specific defendant. The report provides the Judge with information about the offense, victim impact and the defendant to help with the sentencing decision. Presentence reports are prepared for juveniles and adults.
What is the AIIM Program?
The AIIM (Alternatives to Incarceration for Individuals with Mental Health Needs) Program is a joint venture between Community Corrections, Mental Health, the Sheriff’s Department and the Probation Department. Intensive supervision and treatment is provided to adults whose criminal conduct is directly linked to their mental health problems. All AIIM participants are on probation.
What is “Restorative Justice”?
Restorative Justice or Restorative Community Justice is a philosophy or way of delivering justice that balances the needs of the victim, community and offender in determining the appropriate response to a criminal offense. In general, people who practice restorative justice believe that crime damages individual and community relationships and that safety and the restoration of those relationships through either voluntary or mandated actions of the offender should be the primary goal of the criminal justice system.
What kinds of offenders are on Probation?
Adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor offenders can be placed on probation. On rare occasions a youth adjudicated for a petty offense may be on probation. A risk assessment is conducted on each probationer to determine the level of supervision necessary to reduce the potential to re-offend. Higher risk offenders are often sentenced to intensive supervision rather than regular probation. Defendants charged with drug related offenses may have their cases assigned to Adult or Juvenile Drug Court, requiring intensive supervision directed to supporting sustained sobriety.
How do I apply for a job with the Colorado Judicial Branch?
Job vacancies are announced on the Colorado Judicial Branch web site. Unless otherwise noted, a Judicial Branch job application form must be submitted in order to be considered for a position within the Colorado Judicial Branch. Resumes, while acceptable, must also be accompanied by the employment application.
Applications are accepted only during the time period listed on the Job Announcements section of the web site and must be submitted or postmarked by the deadline date, unless otherwise noted. Unsolicited applications will not be considered. You may/or may not have your unsolicited application returned. We do NOT retain applications on file for future vacancies, unless otherwise noted.
To apply for a specific job, note the “APPLICATIONS TO:” portion of the advertisement. You should mail or electronically send your application to the person and address listed. Submitting an application to the wrong location may result in not being considered for the position.
How long are open positions posted on the website?
Job announcements are posted to the Judicial Branch website for a minimum of 10 calendar days. However, some hiring managers choose to post a position for longer periods, such as 14 days or one month.
What are the normal business / work hours?
Every courthouse is open between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Normal work business hours occur during this time.
What happens to my application after I apply for a position?
All applications submitted in response to the Job Announcements are reviewed to identify the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the job. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications are usually notified by mail.
During the application review process, applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are screened based on relevance of education and experience.
Applications are ‘scored’ based on a criterion of the fundamental elements of the position.
Application and resume screening is a method for separating unqualified, marginally qualified, and prospectively qualified applicants solely on the basis of the applicant's "paper credentials." This paper screening is an attempt to determine which applicants appear on paper to be the most qualified, appear to have the most suitable work experience or related background, and appear in all other respects to be right for further consideration.
Depending on the urgency to fill the position, interviews will be scheduled soon after the screening process.
What is the difference between "promotional statewide", "promotional within district", "eligibility list", etc.?
Promotional Opportunity for Colorado Judicial Department Employees Only: Designation of a vacant position to be filled by a current employee in the Judicial personnel system.
Promotional Within Judicial District Only: Designation of a need to fulfill the responsibilities of the position by having an employee who is currently working for that particular Judicial District perform tasks above their current classification.
Eligibility List: A list of persons who have been found qualified for appointment to a position in the classified system. Eligibility Lists, unless otherwise noted, in the Colorado Judicial Department are valid for six months from the closing date of the original posting.
What is the difference between probationary, certified and contract employees?
Probationary Employee: A newly hired non-at-will employee serving in a 12-month period of probationary status.
Certified Employee: A classified non-at-will employee who has successfully completed the probationary period.
Contract Employee: An employee whose relationship with the Judicial Department is governed by contract of employment, not by the Personnel Rules.
What set of rules does the Judicial Branch use for employee management?
The Colorado Judicial System Personnel Rules (CJSPR) govern the employees of the Judicial Department. See related PDF and MS Word links below.
PDF Format
What types of employee benefits are available to me as a Colorado Judicial Branch employee?
The Colorado Judicial System Personnel Rules (CJSPR) govern the employees of the Judicial Department. See related PDF and MS Word links below.
Benefits Information
State of Colorado Employee Benefits
Why is there a salary range for each position and where am I hired at in the range?
Each position within the Judicial Branch has a certain salary range assigned to it. Based on experience and other considerable factors, newly hired employees begin their employment towards the beginning of the pay range. Approval from the State Court Administrator’s Office is required for any new hire offered above 30% of the minimum pay rate.
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