County Court
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to...
I need to get information about a divorce. Where do I start?
Divorce matters are not handled in the Denver County Court. Instead, they are handled at the State level in Denver District Court. You will need to contact them at 720-865-8301 for assistance, or check on their web page: Colorado State Judicial Website
top
I need to handle a probate matter. Who do I speak with?
Probate matters are not handled in the Denver County Court. Instead, they are handled at the State level in Denver District Probate Court. You will need to contact them at 720-865-8301 for assistance, or check on their web page: Colorado State Judicial Website
top
I need assistance with a child support matter. Who do I speak with?
Child support matters are not handled in the Denver County Court. Instead, they are handled at the State level in Denver District Juvenile Court. You will need to contact them at 720 865-8285 for assistance, or check on their web page: Colorado State Judicial Website
top
I have a juvenile record I want expunged. What do I do?
Expungements are a sealing of juvenile records in the General Sessions Division. A Denver County Court judge reviews the Petition and signs the Order. The process takes approximately 30 days from the date the Petition is filed.
Certain criteria must be met when requesting a record to be expunged:
· One year has passed with the completion of a juvenile diversion program.
· All charges were dismissed, or the defendant was acquitted of all charges.
top
I want my record sealed. Who do I talk to?
Sealing of record restricts public access to an arrest or criminal record. A defendant and/or their attorney may petition the District Court (not the County Court) to seal records by filing a civil action in the county where the charges were filed. An informational packet can be obtained from Denver District Court Room 256, City and County Building (720 865-8301).
Petitions are accepted if any of the following requirements are met:
· All charges were dismissed, or the defendant was acquitted of all charges.
· There is only an arrest record and no charges were filed.
· Records may not be sealed if they pertain to any class 1 or class 2 traffic offense, or to any class A or class B traffic infraction, or any conviction for a violation of 42-4-1301(1) or (2) Colorado Revised Statute, Alcohol Driving related offenses.
· The defendant must obtain pertinent information from the original arrest or criminal records to complete the Petition. A fee may be required to obtain this information.
· District Court will require a fee for each Petition filed.
top
I want to appeal the judge's decision in my case. What should I do?
The appeal process requests that a higher court review another court’s sentencing. An appellant can file an appeal regarding the ruling made by a Denver County Court judge. Appeals are filed in the division where the case was adjudicated, but are heard in Denver District Court. The appellant has 30 calendar days from the date of judgment to file an appeal with the exception of Civil, which allows 15 calendar days from the date of judgement.
Each division has an appeal instruction booklet handout that guides the appellant through the appeal process. Clerks cannot provide legal advice on appeal procedures.
General Sessions – Room 140, City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202.
General Sessions also handles Permanent Restraining Order Appeals from Courtroom 124D
Criminal – Room 111, City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202.
Civil – 1515 Cleveland Place 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80202.
Traffic/Parking/Photo Radar – Room 109, City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202.
Contact the specific divisions for further instructions.
top
I was summoned to jury duty, and need to talk to someone about it. Who do I call?
When you are summoned to jury duty, the summons does NOT come from the Denver County Court. It comes from the State Jury Commissioner's office, based out of the District Court. You must contact them directly at 720-865-9100.
top
I believe the judge that heard my case was rude and treated me unfairly. Where do I complain?
The Denver County Court Judicial Discipline Commission was created by City Charter and has the authority to review the conduct of a judge or magistrate of the Denver County Court. The Commission has the power to recommend that the Mayor censure, reprimand or otherwise discipline County Court judges. That discipline can range from suspension to removal or retirement of a judge. The Commission may also make recommendations to the Presiding Judge of County Court regarding discipline or removal of any magistrate. Please note that the Commission is not a court of law and cannot review the legal or factual aspects of judicial officers’ decisions or rulings. Those issues are matters for appeal. For more information about the Commission or to obtain a complaint form, contact the Presiding Judge’s office at 720-865-7870.
top
I want to petition for a name change. Where do I go?
Name changes are handled through the Civil Division, located at 1515 Cleveland Place, on the 4th floor. You may also call them at (303) 640-5161 for further directions.
top
I'm getting married, and need information about obtaining the license, etc. I see you have a webpage listing judges who do the weddings, but no info about obtaining the license. Why is that?
The Denver County Court does not issue marriage licenses. We simply list the judges who are available to perform weddings if a couple chooses to be married by a judicial officer. The license itself must be obtained through the Clerk and Recorder's Office.
top