Colorado Sex Crime Attorney Blog

Municipal Court vs. County Court in Denver and Across Colorado

Posted by Kyle B. Sawyer | Jul 18, 2016 | 0 Comments

Learn more about the differences between municipal and county court in Colorado.

Image Credit: Pixabay – Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Municipal courts in cities like Castle Rock, Parker, or Larkspur, Colorado, deal with charges arising from city law violations (city code). City attorneys bring cases before municipal judges in municipal court. It's often better to face charges in municipal court, as you may have a better chance of sealing your record after completing your jail or probation sentence. Additionally, jail sentences are shorter in city court than they are for county courts. Municipal courts are separate from county courts, such as the Douglas County Court, Jefferson County Court or Arapahoe County Court. Those who have violated state law will face charges in county court by District Attorneys. Unlike in municipal courts, record sealing is not uniformly possible in county court and many jail sentences can normally be for up to 2 years.

Adams County Jury Trial Attorney: Jury Trials in Colorado Municipal Court vs. County Court

In Brighton, Adams County and across Colorado, jury trials are typically more favorable than judge trials. If you would like a municipal court jury trial, you must request a jury of 6 in writing by the required deadline. The deadline is usually 10-20 days after your first court appearance. You must also pay a $25 jury fee by this deadline. In county court, however, you will automatically get a jury. The most jury members you can get in both courts is six. You should always strive for a bigger jury in either court. The bigger the jury, the better.

Colorado Municipal or County Court Charges – Who Decides Where Charges Are Filed?

In Denver County, Aurora, Lakewood and across Colorado, based on certain city policy and city official policies, police will decide where to file charges. More serious charges, such as DUI / DWAI charges, felony charges, or sex crime charges, will be handled in county and district courts. Violations like domestic violence, harassment, disorderly conduct, littering, shoplifting, or most juvenile crimes will often be handled in municipal / city court.

Colorado Municipal Court Cases: You Need a Lawyer

If you have a case in Littleton Municipal Court, Thornton Municipal Court, or any other municipal court in Colorado, it's imperative to have an attorney fighting alongside you. Having an experienced attorney in municipal court can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your criminal case. You should never plead guilty when you don't understand why or what the possible consequences of that decision are. Never plead just to get out of jail for work. To be sure your rights are protected, call the top criminal defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office today to set up a free initial consultation.

If you or a loved one have more questions about municipal and county courts in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

About the Author

Kyle B. Sawyer

I have a passion for defending others in criminal cases. I am able to empathize with my clients and understand their emotions and fears. I have a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and I understand what it feels like to be wrongly accused of a crime.

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment