Image of a gavel and balance scale with the words Municipal Courts

There are more than 215 Municipal Courts that handles cases with violations of municipal ordinances.  These can include traffic enforcement, minor in possession, petty theft, nuisances, weeds, brush and trash, and animals.  However, there are some municipal courts that hear more serious violations such as assault, battery, and domestic violence. Town or City ordinances, court rules and state statutes govern the court proceedings.

Important Information

The Colorado Association for Municipal Court Administration (CAMCA) was established in 1970 and offers trainings that cover those things that you deal with every day or on a fairly regular basis as a Court employee.  The trainings cover court procedures, customer service, DMV, interpreters, court appointed council, warrants, bonding, and case flow/records management.  To join CAMCA, you must be affiliated with a Colorado Municipal Court and pay an annual membership fee. 

A great overall resource is Colorado Municipal Judges Association.  You can also find forms on their site but please note that they are for informational purposes only.   You should always have your attorney authorize the use of your forms.

 

FAQs

A default will list the charge and the points associated with the charge on the driving record.  According to statute, the points associated with a default can be used toward a point suspension.  A default is considered by statute a conviction of the original charge(s).  A $30 administrative fee is assessed on all defaults.  This administrative fee is in addition to any other fees assessed by the court.  Once the person pays the administrative fee, the court keeps $15 and $15 is sent to DMV.
 
An OJW is not a conviction but will place a hold on the person's driving record.  An OJW does not carry points. If there is a conviction on the ticket, the court must send the conviction to DMV separately.  A $30 administrative fee is assessed on all OJW's.  This administrative fee is in addition to any other fees assessed by the court.  Once the person pays the administrative fee, the court keeps $15 and $15 is sent to DMV.

 

Acquittal 
A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction. 

Admissible 
A term used to describe evidence that may be considered by a jury or judge in civil and criminal cases. 

Affidavit 
A written or printed statement made under oath. 

Appeal 
A request made after a trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues that a higher court review the decision to determine if it was correct.  To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the "appellant;" the other party is the "appellee." 

Arraignment 
A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty. 


Docket 
A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings. 
Motion 
A request by a litigant to a judge for a decision on an issue relating to the case 
Statue 
A law passed by a legislature.
 
Subpoena 
A command, issued under a court's authority, to a witness to appear and give testimony. 

Warrant 
Court authorization to conduct a search or make an arrest. 

External Resources

Colorado Association for Municipal Court Administration (CAMCA)

Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles

Colorado - Local, State and Federal Court Rules (Provided by LexisNexis)

Colorado Municipal Judges Association

Colorado Revised Statutes (Provided by LexisNexis)

National Association for Court Management (NACM)