Judicial Districts

C.R.S. tit. 13, art. 5
in effect

C.R.S. § 13-5-101 Judicial districts and terms

13-5-101. Judicial districts and terms. The state is divided into twenty-three judicial districts as prescribed by this part 1. Terms of court shall be fixed by rules adopted by the district court in each district; except that at least one term of court shall be held each calendar year in each county within the district, at the county seat of such county.

C.R.S. § 13-5-102 First district

13-5-102. First district. (1) The first judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Gilpin and Jefferson. (2) (a) The number of judges for the first judicial district shall be eleven. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2004, the number of judges for the first judicial district shall be twelve. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the first judicial district shall be thirteen. (d) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2011, (SB 11-028), ch. 21, p. 52, § 1, effective March 11, 2011.) (e) Repealed. (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2012, the number of judges for the first judicial district shall be thirteen. (g) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the first judicial district is fourteen. (3) (a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the district and county judges regularly assigned to Gilpin county may sit and maintain their official chambers at a single location anywhere within such county, and any related office may also be maintained at such location. (b) As used in this subsection (3), "related office" includes but need not be limited to the offices of the sheriff, county clerk and recorder, county treasurer, clerk of district court, and clerk of county court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-103 Second district

13-5-103. Second district. (1) The second judicial district shall be composed of the city and county of Denver. (2) (a) The number of judges for the second judicial district shall be nineteen. Effective January 1, 1978, the number of judges shall be twenty. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the second judicial district shall be twenty-one. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the second judicial district shall be twenty-three. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the second judicial district is twenty-five. (e) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the second judicial district is twenty-seven.

C.R.S. § 13-5-104 Third district

13-5-104. Third district. (1) The third judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Las Animas and Huerfano. (2) The number of judges for the third judicial district shall be two. (3) The third judicial district shall be divided into two divisions. The northern division shall consist of the county of Huerfano, and the southern division shall consist of the county of Las Animas. One judge of the district shall maintain his official residence and chambers in the northern division of the district, and one judge shall maintain his official residence and chambers in the southern division of the district. Travel and maintenance expenses shall be allowed a judge of the district only when he is outside the county of his official residence. For all other purposes, the district shall be considered as a single entity. The allocation of judges to the northern and southern divisions shall be made by court rule. In the event that the judges of the district are unable to agree upon an allocation by rule, the matter shall be determined by the chief justice of the supreme court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-105 Fourth district

13-5-105. Fourth district. (1) The fourth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of El Paso and Teller. (2) (a) The number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be fifteen. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2002, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be sixteen. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be seventeen. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2004, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be nineteen. (e) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be twenty. (f) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district shall be twenty-two. (g) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district is twenty-three. (h) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the fourth judicial district is twenty-four.

C.R.S. § 13-5-106 Fifth district

13-5-106. Fifth district. (1) The fifth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake, and Summit. (2) (a) The number of judges for the fifth judicial district shall be six. (b) and (c) Repealed. (d) At least one of the judges for the fifth judicial district shall maintain his or her official chambers and residence in the county of Eagle, Lake, or Summit.

C.R.S. § 13-5-107 Sixth district

13-5-107. Sixth district. (1) The sixth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan. (2) (a) The number of judges for the sixth judicial district shall be two. (b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2012.) (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2012, the number of judges for the sixth judicial district shall be four.

C.R.S. § 13-5-108 Seventh district

13-5-108. Seventh district. (1) The seventh judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. (2) (a) The number of judges for the seventh judicial district shall be three. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the seventh judicial district shall be four. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2011, the number of judges for the seventh judicial district shall be five.

C.R.S. § 13-5-109 Eighth district

13-5-109. Eighth district. (1) The eighth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Larimer and Jackson. (2) (a) The number of judges for the eighth judicial district shall be five. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the eighth judicial district shall be six. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the eighth judicial district shall be seven. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the eighth judicial district shall be eight. (e) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the eighth judicial district is nine.

C.R.S. § 13-5-110 Ninth district

13-5-110. Ninth district. (1) The ninth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Garfield, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco. (2) (a) The number of judges for the ninth judicial district shall be five. (b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2013.)

C.R.S. § 13-5-111 Tenth district

13-5-111. Tenth district. (1) The tenth judicial district shall be composed of the county of Pueblo. (2) (a) The number of judges for the tenth judicial district shall be six. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the tenth judicial district shall be seven. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the tenth judicial district is eight.

C.R.S. § 13-5-112 Eleventh district

13-5-112. Eleventh district. (1) The eleventh judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Park. (2) (a) The number of judges for the eleventh judicial district shall be three. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the eleventh judicial district shall be four. (3) The eleventh judicial district shall be divided into two divisions. The northern division shall consist of the counties of Chaffee and Park, and the southern division shall consist of the counties of Fremont and Custer. One judge of the district shall maintain his official residence and chambers in the northern division of the district, one judge shall maintain his official residence and chambers in the southern division of the district, and one judge shall sit in both divisions as assigned by the chief judge. Travel and maintenance expenses shall be allowed a judge of the district only when he is outside the county of his official residence. For all other purposes the district shall be considered as a single entity. The allocation of judges to the northern and southern divisions shall be made by court rule. In the event that the judges of the district are unable to agree upon an allocation by rule, the matter shall be determined by the chief justice of the supreme court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-113 Twelfth district

13-5-113. Twelfth district. (1) The twelfth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache. (2) (a) The number of judges for the twelfth judicial district shall be two. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the twelfth judicial district shall be three. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2015, the number of judges for the twelfth judicial district shall be four.

C.R.S. § 13-5-114 Thirteenth district

13-5-114. Thirteenth district. (1) The thirteenth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma. (2) (a) The number of judges for the thirteenth judicial district shall be four. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the thirteenth judicial district is five.

C.R.S. § 13-5-115 Fourteenth district

13-5-115. Fourteenth district. (1) The fourteenth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Grand, Moffat, and Routt. (2) (a) The number of judges for the fourteenth judicial district shall be two. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the fourteenth judicial district shall be three.

C.R.S. § 13-5-116 Fifteenth district

13-5-116. Fifteenth district. (1) The fifteenth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Baca, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Prowers. (2) The number of judges for the fifteenth judicial district shall be two.

C.R.S. § 13-5-117 Sixteenth district

13-5-117. Sixteenth district. (1) The sixteenth judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Bent, Crowley, and Otero. (2) The number of judges for the sixteenth judicial district shall be two.

C.R.S. § 13-5-118 Seventeenth district

13-5-118. Seventeenth district. (1) The seventeenth judicial district shall be composed of the county of Adams and the city and county of Broomfield. (2) (a) The number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be eight. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2002, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be nine. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be ten. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be eleven. (e) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be thirteen. (f) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district shall be fifteen. (g) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the seventeenth judicial district is sixteen. (3) The seventeenth judicial district shall have jurisdiction over all causes of action accruing and all crimes committed within the city and county of Broomfield on or after November 15, 2001. Prior to November 15, 2001, the judicial districts for the counties, as they existed prior to November 15, 2001, shall have jurisdiction over all causes of action accruing and crimes committed within such counties.

C.R.S. § 13-5-119 Eighteenth district

13-5-119. Eighteenth district. (1) The eighteenth judicial district shall be composed of Arapahoe county. (2) (a) The number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be fourteen. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2002, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be fifteen. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be sixteen. (d) (I) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2004, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be seventeen. (II) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be eighteen. (III) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be twenty. (IV) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district shall be twenty-one. (V) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2014, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district is twenty-three. (VI) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district is twenty-four. (VII) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2025, the number of judges for the eighteenth judicial district is seventeen. (e) The district judges regularly assigned to Arapahoe county shall maintain their offices in one location within Arapahoe county. (3) Repealed.

C.R.S. § 13-5-120 Nineteenth district

13-5-120. Nineteenth district. (1) The nineteenth judicial district shall be composed of the county of Weld. (2) (a) The number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be four. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2002, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be five. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be six. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be seven. (e) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2008, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be eight. (f) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2009, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district shall be nine. (g) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district is ten. (h) Subject to available appropriations, effective January 1, 2020, the number of judges for the nineteenth judicial district is eleven.

C.R.S. § 13-5-121 Twentieth district

13-5-121. Twentieth district. (1) The twentieth judicial district shall be composed of the county of Boulder. (2) (a) The number of judges for the twentieth judicial district shall be six. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2003, the number of judges for the twentieth judicial district shall be seven. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2004, the number of judges for the twentieth judicial district shall be eight. (d) Subject to available appropriations, effective June 30, 2010, the number of judges for the twentieth judicial district shall be nine.

C.R.S. § 13-5-122 Twenty-first district

13-5-122. Twenty-first district. (1) The twenty-first judicial district shall be composed of the county of Mesa. (2) (a) The number of judges for the twenty-first judicial district shall be four. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the twenty-first judicial district shall be five. (c) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2019, the number of judges for the twenty-first judicial district is six.

C.R.S. § 13-5-123 Twenty-second district

13-5-123. Twenty-second district. (1) The twenty-second judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Dolores and Montezuma. (2) (a) The number of judges for the twenty-second judicial district shall be one. (b) Subject to available appropriations, effective July 1, 2007, the number of judges for the twenty-second judicial district shall be two.

C.R.S. § 13-5-123.1 Twenty-third district

13-5-123.1. Twenty-third district. (1) The twenty-third judicial district shall be composed of the counties of Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln. (2) Subject to available appropriations, the number of judges for the twenty-third judicial district is eight.

C.R.S. § 13-5-123.2 Twenty-third judicial district - elections in 2024 - reports - repeal

13-5-123.2. Twenty-third judicial district - elections in 2024 - reports - repeal. (1) (a) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), commencing with the presentation in 2021 and each presentation thereafter to and including the presentation in 2025, at the joint hearings conducted pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article 7 of title 2, the judicial department shall report on its progress toward making the system changes and other steps necessary for the creation of the twenty-third judicial district. Prior to these presentations, the judicial department shall request input from each of the counties in the then-existing eighteenth judicial district and include their input in the presentation. (b) For state fiscal years 2020-21 to 2024-25, as part of its annual budget requests to the joint budget committee of the general assembly, the judicial department shall include details about any budget requests related to the preparation for and creation of the twenty-third judicial district. (c) At its presentation in 2026, at the joint hearings conducted pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article 7 of title 2, the judicial department shall prepare a final report detailing the entire transition process from the enactment of House Bill 20-1026, enacted in 2020, to the effective date of the creation of the twenty-third judicial district, detailing what aspects went relatively smoothly, what aspects created issues, and any recommendations to the general assembly concerning how any future revision of judicial district lines might be made easier. (1.5) To facilitate the establishment of the twenty-third judicial district and the revision of the eighteenth judicial district, prior to January 14, 2025, the operations and employees of the eighteenth judicial district may be divided into two distinct units. (2) Due to the creation of the twenty-third judicial district in 2025, at the general election in November of 2024: (a) A question shall be presented to the electors of Arapahoe county concerning the election of the district attorney for the eighteenth judicial district who will take office in January of 2025; (b) A question shall be presented to the electors of the counties of Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln concerning the election of the district attorney for the twenty-third judicial district who will take office in January of 2025; and (c) Any district court judge of the eighteenth judicial district who is eligible for retention at the November 2024 election may stand for a retention election from the electors of the eighteenth judicial district. (3) (a) Effective January 14, 2025, any district court judge who on that date was serving as a district court judge in the eighteenth judicial district and who lives within the boundaries of the new twenty-third judicial district shall, pursuant to section 10 of article VI of the state constitution, complete the term for which the judge was last elected or appointed as a district court judge in the twenty-third judicial district. Such district court judges are eligible for a retention election in the twenty-third judicial district in the same year that they would have been eligible for a retention election in the eighteenth judicial district but for the creation of the twenty-third judicial district. (b) On and after January 14, 2025, assignment of judges shall be pursuant to sections 10 and 11 of article VI of the state constitution. (4) This section is repealed, effective July 7, 2027.

C.R.S. § 13-5-124 Appointment of clerk and employees

13-5-124. Appointment of clerk and employees. District court personnel shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions of section 13-3-105.

C.R.S. § 13-5-125 Clerks to keep records

13-5-125. Clerks to keep records. The clerks of district courts shall keep the financial records prescribed by the state court administrator under the provisions of section 13-3-106.

C.R.S. § 13-5-126 Duties of bailiff

13-5-126. Duties of bailiff. It is the duty of every bailiff to preserve order in the court to which he may be appointed; to attend upon the jury; to open and close the court; and to perform such other duties as may be required of him by the judge of the court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-127 Duties of reporters

13-5-127. Duties of reporters. The shorthand reporter, on the direction of the court, shall take down in shorthand all the testimony, rulings of the court, exceptions taken, oral instructions given, and other proceedings had during the trial of any cause, and in such causes as the court may designate.

C.R.S. § 13-5-128 Compensation of reporter

13-5-128. Compensation of reporter. The shorthand reporter of a court of record shall be compensated for preparation of the original and any copies of the typewritten transcript of his shorthand notes at such rates as from time to time may be established and promulgated by the supreme court of the state of Colorado. Where, in a court of record, no shorthand reporter is employed and trial transcripts are prepared by other court personnel, such personnel shall be similarly compensated for any transcript preparation required to be accomplished in other than normal working hours.

C.R.S. § 13-5-130 Reporters to file verified statements

13-5-130. Reporters to file verified statements. (Repealed)

C.R.S. § 13-5-131 Multiple-judge districts

13-5-131. Multiple-judge districts. In any district court composed of more than one judge, each of the judges shall sit separately for the trial of causes and the transaction of business and shall have and exercise all the powers and functions, as well in vacation of court as in term time, which he might have and exercise if he were the sole judge of said court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-132 Powers of judges sitting separately

13-5-132. Powers of judges sitting separately. Each court held by the several judges, while sitting separately, shall be known as the district court in and for the county where such court is held and shall have the same power to vacate or modify its own judgments, decrees, or orders rendered or made while so held as if the said court were composed of a single judge.

C.R.S. § 13-5-133 Judges may sit en banc - purpose - rules

13-5-133. Judges may sit en banc - purpose - rules. (1) In any district court composed of more than one judge, the judges may sit en banc at such times as they may determine, for the purpose of making rules of court, the appointment of a clerk and other employees, subject to the provisions of section 13-3-105, and other ministerial duties, subject to the administrative powers delegated to the chief judge by the chief justice of the supreme court pursuant to section 5 (4) of article VI of the state constitution. (2) Subject to the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court, a district court sitting en banc may make rules: (a) To facilitate the transaction of business in the courts held by the judges sitting separately; and (b) To provide for the classification, arrangement, and distribution of the business of the court among the several judges thereof. (3) Judges of a district court in districts having more than one judge may sit en banc only for the purposes enumerated in this section, and the court so sitting en banc shall have no power to review any order, decision, or proceeding of the court held by any judge sitting separately.

C.R.S. § 13-5-134 Juries

13-5-134. Juries. Jurors may be summoned and empaneled for each of the judges sitting separately as though each were the sole court.

C.R.S. § 13-5-135 Time limit on judgment

13-5-135. Time limit on judgment. Every motion, issue, or other matter arising in any cause pending or to be brought in any district court of this state, and which is submitted to any such court for judgment or decision thereof, shall be determined by the court within ninety days after the adjournment of court. This section shall not be so construed as to prohibit a decision after the expiration of the time limited, but only as working a forfeiture as provided in section 13-5-136.

C.R.S. § 13-5-136 Forfeit of salary

13-5-136. Forfeit of salary. (1) If any judge of any district court, to whom any motion, issue, or other matter, arising in any cause, is submitted for judgment or decision, fails or neglects to decide or give judgment upon the same within the time limited by section 13-5-135, such judge shall not receive from the state treasury any salary for the quarter in which such failure occurred, when the following requirements are satisfied: (a) The party aggrieved by the failure of such judge to rule in a timely manner files a complaint demanding the withholding of the salary of such judge with the commission on judicial discipline established in section 23 (3) of article VI of the state constitution; (b) The commission on judicial discipline, in accordance with rule 4 of the Colorado rules of judicial discipline, investigates the judge's alleged violation of section 13-5-135; (c) After such investigation the commission on judicial discipline, in accordance with rule 4 of the Colorado rules of judicial discipline, makes a recommendation concerning the allegation to the Colorado supreme court; and (d) If deemed appropriate, the Colorado supreme court issues an order directing the department of the treasury to withhold the judge's salary. (2) This section shall not apply in case of the sickness or death of a judge.

C.R.S. § 13-5-137 Judges seeking retention in office

13-5-137. Judges seeking retention in office. (Repealed)

C.R.S. § 13-5-138 Appeals to district court

13-5-138. Appeals to district court. If a statute provides for review of the acts of any court, board, commission, or officer by certiorari or other writ and if no time within which review may be sought is provided by statute, a petition to review such acts shall be filed in the district court not later than thirty days from the final action taken by said court, board, commission, or officer.

C.R.S. § 13-5-139 Transfer of information from orders for child support and maintenance to child support enforcement agency - payment of support and maintenance

13-5-139. Transfer of information from orders for child support and maintenance to child support enforcement agency - payment of support and maintenance. (1) On and after July 1, 1991, and contingent upon the executive director of the department of human services notifying the state court administrator that a particular county or judicial district is ready to implement and participate in the family support registry created in section 26-13-114, C.R.S., the clerk of the court of every judicial district in the state shall transfer the information described in section 26-13-114 (7), C.R.S., to the delegate child support enforcement unit within five working days after entry or modification of a court order or filing of an administrative order in any IV-D case, as defined in section 26-13-102.5 (2), C.R.S. (2) to (4) Repealed.

C.R.S. § 13-5-140 Transfer of certain registry functions - cooperation between departments

13-5-140. Transfer of certain registry functions - cooperation between departments. The judicial department and the department of human services shall cooperate in the transfer of the functions relating to the collection of child support from the courts to the child support enforcement agency specified in article 13 of title 26, C.R.S. In order to implement such transfer, which shall be completed on or after July 1, 1991, and upon notification to the state court administrator by the executive director of the department of human services that a particular county or judicial district is ready to implement and participate in the family support registry, the judicial department shall transfer to the state child support enforcement agency all necessary data, computer programs, technical written material, and budgetary information and shall provide such technical assistance as may be required. The judicial department shall retain payment records relating to child support orders until the executive director of the department of human services notifies the state court administrator that retention of the records is no longer necessary.

C.R.S. § 13-5-141 Compilation - sentences received upon conviction of felony

13-5-141. Compilation - sentences received upon conviction of felony. (1) The state court administrator's office shall, by March 1 and by September 1 of each year, prepare and make available to the public at each district court, for a reasonable charge, a compilation of the sentences imposed in felony cases by each judge in each district court. Such compilation shall include: (a) The name of each judge; (b) The name of each offender and a description of the crime for which he was convicted; (c) The sentence imposed by each such judge for each such felony case; and (d) A statement that complete information concerning aggravating and mitigating factors, plea and sentence concessions, and other sentencing considerations is available in the court file. As soon as practical, such information shall be included in the compilation.

C.R.S. § 13-5-142 National instant criminal background check system - reporting

13-5-142. National instant criminal background check system - reporting. (1) On and after March 20, 2013, the state court administrator shall send electronically the following information to the Colorado bureau of investigation created pursuant to section 24-33.5-401, referred to in this section as the "bureau": (a) The name of each person who has been found to be incapacitated by order of the court pursuant to part 3 of article 14 of title 15, C.R.S.; (b) The name of each person who has been committed by order of the court to the custody of the behavioral health administration in the department of human services pursuant to section 27-81-112; and (c) The name of each person with respect to whom the court has entered an order for involuntary certification for short-term treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-108.5 or 27-65-109, for extended certification for treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-109 (10), or for long-term care and treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-110. (1.5) Not more than forty-eight hours after receiving notification of a person who satisfies the description in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of subsection (1) of this section, the state court administrator shall report such fact to the bureau. (2) Any report made by the state court administrator pursuant to this section shall describe the reason for the report and indicate that the report is made in accordance with 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (g)(4). (3) The state court administrator shall take all necessary steps to cancel a record made by the state court administrator in the national instant criminal background check system if: (a) The person to whom the record pertains makes a written request to the state court administrator; and (b) No less than three years before the date of the written request: (I) The court entered an order pursuant to section 15-14-318, C.R.S., terminating a guardianship on a finding that the person is no longer an incapacitated person, if the record in the national instant criminal background check system is based on a finding of incapacity; (II) The period of certification or commitment of the most recent order of certification, commitment, recertification, or recommitment expired, or a court entered an order terminating the person's incapacity or discharging the person from certification or commitment in the nature of habeas corpus, if the record in the national instant criminal background check system is based on an order of certification or commitment to the custody of the behavioral health administration in the department of human services; except that the state court administrator shall not cancel any record pertaining to a person with respect to whom two recommitment orders have been entered pursuant to section 27-81-112 (7) and (8), or who was discharged from treatment pursuant to section 27-81-112 (11) on the grounds that further treatment is not likely to bring about significant improvement in the person's condition; or (III) The record in the case was sealed pursuant to section 27-65-109 (7), or the court entered an order discharging the person from certification in the nature of habeas corpus pursuant to section 27-65-115, if the record in the national instant criminal background check system is based on a court order for involuntary certification for short-term treatment of a mental health disorder. (4) Pursuant to section 102 (c) of the federal "NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007" (Pub.L. 110-180), a court, upon becoming aware that the basis upon which a record reported by the state court administrator pursuant to subsection (1) of this section does not apply or no longer applies, shall: n a court order for involuntary certification for short-term treatment of a mental health disorder. (4) Pursuant to section 102 (c) of the federal "NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007" (Pub.L. 110-180), a court, upon becoming aware that the basis upon which a record reported by the state court administrator pursuant to subsection (1) of this section does not apply or no longer applies, shall: (a) Update, correct, modify, or remove the record from any database that the federal or state government maintains and makes available to the national instant criminal background check system, consistent with the rules pertaining to the database; and (b) Notify the attorney general that such basis does not apply or no longer applies.

C.R.S. § 13-5-142.5 National instant criminal background check system - judicial process for awarding relief from federal prohibitions - legislative declaration

13-5-142.5. National instant criminal background check system - judicial process for awarding relief from federal prohibitions - legislative declaration. (1) Legislative declaration. The purpose of this section is to set forth a judicial process whereby a person may apply or petition for relief from federal firearms prohibitions imposed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (d)(4) and (g)(4), as permitted by the federal "NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007" (Pub.L. 110-180, sec. 105). (2) Eligibility. A person may petition for relief pursuant to this section if: (a) (I) He or she has been found to be incapacitated by order of the court pursuant to part 3 of article 14 of title 15, C.R.S.; (II) The person has been committed by order of the court to the custody of the behavioral health administration in the department of human services pursuant to section 27-81-112; or (III) The court has entered an order for the person's involuntary certification for short-term treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-108.5 or 27-65-109, for extended certification for treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-109 (10), or for long-term care and treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-110; and (b) He or she is a person to whom the sale or transfer of a firearm or ammunition is prohibited by 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (d)(4), or who is prohibited from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition pursuant to 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (g)(4). (3) Due process. In a court proceeding pursuant to this section: (a) The petitioner shall have an opportunity to submit his or her own evidence to the court concerning his or her petition; (b) The court shall review the evidence; and (c) The court shall create and thereafter maintain a record of the proceeding. (4) Proper record. In determining whether to grant relief to a petitioner pursuant to this section, the court shall receive evidence concerning, and shall consider: (a) The circumstances regarding the firearms prohibitions imposed by 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (g)(4); (b) The petitioner's record, which must include, at a minimum, the petitioner's mental health records and criminal history records; and (c) The petitioner's reputation, which the court shall develop, at a minimum, through character witness statements, testimony, or other character evidence. (5) Proper findings. (a) Before granting relief to a petitioner pursuant to this section, the court shall issue findings that: (I) The petitioner is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety; and (II) Granting relief to the petitioner is not contrary to the public interest. (b) (I) If the court denies relief to a petitioner pursuant to this section, the petitioner may petition the court of appeals to review the denial, including the record of the denying court. (II) A review of a denial shall be de novo in that the court of appeals may, but is not required to, give deference to the decision of the denying court. (III) In reviewing a denial, the court of appeals has discretion, but is not required, to receive additional evidence necessary to conduct an adequate review.

C.R.S. § 13-5-142.8 Notice by professional persons

13-5-142.8. Notice by professional persons. Under sections 13-9-123 (1), 13-9-124 (2), 13-5-142 (1), and 13-5-142.5 (2), an order for involuntary certification for short-term treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-108.5 or 27-65-109 must also include a notice filed by a professional person pursuant to section 27-65-108.5 or 27-65-109, and an order for extended certification for treatment of a mental health disorder pursuant to section 27-65-109 (10) must also include a notice filed by a professional person pursuant to section 27-65-109 (10).

C.R.S. § 13-5-143 Judge as party to a case - recusal of judge upon motion

13-5-143. Judge as party to a case - recusal of judge upon motion. (1) If a judge or former judge of a district court is a party in his or her individual and private capacity in a case that is to be tried within any district court in the same judicial district in which the judge or former judge is or was a judge of a district court, any party to the case may file a timely motion requesting that the judge who is appointed to preside over the case recuse himself or herself from the case. (2) If a district court receives a motion filed by a party pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the judge who is appointed to preside over the case shall recuse himself or herself if he or she is a judge of a district court in the same judicial district in which the judge or former judge who is a party to the case in his or her individual and private capacity is or was a judge of a district court. (3) If a judge recuses himself or herself pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the chief justice of the Colorado supreme court or his or her designee shall appoint a judge from outside the judicial district to preside over the case. (4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a water judge or referee when he or she is acting within his or her exclusive jurisdiction over water matters pursuant to section 37-92-203, C.R.S.

C.R.S. § 13-5-144 Chief judge - veterans treatment court authority

13-5-144. Chief judge - veterans treatment court authority. The chief judge of a judicial district may establish an appropriate program for the treatment of veterans and members of the military. In establishing any such program, the chief judge, in collaboration with the probation department, the district attorney, and the state public defender, shall establish program guidelines and eligibility criteria.

C.R.S. § 13-5-145 Truancy detention reduction policy - legislative declaration

13-5-145. Truancy detention reduction policy - legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds that: (a) Imposing a sentence of detention on a juvenile who violates a court order to attend school does not improve the likelihood that the juvenile will attend school and does not address the underlying causes of the juvenile's truancy; (b) The best methods to address truancy and its underlying causes and the resources needed to implement those methods are different in each community; (c) Since 2014, the juvenile courts in many judicial districts around the state have successfully reduced the use of detention for juveniles who are truant by implementing pilot projects through which the juvenile court imposes reasonable sanctions and, where possible, provides incentives to attend school, reserving detention as a sanction of last resort; and (d) These pilot projects need additional time to produce meaningful data regarding the effectiveness of the alternate sanctions and incentives and to determine whether they result in improved outcomes for juveniles and their families. (2) The chief judge in each judicial district, or his or her designee, shall convene a meeting of community stakeholders to create a policy for addressing truancy cases that seeks alternatives to the use of detention as a sanction for truancy. Community stakeholders may include, but need not be limited to: (a) Parents; (b) Representatives from school districts; (c) Representatives from county departments of human or social services; (d) Guardians ad litem; (e) Court-appointed special advocates; (f) Juvenile court judges; (g) Respondent counsel; (h) Representatives from law enforcement agencies; (i) Mental health-care providers; (j) Substance use disorder treatment providers; (k) Representatives from the division of criminal justice in the department of public safety; (l) Representatives from the state department of human services; and (m) Representatives from the department of education. (3) The chief judge in each judicial district shall adopt a policy for addressing truancy cases no later than March 15, 2016. In developing the policy for addressing truancy cases, the chief judge and the community stakeholders shall consider, at a minimum: (a) Best practices for addressing truancy that are used in other judicial districts and in other states; (b) Evidence-based practices to address and reduce truancy; (c) Using a wide array of reasonable sanctions and reasonable incentives to address and reduce truancy; (d) Using detention only as a last resort after exhausting all other reasonable sanctions and, when imposing detention, appropriately reducing the number of days served; and (e) Research regarding the effect of detention on juveniles. (4) The state court administrator's office shall report to the judiciary committees of the house of representatives and the senate, or any successor committees, no later than April 15, 2016, regarding the policy for addressing truancy cases adopted by each judicial district.

C.R.S. § 13-5-201 District court magistrates

13-5-201. District court magistrates. (1) District court magistrates may be appointed, subject to available appropriations, pursuant to section 13-3-105, if approved by the chief justice of the supreme court. (2) A district court magistrate shall be a qualified attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this state and in good standing. Nothing in this part 2 shall affect the qualifications of water referees appointed pursuant to section 37-92-203 (6), C.R.S. (2.5) District court magistrates shall have the power to solemnize marriages pursuant to the procedures in section 14-2-109, C.R.S. (3) District court magistrates may hear such matters as are determined by rule of the supreme court, subject to the provision that no magistrate may preside in any trial by jury. (3.5) District court magistrates shall have the power to preside over matters specified in section 13-17.5-105. (4) For purposes of this part 2, the Denver probate court shall be regarded as a district court.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.docxFetched: 10/6/2026