Jefferson County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Jefferson County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing. In Jefferson County this is the first thing that will happen in a criminal case. The defendant will be brought before a judge in Jefferson County Criminal Court and the judge will read the charges that were filed against the defendant. The judge will also read the rights the defendant has and ask the defendant if they understand both the charges filed against them and their rights as a defendant in the case. In Jefferson County a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest may be entered. In a guilty or no contest plea the sentencing of the defendant may take place at the same arraignment hearing or a later date may be scheduled for sentencing. For a not guilty plea, a date will be set for a trial.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
Jefferson County Criminal Court
Appealing a Criminal Conviciton
A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Jefferson County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
What is a Plea Agreement?
A plea agreement is a deal made between the prosecution and the defendant in a case, where the defendant agrees to plea guilty to a particular charge in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. In practice, more than 90% of criminal cases end with a plea agreement.
Who can help me in Jefferson County?
For general information about your case the Jefferson County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.
Sentencing in Jefferson County
In Jefferson County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Jefferson County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Jefferson County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Prosecutor in Jefferson County
In Jefferson County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Jefferson County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Colorado. For the most part, the prosecutor in Jefferson County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
Required Court Appearances in Jefferson County
Any required court appearances in Jefferson County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
Jefferson County Criminal Court Locations
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Jefferson County District Court
Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-271-6145 Fax: 303-271-6188 -
County Court of Jefferson County
Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-271-6145 Fax: 303-271-6188 -
Arvada Municipal Court
Address: 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Phone: 720-898-7150 Fax: 720-898-7164 -
Edgewater Municipal Court
Address: 2401 Sheridan Boulevard, Edgewater, CO 80214
Phone: 303-235-0500 -
Golden Municipal Court
Address: 911 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-384-8006 Fax: 303-384-8001 -
Lakewood Municipal Court
Address: 445 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226
Phone: 303-987-7400 Fax: 303-987-7447 -
Morrison Municipal Court
Address: 110 Stone Street, Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: 303-697-8749 Fax: 303-697-8752 -
Mountain View Municipal Court
Address: 4176 Benton Street, Mountain View, CO 80212
Phone: 303-432-9097 Fax: 303-423-5239 -
Westminster Municipal Court
Address: 3030 Turnpike Drive, Westminster, CO 80030
Phone: 303-658-2240 Fax: 303-429-8684 -
Wheat Ridge Municipal Court
Address: 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone: 303-235-2835 Fax: 303-235-2829