Larimer County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Larimer County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Larimer County.
I need help for my Larimer County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Larimer County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Larimer County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
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.
Larimer County Criminal Court
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
Jury Deliberations in Larimer County
In Larimer County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Sentencing in Larimer County
In Larimer 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.
Larimer County Required Court Appearances
In Larimer County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
What happens in Larimer County at an arraignment?
In Larimer County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Larimer County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Larimer County will take place at the Larimer County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Larimer County Criminal Court Locations.
Larimer County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Larimer County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Larimer County. The Larimer County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Larimer County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Larimer County Criminal Court Locations
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Larimer County District Court
Address: 201 Laporte Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: 970-494-3500 Fax: 970-494-3580 -
County Court of Larimer County – Fort Collins
Address: 201 Laporte Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: 970-494-3500 Fax: 970-494-3580 -
County Court of Larimer County – Loveland
Address: 810 East 10th Street, Suite 110, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: 970-622-2100 -
Berthoud Municipal Court
Address: 328 Massachusetts Avenue, Berthoud, CO 80513
Phone: 970-532-2643 -
Estes Park Municipal Court
Address: 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970-577-3888 -
Fort Collins Municipal Court
Address: 215 North Mason Street, PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522
Phone: 970-221-6800 Fax: 970-416-2162 -
Loveland Municipal Court
Address: 810 East 10th Street, Suite 200, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: 970-962-2482 Fax: 970-962-2938 -
Timnath Municipal Court
Address: 4800 Goodman Street, Timnath, CO 80547
Phone: 970-224-3211 Fax: 970-224-3217 -
Wellington Municipal Court
Address: 3800 Wilson Avenue, PO Box 127, Wellington, CO 80549
Phone: 970-568-3381 -
Windsor Municipal Court
Address: 301 Walnut Street, Windsor, CO 80550
Phone: 970-674-2400 Fax: 970-674-2456