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City Attorney's Office - Frequently Asked Question
City Attorney's Office
Frequently Asked Questions
09. Charges Other than Domestic Violence and Traffic
What cases does the City Attorney's Office prosecute? Are you part of the District Attorney's Office?
The City Attorney's Office and the District Attorney's Office are separate agencies, and handle different cases.
The District Attorney's Office handles: - Violations of state law, usually the more serious cases involving broken bones, stitches, hospitalization, or use of a weapon
- The more serious traffic charges such as Hit and Run or Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol.
The City Attorney's Office, through the Prosecution and Code Enforcement Section, prosecutes most other traffic violations, and all violations of Denver's City law (ordinances). The City ordinance violations we prosecute cover a variety of subjects, including domestic violence and nuisances.
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When is my/someone else's court date?
Before calling, please be prepared to provide as much information as possible to help identify the case; type of case or charges, case number, name and date of birth of the defendant, date of offense, etc.
WITNESSES AND VICTIMS in cases other than Traffic and Domestic Violence cases: Call the City Attorney's Office at 720-913-8050.
DEFENDANTS AND ALL OTHERS: Call the court Clerk's Office for General Sessions at 720-865-8040.
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I missed my court date. What do I do now?
VICTIMS AND WITNESSES: If you are the victim, or scheduled to testify for the City, in a case not involving traffic or domestic violence charges, call the City Attorney's Office at 720-913-8050.
DEFENDANTS: Call the courtroom where you were scheduled to appear or the Clerk's Office and do as they advise.The telephone number for the Court Clerk's office for GEneral Sessions is 720-865-8040.
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I am unable to appear. How can I get the court date changed?
VICTIMS AND PROSECUTION WITNESSES in cases other than traffic or domestic violence cases: Call the City Attorney's Office at 720-913-8050.
DEFENDANTS: Our office does not schedule the court's docket. Call the courtroom where you are scheduled to appear or the Clerk's Office and do as they advise. The telephone number of the Court Clerk's office for general sessions is 720-865-8040.
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Can I speak with a prosecuting attorney before appearing in court?
VICTIMS AND WITNESSES: Yes. Our attorneys would like to speak with you; however, they spend much of their time in court and may be difficult to reach in person. You may be asked to leave a voice mail message. Please provide the case number and as much information as possible on the voice mail so the attorney will be able to identify your case before returning your call. Call 720-913-8050.
DEFENDANTS: No. For your own protection, you must appear in court and have your rights read to you by the judge or magistrate before entering into a discussion with the prosecuting attorney. See other questions and answers for more information about speaking to the prosecuting attorney in particular cases.
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I am the defendant in a case you are prosecuting. Can I get the charges dropped?
No. Once you have appeared in court and had your rights read to you by the judge or magistrate, you are usually offered the opportunity to speak to the city attorney before entering your plea.
All plea bargains occur in the courtroom setting. No plea bargains will occur over the phone. Depending on the case and the defendant's record, a number of things may occur. The city attorney may recommend that the charges be dropped or offer a plea bargain where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge. Often the city attorney makes no offer at all.
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