|
|
|
|
County Court - Frequently Asked Questions
|
 |
|
County Court
Frequently Asked Questions
General Sessions Division FAQ
What kind of violations does the General Sessions Division handle?
The General Sessions Division handles violations of municipal ordinances such as false information, shoplifting, petty theft, loitering, disturbing the peace, assault or urinating in public. The General Sessions Division also handles cases involving drug possession (state petty offense), domestic violence, weapons charges, juvenile offenses and zoning/environmental matters.
top
Where are you located?
The General Sessions Clerk's Office is located in room 140, in the center of the main hallway on the first floor of the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock Street. The main telephone number is 720-865-8040.
top
What offenses are payable?
The following offenses are payable and do not require a court appearance if paid prior to the court date assigned in the middle of the ticket: disturbing the peace, shoplifting, urinating in public, violation of park curfew, glass bottles in a public park, possession or consumption of alcohol within 50 feet of roadway, first and second smoking tickets, and some animal violations. All other charges require a mandatory court appearance.
top
Can I change my court date?
Generally court dates may not be changed. When exceptional circumstances occur including, but not limited to: military service, incarceration, death in the family or an illness resulting in hospitalization-court dates may be changed. In any case, proper documentation must be presented upon returning to court.
top
How is the charge/offense classified?
The General Sessions Division handles cases involving the violation of municipal ordinances which are not classified as a misdemeanor, petty offense, or felony (and some state petty offenses). If you require further information, contact the Prosecution and Code Enforcement Section of the Office of the City Attorney at 720-913-8050.
top
Are juvenile records open for public inspection?
Juvenile records are not open for public inspection per State Statute i.e. the information is restricted.
top
When are fines and costs due?
Fines and costs are due within 24 hours of sentencing. Additional late fees may be assessed if not paid when due. A warrant for arrest may also be issued as a result of failure to pay.
top
I'm A juvenile and have been ordered to appear in court. Can I come by myself?
No. You must appear in court, and bring your parent or legal guardian with you.
top
What are the fines and penalties for violating the state smoking ban, effective July 1, 2006, within Denver?
Individuals violating the new smoking statutes will be written General Sessions citations.
Statute 24-14-208(2) First offense is payable at $80.00 ($50 fine + $20 VAS + $10 Bureau Fee.) Second offense is payable at $130.00 ($100 fine + $20 VAS + $10 Bureau Fee.) Third offense requires a mandatory court appearance.
Defendants will have the right to set their cases for court if they wish to contest the ticket.
Businesses violating Statute 24-14-208(1) will be written General Violations citations, with arraignment being set in courtroom 6. Businesses will also be able to pay their citations for the first two offenses just like individual citizens, with all following tickets requiring a mandatory court appearance.
Tickets may be paid in Room 140, 1437 Bannock Street; or in Courtroom Six, 1515 Cleveland Place, 4th floor. Credit card payments are accepted in Room 140 only.
top
What is the difference between the Denver County Court Juvenile Court and the Denver District Juvenile Court?
The Denver County Juvenile Court deals only with offenses of the city's municipal code, including things like curfew violations, loitering, smoking, shoplifting, etc. All JV charges require a mandatory court appearance. A parent or legal guardian must appear with the juvenile.
The Denver Juvenile (District) Court was established as a separate court through legislation with the exclusive jurisdiction over juveniles in the City and County of Denver. This court processes five types of cases within the civil and criminal jurisdictions. They are Delinquency, Paternity and Support, Truancy, Relinquishment and Adoption, and Dependency and Neglect cases.
· Delinquency cases involve misdemeanor or felony matters. · Paternity and Support cases involve establishing child support accounts for unmarried parties including cases where the father’s name is not on the birth certificate. · Truancy cases involve children who have missed too many days of school in a semester. · Relinquishment and Adoption cases involve parents who voluntarily give up their right to a child and someone else becomes the child’s parent. · Dependency and Neglect cases involve situations where a child is neglected, abused, abandoned or out of control. The child would be eligible for adoption if parental rights are terminated.
The Denver District Juvenile Court may be contacted at 720-865-8285.
top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|