This applies to this type of case only that are prosecuted by the City Attorney's Office Prosecution and Code Enforcement Section.
How can I get a restraining order (legally known as a protection order)?
If you are in imminent danger, flee to a safe place and call 911.
If there is no immediate danger, you can file for a protection order at 1515 Cleveland. Be sure to call the courts at 303-640-5161 ahead of time for their hours of operation. The Colorado Judicial Branch Online Self-Help center contains documents and forms. If you are a victim of domestic violence you may call Project Safeguard for additional assistance.
You can find additional information about restraining orders, emergency plans and resources, the criminal justice process, family relationships, and other relevant issues in Survival Manual: Legal Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence, an online publication of the Colorado Bar Association (www.cobar.org).
What is my/someone else's court date?
Before calling, please be prepared to provide as much information as possible to help identify the case, including the name and date of birth of the defendant, the case number, type of case or charges, date of offense, etc.
If you were the victim of domestic violence, or are subpoenaed to testify for the City in a domestic violence case, call the City Attorney's Victim Resource Program at 720-913-8020.
DEFENDANTS AND ALL OTHERS: Call the Court Clerk's Office at 720-865-8040.
I missed my court date. What do I do now?
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND WITNESSES: If you were the victim of domestic violence, or are scheduled to testify for the prosecution in a domestic violence case, call our Victim Resource Program at 720-913-8020.
DEFENDANTS: Call the courtroom where you were scheduled to appear or the Court Clerk's Office and do as they advise. The phone number for the Court Clerk's Office for General Sessions cases is 720-337-0410.
I am unable to appear. How can I get the court date changed?
VICTIMS AND WITNESSES: If you were the victim of domestic violence, or are scheduled to testify as a witness for the prosecution, call the Victim Resource Program at 720-913-8020.
DEFENDANTS: Our office does not schedule the court's dockets. Call the courtroom where you are scheduled to appear or the Court Clerk's Office and do as they advise. The phone number of the Clerk's Office for General Sessions is 720-337-0410.
Can I speak with a prosecuting attorney before appearing in court?
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: Yes, and we suggest that you speak with a victim specialist in our office, at 720-913-8020.
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 to speak with an attorney.
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.
I am not the defendant but can I drop the charges or get someone else to drop the charges?
No. Denver has a no drop policy on domestic violence cases. Once the Denver Police Department has filed the charges, the defendant must follow the normal legal process. However, if you are a victim of domestic violence, we suggest that you speak with a victim specialist in our Victim Resource Program at 720-913-8020.
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 may be 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.