The Colorado Criminal Process
The key stages and proceedings in a Colorado criminal case, from first appearance through resolution.
DMV Express Consent Hearing
The administrative Colorado DMV hearing that determines driver's-license consequences after a DUI/DWAI arrest — separate from the criminal court case …
Arraignment
The first court appearance where charges are formally read and a plea is entered.
Mandatory Protection Order
The protection order automatically issued in domestic-violence and certain other cases at first appearance.
Preliminary Hearing
A hearing in eligible felony cases where the court determines whether probable cause supports the charges.
Motions Practice
The pretrial phase where suppression and other motions are filed and argued.
Plea Bargaining
Negotiation with the prosecution to resolve a case without trial.
Restorative Justice (Denver)
Denver's restorative-justice diversion pathway, available for eligible offenses as an alternative to prosecution.
Jury Trial
The trial phase where guilt is determined beyond a reasonable doubt.