What to Know Before Going to Court
Before going to Court, please review the following checklist, so you can be prepared.
- Parking – Depending on which Courthouse you’re going to, parking can be different:
- Denver City and County Building – You’ll have to pay for parking. There are a bunch of lots around the building. It is downtown, though, so parking can be hard to come by. Be sure to leave plenty of time to find parking and walk to the building.
- Arapahoe County District Court – There is plenty of free parking in front of the Courthouse, just off Potomac.
- Jefferson County District Court – There is plenty of free parking in front of the Courthouse. There is also a parking deck, which is used by RTD. Try to park in the lot closer to the Courthouse itself.
- Douglas County District Court – There is plenty of free parking in front of the Courthouse.
- Security – You will have to go through security before entering the Courthouse. Don’t bring anything with you that is going to be a problem.
- Where to Go in the Courthouse – Your case should be assigned a Division or Courtroom. Usually, those two are synonymous. So, if your case is assigned to Division 11, you’ll likely be in Courtroom 11. If you’re not sure what Division or Courtroom you are assigned to, check the docket board or ask me.
- Where to Sit in the Courtroom – Generally, if you are the Petitioner, you’ll sit at the table closest to the witness stand; if you are the Respondent, you’ll sit at the table furthest from the witness stand. At the table, you’ll sit in the outside chair, so I that I sit closer to the other party. DO NOT go up and sit at the table until the Judge or Magistrate has given you permission. Until that time, sit quietly in the gallery benches behind the bar.
- If you’re late, you lose. – So be early, and account for parking, walking, and security.
- TURN YOUR PHONE OFF! – Do this before you even get out of the car.
- Dress respectfully. – You’re going to Court and the Judge or Magistrate is going to be looking right at you. Dress as you would if you were going to a big job interview or to a religious event.
- Don’t chew gum.
- Don’t bring food with you. – A water bottle is ok, as long as it’s not glass.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before coming to Court. – Trust me, the Judge or Magistrate will know.
If you have any other questions, let me know!