Court FAQ-City of Northglenn

I've never been to this court before, what do I need to do?

First, you need to check in at the court clerk's window. Once you have checked in, you will be instructed to proceed to the court waiting room where you will read your Advisement of Rights. After you read and understand your Advisement of Rights, the prosecuting attorney will call you into their office. At this time you will have an opportunity to discuss your case and any possible disposition (court’s final ruling). When you have finished with the prosecuting attorney you will be asked to have a seat in the courtroom. When the judge calls your name, step to the podium in the front of the courtroom.

Should I plea bargain or go to trial?

The court is not allowed to give legal advice. All decisions about your case must be made by you. However, if you have any questions regarding trial procedure, the judge will explain it to you.

If I want to go to trial, do I have to come back again?

Yes. You will be given written notice of your trial date.

How long does court usually last?

Approximately one hour for most defendants.

Can I bring my children to court?

We would prefer that children not be brought to court. However, if you do need to bring your children to court, they must remain quiet.

What methods of payment are acceptable?

Checks, cash, money orders, Visa, and MasterCard. However, if you are paying a past-due fine, you will not be able to use a check.

Can I reschedule my court date?

By Court Order, court dates may not be changed over the phone. Prior to your court date, you must appear in person at the Northglenn Municipal Court (during office hours) to get the date changed or file a written motion with the court for the judge to review. An arraignment date will be rescheduled only once. If you have posted bond, the court date cannot be changed.

How much will my fine be?

That will be determined by the judge based on your particular situation.

Can I get more time to pay my fine if I don't have the money when I come to court?

The court expects all fines to be paid on the date you appear in court. In some circumstances, the court may grant a defendant additional time to pay. If you are granted additional time to pay, an additional fee (stay fee) will be added to the amount you owe.

What will happen if I don't appear on the court date on my ticket?

If you fail to appear as required by a summons you received or as ordered by the court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. You may be arrested at any time, by any law enforcement agency. If the court issues a warrant for your arrest, you will be charged an additional fee (warrant fee). If you have posted bond to guarantee your appearance, your bond will be forfeited.

In some cases, the court may also issue a Default Judgment if you fail to appear in court. A default judgment as the same legal effect as you pleading guilty or being convicted at trial. The Judge will assess a fine and impose court costs, all outstanding money due will be sent to a collection agency. The collection agency will charge you an additional fee on top of what you to the court.

If a default judgment is entered in a traffic case, the City will report the violation to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles and the points will be assessed against your driver’s license. Your license will be suspended if you accumulate too many points from traffic tickets.

Is there night court?

Court is normally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during business hours. There is no option for Night Court at this time.

What documentation does the court require on a No Proof of Insurance summons?

If you were insured on the date and time you received your ticket, you must provide a letter from your insurance company to have this charge dismissed. This letter must be on the insurance company’s letterhead and clearly confirm that you were insured on the date and at the time you received the summons. Additionally, the letter must reference the make, model and VIN # of the insured automobile you were driving when you received the summons.

The court CANNOT accept insurance cards or declaration pages to prove insurance coverage.

If the only charge on your summons is no proof of insurance and you are able to obtain this letter, you may provide it to the court BEFORE your scheduled court date. If your case is dismissed, you will not have to appear. This applies to adults only. If you are a juvenile (under 18 years of age), it is mandatory that you appear in court.

If your summons is for no proof of insurance AND any other violation, you must appear on your scheduled date and time. If you do not bring a letter from your insurance company that complies with the court’s requirements, your case will be continued and you will be required to come back to court with a letter.

How do I know if my ticket came from Northglenn Municipal Court?

Please check your summons. Northglenn police officers can issue tickets in Municipal Court and Adams County Court. If your summons was written by a Northglenn Police Officer and states that you are to appear at the Northglenn Justice Center, 50 W. Community Center Drive, then you have received a Municipal Court charge. If your summons states that you are to appear in Adams County Combined Court located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton, then you have received a County ticket. You can contact Adams County at 303.659.1161.

For a traffic ticket, what is the point system and how does it affect my license?

Being issued a traffic citation, does not mean you will lose or have your license suspended. Each traffic citation carries a point value, and to learn more about your traffic citation and the points against your license, please visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's webpage on further questions.