So almost all Courts are now slowly transitioning to virtual courtrooms. While some have pointed out that the Courts are 3 months behind the private sector (the Real World), they are now doing it. Now is not the time to suggest that the government solution to the problem they created is more government. Every day I get calls from non-clients asking me to help them find a link to Colorado Virtual Courts. As part of our commitment to the Public, I have decided to create this blog to make it easier for the public.
A few simple rules for virtual courtrooms:
- have patience – we are all figuring this out as we go along;
- keep the MUTE button on until you are called – we all heard someone flushing their toilet flush;
- nothing runs on time but please try to call in on time – recognize that this process actually does save you time since you no longer have to travel to Court, go through security lines, and sit in a stressful Courtroom.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides a Link to each County of your is not listed below:
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Choose.cfm
Adams County Virtual Courtrooms: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Custom.cfm?County_ID=55&Page_ID=1064
Boulder County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=20&Page_ID=1053
Broomfield County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/17th_Judicial_District/Broomfield/Broomfield%20WebEx%20Connection%20Information.pdf
Denver County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=2&Page_ID=856
Denver County Court and Municipal Court: https://www.denvercountycourt.org/virtual-court/
Douglas County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Index.cfm?County_ID=58
El Paso County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Custom.cfm?County_ID=6&Page_ID=992 (they win the easiest to use award)
Jefferson County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=1&Page_ID=990
Larimer County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=8&Page_ID=885
Weld County: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=19&Page_ID=867
Let us give Credit where Credit is DUE. Some of the Counties have made it very easy to find the Virtual Courts post Covid-19 / Corona Virus. Some have put it on a single page to make it user friendly. Not all our clients know that a Felony starts out in County Court so it can be confusing. The IT staff for the Courts deserve to be recognized for quickly trying to get this information out to the public. Thank you.
Here is what Adams County states:
During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, the 17th Judicial Disctrict has implemented virtual courtrooms through the use of WebEx for all virtual appearances.
Please click on the Judge/Division that pertains to your case or the case you wish to observe.
To find a scheduled court date and division, click here for Court Docket Search.
Please keep in mind, a virtual courtroom has all the decorum requirements of a physical courtroom:
- Professional attire is required when appearing in court in person or via video.
- Be prepared and organized.
- Keep background noise to a minimum.
- Be in a location with a strong cellular or internet service.
- Ensure witnesses are prepared not only for their testimony but also that they have sufficient hardware, bandwidth, and understanding of WebEx.
- Only one person should talk at a time. Do not interrupt or talk over others.
- Participate from a location with good overhead lighting and where you can eliminate noise from other sources if in the home (family members, pets, loud appliances, etc.).
- Prepare for how the virtual presentation will impact your ability to present and discuss documents with witnesses and the court.
- Your case may not be called right away and may take longer than if you were physically present. Please be patient.
- Making any video or audio recordings of WebEx court proceedings is strictly prohibited.
To help ensure that the virtual/phone conference meeting can be most effective and successful for
all participants, here are some helpful hints to follow:
To Reiterate:
Please mute your phone/computer audio while not speaking. You should only unmute when you want to speak. This helps greatly in reducing background
Please state your name before speaking. Or wait to be called on by the Meeting Host/Judicial Officer. The meeting/discussion will run most efficiently if one person speaks at a time (especially if an interpreter is involved).
