Douglas County Detention Center Criminal Court Process

Last updated by Mark Miclette

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Douglas County

Criminal Court Process for Douglas County Colorado

Douglas County Criminal Courts, Explained Simply

Whether an arrest happens in Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Rock or out on a ranch road near Larkspur, the state case ends up at one big building: the Douglas County Courthouse, 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2009, Castle Rock, CO 80109. The main line is (720) 437-6200. Two courts work side by side inside. Douglas County Court hears misdemeanors and traffic, plus early felony steps. Douglas County District Court takes over the felony cases after that and handles the juvenile docket for minors.

Until recently, Douglas County was lumped together with Arapahoe County in the old 18th Judicial District. (A judicial district is a bundle of counties with one prosecutor and a common pool of judges.) That changed on January 14, 2025, when the brand-new 23rd Judicial District opened. Douglas is the giant of that trio; Elbert and Lincoln, its rural neighbors to the east, are the other two. Voters in those three counties now elect their own District Attorney, the lawyer who decides what charges to file for state crimes. Separate from all this, towns like Castle Rock, Parker, Lone Tree and Castle Pines have municipal courts. Those small courts handle tickets for breaking a town's own rules, such as some shoplifting or noise cases written under city code. (Statewide, only Denver differs: the city itself operates Denver County Court.)

Free case information: Reading full Colorado case files online for free isn't possible. At no charge, though, you can run a docket search at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets, which shows who has a hearing coming up and when. Need copies of what's in a file? Use the Judicial Branch's online records request, or simply call the Castle Rock clerks. Some businesses charge to search Colorado court records, and the state keeps a list of them in its guide to public records.

The federal side: Crimes against U.S. law go to Colorado's U.S. District Court. For Douglas County, that means the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse at 901 19th Street in downtown Denver; the clerk's number is (303) 844-3433. The court has other spots around the state too, including Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Durango. A case becomes federal when Congress made the act a crime, or when it happens on federal property. In Douglas County, the biggest chunk of federal land is the Pike National Forest in the hilly western part of the county, around places like Sedalia and Deckers. Bank robbery and large online fraud are common federal cases too. There are no Indian reservations in the county. Choose a charge type below.

Castle Rock misdemeanors: shoplifting, first DUI, simple assault, trespass

Often the officer writes a summons, a paper that tells the person which day to appear in court, and lets them go. Other times the person is booked into the Douglas County jail next to the courthouse. Colorado doesn't allow the jail to sit on a person: a judge must hold the bond hearing within 48 hours of the person's arrival. Bond is simply the set of conditions for getting out while the case is open. For petty and traffic charges, Colorado law doesn't let judges demand cash.

The arraignment is the first County Court date, where the charge is announced and the defendant gives an answer, such as "not guilty" for now. The 23rd District Attorney's office handles state misdemeanors; city prosecutors handle municipal court tickets. A person who might go to jail and can't pay for a lawyer can apply to have the Colorado State Public Defender appointed. Its Castle Rock office, in the Elk Crossing Business Center at 1161 S. Perry St., Suite 200, serves Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties; phone (303) 688-3081. When two defendants clash, one gets a contract attorney; the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel covers the bill.

Colorado's misdemeanor penalties got simpler in 2022. Third-degree assault and other class 1 misdemeanors top out at 364 days locked up, plus as much as $1,000. A class 2 means a max of 120 days and $750. Petty offenses max out at 10 days and $300. Drug misdemeanors are graded DM1 and DM2. DUI follows separate traffic rules, so even a first offense can mean losing a license for a while and sitting through alcohol education. A six-person jury hears misdemeanor trials if the defendant wants one.

Under 18: A kid accused of a misdemeanor goes through the juvenile court inside the same courthouse, not adult County Court. A first-time case can be steered into juvenile diversion run by the District Attorney, where a youth can fix things through restitution (paying back the victim), classes or service and avoid a record. A town court may keep certain teen tickets for ordinance or traffic violations. Locked-up youths get a detention hearing inside 48 hours, though weekends and holidays don't count toward that window.

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Felonies: burglary, car theft, drug dealing, a fourth DUI

Felonies are crimes serious enough for prison. In Douglas County they open in County Court with a bond hearing and a formal advisement of the charges. From there the DA moves it toward District Court, and the defense has the option of demanding a preliminary hearing first. Think of a preliminary hearing as a checkpoint: a judge hears part of the evidence and rules on whether there is "probable cause," which is lawyer-speak for solid enough grounds to think this defendant did it. Under the state's criminal rules, that checkpoint should come within 35 days of the defense's request. Another route is a grand jury, where residents weigh evidence privately before voting on charges.

Colorado sorts felonies into classes. Class 2 normally means 8 to 24 years; class 3, 4 to 12; class 4, 2 to 6; class 5, 1 to 3; class 6, a year to 18 months. Lawyers call these the presumptive ranges. Drug felonies go from DF4 (6 to 12 months) up to DF1 (8 to 32 years). Drunk driving turns into a class 4 felony once a driver has three earlier alcohol driving convictions. Prison is not the only result; probation, community corrections and drug or veterans treatment courts are options for some people. After a not-guilty plea, a six-month speedy-trial deadline starts ticking. Felony juries have 12 members.

Under 18: Juvenile court is where nearly all teen felony cases are handled. The judge's job there is to protect the public and help the young person get back on track, using tools like probation, counseling, or placement in a facility of the Division of Youth Services (DYS), Colorado's agency for locked youth centers. A youth who is held before the case ends stays in a DYS detention center, not the adult jail. For felonies outside direct filing, moving a teen to adult court takes a transfer hearing, and that is possible only for kids 14 or older (or 12 or 13 for the gravest crimes).

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Violent crimes: murder, sexual assault, robbery with a weapon

Cases like murder or armed robbery go through Castle Rock's District Court divisions. Judges can set high bonds and no-contact orders, and someone charged with first-degree murder can be held without bond when the evidence is strong. Since July 1, 2020, Colorado has had no death penalty. A class 1 felony now means life in prison without parole. When a crime is labeled a "crime of violence," for instance a robbery committed with a gun, state law requires a prison sentence at the top of the normal range or above it.

People hurt by violent crime have rights under the Colorado Victims' Rights Act, part of the state constitution. They can be notified of important hearings, attend them, talk to the prosecutor about plea deals and give a statement at sentencing.

Under 18: "Direct file" lets the DA skip juvenile court entirely, but only when the teen was at least 16 and the case involves murder or another top-level felony (class 1 or 2), or a listed violent sex crime. Other teens can be moved only after a transfer hearing in juvenile court. Even for murder, Colorado won't impose life without parole on someone who committed the crime as a minor. Young people in these cases are represented by the public defender's office when appointed, and they wait in a DYS detention center instead of the county jail.

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Douglas County courts and jail

These offices handle Douglas criminal cases:

  • Douglas County Combined Court: 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2009, Castle Rock, CO 80109; 720-437-6200; weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Castle Rock Municipal Court: 100 Perry Street; 303-663-6133
  • Parker Municipal Court: 20120 E. Mainstreet; 303-805-3195
  • Lone Tree Municipal Court: 9220 Kimmer Drive, Suite 100; 303-339-8177
  • Castle Pines Municipal Court: 7437 Village Square Drive, Suite 200; 720-545-8154
  • Larkspur Municipal Court: the town of Larkspur runs a court for town tickets; it has no court page online, so check with the town for dates and where it meets
  • District Attorney: 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2525-A; 720-733-4500
  • Public Defender: 1161 S. Perry Street, Suite 200, Castle Rock; 303-688-3081
  • Jail: Douglas County Detention Center, 4000 Justice Way; booking 303-660-7550; Sheriff's Office 303-660-7505
  • Youth detention: Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center, 13500 E. Fremont Avenue, Centennial; 303-768-7529

Bond steps are on our Douglas County bail page; the statute is Colorado bail law, C.R.S. Title 16, Article 4 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-16.pdf).

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Douglas bond rules

  • A judge must set bond inside 48 hours from her jail arrival.
  • Petty and traffic charges rule out a cash bond.
  • Douglas judges use the lightest terms that keep people safe and get her back to court.
  • HB25-1015 makes credit card bond payment available online in Douglas County.
  • Amendment I (2024) permits denying bail for first-degree murder when proof is evident or the presumption great.

Bond types are listed at Colorado Judicial Branch guide to bond types (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/types-bonds).

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Federal cases from Douglas County

The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado handles Douglas federal cases:

  • Courthouse: the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse in Denver, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294, 303-844-3433
  • U.S. Marshals: U.S. Marshals Service, 901 19th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, CO 80294, 303-728-7800

Detention is set by a magistrate judge, and custody runs through the Marshals.

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Finding someone in a Douglas case

Our Douglas County inmate page lists more searches.

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ICE detainers in Douglas County

C.R.S. 24-76.6-102 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) keeps Douglas deputies from holding anyone on a civil ICE detainer by itself.

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Douglas dockets and warrants

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Nothing here is legal advice; it's a broad, simplified look at criminal cases in Douglas County. If you or your child has been charged, get a defense lawyer's advice or reach the Castle Rock public defender office at (303) 688-3081.

Phone the clerk at 720-437-6200 about the hearing, and booking at 303-660-7550 about her custody, before you travel or pay.

Criminal Court Process for Douglas County Colorado

Douglas County Colorado Criminal Court System - Definitions

It might be helpful to define some words that will be used on this site, when explaining the Colorado Court System and how it works. The definitions on this site are for general information and not legal advice. It is always preferred to follow information given by your attorney or local authorities.

If you scroll down below this content, and the listing of the courts in Douglas County, you will find a simple flowchart diagram and a video that will help you visualize the stages of the Criminal Court Process.

Arrest is when Colorado, Douglas County or local police take a person into custody and start the legal process. The arrested person may or may not be immediately jailed. 

In less serious crimes, the person may only be given a citation ordering that they appear in municipal or Douglas County court on a certain date. In cases involving more serious crimes, the person is usually placed in the county jail until an arraignment, or a judge decides the next step.

Booking is when the Douglas County sheriff or local police gather information such as the detainee’s name, address and why the person is being arrested. Booking also includes fingerprinting, criminal history, investigation and verification of identity. Bail for lower-level crimes may be set right after booking so the arrested has the opportunity to “bail or bond out” before being detained.

The prosecution, sometimes called “the government” or “the people” or “the state” is the side that press the charges and seeks punishment for the offense. These are attorneys that work for the state of Colorado, Douglas County or a city or town. The prosecuting attorney for Douglas County or the district is called the District Attorney.  A U.S. Attorney or Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecutes federal cases.   

Jurisdiction is an important term in the court system that means whether a court has the obligation or duty or right to handle a case.  For example, if you run a red light in your town or city, a municipal court would likely have jurisdiction over your case, but the next town or city over would not have jurisdiction over your case.  If you attempted to flee from police when they attempted to stop you after you ran the red light, it becomes a more serious crime, and the municipal court might not have jurisdiction so you might be assigned to a higher-level court that has jurisdiction over the more serious crime.  Jurisdiction varies from state to state and sometimes county to county.

Arraignment is when a judge determines whether or not the charges are supported by the prosecution’s initial evidence and tells the arrested what they are charged with, and the person says whether they are guilty or not guilty. At this time, the person is called the defendant, and the opposing side is called the prosecution. If there is reason to believe that the arrested is guilty, the judge will set bail conditions or send the defendant to jail or release them ROR (release on recognizances). An arraignment is not a trial, and the defendant is entitled to a trial within a reasonable amount of time after the arraignment.

Bail is money paid that is held by the Douglas County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial. Bail amounts and other conditions are determined at the arraignment. Once the case is over, the bail money is returned to the defendant. If a person does not pay bail, they remain in the Douglas County Jail until their trial.  Bail can be denied if the court feels that the arrested would be a danger to others if released. Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens at the same time as an arraignment. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. Jailors, law enforcement and prosecutors do not have authority to set bail, a judge or court officer in the {county extended} or municipal court sets bail. Judges in Colorado rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.

It is always important to have family involvement after being arrested.  Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf (not all bond companies will accept collect calls), but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court, not only for the defendant’s own good, but because they may have signed bond paperwork and responsible to pay if the defendant does not show in court. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

(There have been phone scams to where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsman will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

A judicial public bond or personal recognizance bond is a bond where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the money if the defendant does not show up to court. If the defendant does not show, the full amount will be due and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible to pay the court.  Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance.  

Cash percentage in lieu of bonds.  If the bond order permits, the defendant pays a percentage of the amount, (sometimes up to 100%) to the court, which then holds the money until the case is over. The amount is returned if the defendant is acquitted or the case is dismissed, or it can be used toward paying any court fines incurred by the defendant.

Surety Bond is when defendant pays a percentage of the bond amount (usually 10–15%) to a professional bondsman or bail bond company licensed to do business in Colorado, {county extended}. The bondsman then signs the bond on behalf of the defendant. The defendant does not receive any of the money back. If the bondsman feels the defendant is a flight risk, they can refuse to give a bond or charge a higher fee. For example, a bondsman may determine a defendant is a flight risk if they are from a state other than Colorado.

A Property Bond is a bond in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  Usually, the property must be in Douglas County, and it must be worth at least the amount of the bond.

An Unsecured Bond is when the defendant is released without paying bail upfront, but they must pay the full amount if they do not appear in court.

A Secured Bond is when the defendant pays a portion of the bail up front. If they show to court, they would get the money back and if they don’t show up to court, would have to pay the entire bail amount.

A criminal defense attorney (also called lawyer or counsel) is hired or retained to represent the arrested as early as possible after the arrest. If there is a chance that the case might go to trial and the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that the court provide an attorney. This is called indigent representation and a public defender or assigned attorney would represent the defendant in all proceedings. Indigent representation is only available misdemeanor and felony cases that could result in jail time, juvenile cases and certain appeal cases.  In Colorado, the state rather than local courts fund indigent defense and have a network of public defenders who handle the majority of the cases.

For less serious cases or civil cases, there are pro bono volunteers who volunteer legal services for free or for a small fee. They often will hold clinics to teach people how to represent themselves in court or expunge their record which means to legally erase or eliminate a criminal or arrest record from public view. . The attached links have a list of pro bono organizations in Colorado. Here and here.

Many courts will provide forms and help for people who want to represent themselves, called pro se.  Here is a link for legal self-help in Colorado.

A district court can refer to the first level of the legal system, or a minor court. District courts are located in the community.  A district court can also refer to a U.S. Federal District Court that hears federal cases. There is one U.S. federal district courts in Colorado, with offices throughout the state. It is important that you check the address of the court you are to appear in rather than to ask someone because that person might give you directions to the wrong “district” court. Being late to court can land you in custody as well.

Pretrial proceeding is the process where both sides (prosecution and defense) gather information, interview witnesses, request records, videos etc. Pretrial proceedings also include communications with the judge assigned to the case and these appearances are either in person or by on-line conferencing. Some pretrial proceedings may not require a defendant’s appearance, allowing an attorney to appear in their place. The information that is gathered is called discovery and both sides must share the information that they have gathered.  This information does not include conversations between the arrested and their attorney.

Most cases do not go to trial because both sides reach a plea deal, where both sides try to reach a reasonable punishment based on what was learned in the pretrial proceedings.  A plea deal can only happen if the accused person admits they are guilty in exchange for a lighter punishment.  The reason they must admit guilt is because it would not be fair to punish someone who claims they are not guilty.  There are times in plea bargaining when the prosecution agrees to give a lighter sentence in exchange for information leading to the arrest of more serious criminal related to the crime.  

Trial is where both sides share their information in front of a judge or a judge and jury. After listening to all the evidence, the judge or jury decides the verdict which is whether if the person is guilty or not guilty. If a court has only a judge hearing both sides, it is called a bench trial.  If a jury is selected, it is called a jury trial.  If the defendant is found non-guilty, they are released.  If they are found to be guilty, the next step is sentencing.

Sentencing is the punishment that the judge decides the person should get. This could be jail or prison time, fines, community service, probation, or a combination.

Appeal is asking for a higher court to hear the case again at an appellate court.  If the accused person thinks something went wrong at trial or has new information that was not available during the trial or that the sentence is too harsh, the defense attorney can ask for an appeal. It is not unusual for an appeal when there is a long jail sentence, but an appeal can be denied if the appellate court feels that the original trial or sentencing was fair.

Colorado Felony vs Misdemeanor

In Colorado, a misdemeanor is punishable by fine or jail time of up to 18 months or both. The person is put into a county jail and not a state prison. There are 3 main classes of misdemeanors, Class 1 being the most serious and Class 3 being the least serious and there are also Unclassified misdemeanors which carry their own fines and sentencing range.

Misdemeanors are further broken down into traffic misdemeanors, as in T1 or T2 traffic offenses and regular misdemeanors, M1, M2 and M3. Examples of misdemeanors are DUI and DWAI depending on priors, careless driving, some domestic violence, forgery, indecent exposure, obstructing a police officer, theft less than $2000, resisting arrest, prostitution and underage drinking.  

DM1 and DM2 are two classes of drug misdemeanors where the maximum possible punishment is 18 months.  

A felony crime in Colorado is divided into 6 different classes which are general guidelines and are based on the crime, prior criminal history and other factors. Class 1 is the most serious felony and Class 6 the least serious with a minimum of 18 months jail time. Examples of felony crimes are murder, rape, theft, aggravated assault, kidnapping, identity theft and four or more DUI/DWAI.  

Colorado also has 4 types of drug felonies with prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 32 years in prison.

It is important to note that depending on severity, crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For instance, DUI or DWAI may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on how many prior convictions one has. There is misdemeanor child abuse and felony child abuse, misdemeanor domestic violence and felony domestic violence. Often, tickets are written by law enforcement for alleged crimes, but once the district attorney reviews the elements of the offense, adjustments are made to the level of what is actually charged. 

The Douglas County Clerk of Court is an elected official whose responsibilities for Criminal Court’s administrative issues include receiving criminal warrants, receiving bail, creating the trial schedule, receiving fees, fines and maintaining court records.

A warrant is used to get someone to appear in court or to law enforcement.  There must be good reason to believe that the person is involved in a crime. The warrant gives authority to arrest the person and search for evidence for the investigation of the crime. 

A criminal summons is issued to request that a person appear in court at a particular time and date.  It does not involve an arrest.  A traffic ticket, summary citation or lesser misdemeanor could be considered a summons if you are given a court date.

A summary citation, commonly referred to as a ticket, is a criminal summons by a law enforcement officer either in person or via mail accusing the defendant of a minor offense, stating potential fine, listing the court having jurisdiction and instructions for addressing the issue. Defendants may or may not be required to appear in court or handle the matter by entering a plea via mail.

Fines are usually paid to the District Court or clerk of court and payment methods can be found on the District Court or Douglas County Clerk of Court website. If you do not pay your fine on time, you can lose your driver’s license, have to pay additional fees or even have a warrant for your arrest.  It is important to read the instructions on the ticket issued by the police officer or court at the time of your arrest. For a parking ticket or summary citation, the fine amount and how to send payment should be on the ticket. 

Colorado Criminal Court System - How it Works

In Colorado, criminal cases are handled in the county courts, district courts and appeals are heard in the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court.

Municipal courts, also named city courts handle cases that pertain to violations of city laws or lesser crimes that occur within the city limits.  Examples of cases seen in municipal courts include animal control issues, traffic tickets and disturbing the peace.

County courts handle misdemeanors and more serious traffic cases. The county court can also process felony cases that will be prosecuted in district court.

District courts handle misdemeanor trials that are referred from the municipal and county courts and prosecute felony cases that originated in the county court or in the district court.  

There is a juvenile division within the district courts for offenders under the age of 18. Here is a link to the Colorado juvenile justice and prevention site.

Specialty courts or problem-solving courts are being adopted in many states as a way to handle cases that involve non-violent and first-time offender cases in a way to where the offender can retain a job or responsibilities while following specific orders of the court as returned court appearances, periodic evaluations or testing for substances. The state of Colorado has the following problem-solving courts: Adult Drug Courts, Juvenile Drug Courts, DUI Courts, Adult and Juvenile Mental Health Courts, Family and Dependency/Neglect Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts.  The following is a link to Colorado’s problem-solving court system.

The Colorado Supreme Court is like our United States’ Supreme Court because it has a panel of judges that rule on matters that have to do with someone’s constitutional rights or policies and laws. The Colorado State Supreme Court deals with the state constitution or laws or policies. Sometimes the Supreme Court will hear criminal cases on appeal when there is question on the state laws or procedures that lead to the appeal.  

The criminal cases are usually referred from the district courts of appeal.

FEDERAL COURT

Federal Court deals with crimes involving violations of United States laws.  Federal crimes include federal drug trafficking, federal tax evasion and fraud that crossed state lines and include crimes that occur on federal property as post offices or federal buildings.  

Cases involving crimes that involve the FBI or DEA or Immigration agencies are federal crimes. Terrorism is a federal crime. 

There are some differences in the Federal court system as compared to the Colorado state court system. For example, the attorneys who work for the courts are called United States Attorneys and Federal judges are called District Court Judges (not to be confused by local state district courts).  

Federal Magistrate Judges hear the case early on, but they do not decide on the cases at a trial like the Federal District Court Judges. In a federal case, a grand jury is used for indictments.

There is one U.S. Federal Judicial District in Colorado.

Courts

CASTLE ROCK MUNICIPAL COURT
100 PERRY ST
CASTLE ROCK CO, 80104
303-663-6133
CITY OF LONE TREE
9777 S YOSEMITE ST
LONE TREE CO, 80124
303-339-8177
LONE TREE MUNI COURT ADMIN
9220 KIMMER DR # 100
LONE TREE CO, 80124
303-339-8177
PARKER TOWN MUNICIPAL COURT
20120 E MAINSTREET
PARKER CO, 80138
303-805-3195

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Douglas County

Human-verified information Manually curated

Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.