FAQs - County Court

Public Defender - How do I get a Public Defender?

You may call their office at 970-247-9284 and press 0 to ask for assistance or you may go to their office at 101 West 11th Street, Suite 108, Durango, Colorado 81301 and fill out an application.

I missed my court date. What do I do?

You should contact the court as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of a warrant being issued for your arrest. If you have a bondsman, you should also contact them and advise them that you missed your court date.

How can I get the police reports pertaining to my court case?

Please see the Discovery Form on our web page for information regarding Discovery.

I think someone used my name when they got their ticket. What can I do about it?

Please contact your your local law enforcement agency for assistance as directed by C.R.S. 16-5-103(3).

I live out of state or live more than 100 miles from La Plata County. Do I have to come back to my court date, or do I have other options?

If you did have to post a bond, you will need to appear in person on your court date. If you did not have to post a bond, you may be eligible to enter a plea of guilty by mail.

I need to change my court date. How do I do that?

Only the court can change your court date. You can contact the Clerk of the Courts at (970) 247-2304.

Can someone else come to court for me? They have my power of attorney.

The only person who can appear on your behalf is an attorney who is licensed in the State of Colorado. Even if represented by an attorney, your appearance in court is usually required unless the court has excused your personal appearance.

There is a "No Contact Order" in my case and I want to lift it. What can I do?

In order to request a "No Contact Order" be removed, you must fill out the appropriate paper work with the court. To get more information you should go to the courts web site and self help center at: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help/Index.cfm

I received a ticket and have been given 20 days to pay the fine. Can I talk with a DA first?

A mail in ticket is called a "Penalty Assessment Ticket." Most penalty assessment tickets are for offenses classified as traffic infractions. By statute, the district attorney is not the prosecuting attorney for traffic infractions and therefore you do not have the opportunity to talk to a DA about these tickets.

I have to appear in court on a ticket can I talk to DA before my court appearance?

You will have an opportunity to talk to a deputy district attorney on your court date after you have been advised of your rights by the court. If you have hired an attorney, the deputy district attorney cannot speak with you about your case unless your attorney is present.

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