Denver Juvenile Lawyer

Juvenile law in Colorado is an enormous area of law encompassing special rules, proceedings, statutes, agencies, sentencing schemes, and rights. Juvenile law is governed by the Colorado Children’s Code.

Juvenile matters are heard exclusively in juvenile court for any juvenile at least ten (10) years of age or older but less than eighteen (18) years of age.

The juvenile court exclusively hears cases involving violations of federal or state law, violations of orders of the juvenile court, and county or municipal ordinances which carry a possible penalty of more than ten (10) days in jail.

The juvenile court does not hear cases involving traffic violations unless they are felony traffic charges. The court also does not hear cases of violations of parks and recreation laws, game and fish violations, and some tobacco violations.

The juvenile court has concurrent jurisdiction with county courts regarding minor in possession of alcohol and marijuana/marijuana concentrate violations. Minor in possession of alcohol and marijuana/marijuana concentrate cases are typically not heard in juvenile court. However, the juvenile court may hear juvenile cases transferred from county court involving minor in possession of alcohol and marijuana/marijuana concentrate offenses if the juvenile is under sixteen (16) years of age and the juvenile court approves the transfer.

The juvenile court does not hear cases and does not have jurisdiction regarding defendant’s who have reached eighteen (18) years of age. However, the court may retain jurisdiction over individuals who have turned eighteen (18) to ensure compliance with the court’s orders and completion of the case. The juvenile court may also retain jurisdiction over individuals 18 years of age or older until the statute of limitations in relation to the underlying offense has expired.

A juvenile may be charged for a non-felony traffic violation in county court and also be subject to a parallel or subsequent juvenile court case for acts out of the same criminal episode.

The juvenile court presides over transfer hearings, whereby the court may order (“certify”) a juvenile to face criminal proceedings in District Court.

The age of the individual at the time of the alleged violation determines whether or not the Colorado Children’s Code applies.

Contact Attorney Robbins today for a free case evaluation regarding juvenile matters at 303-355-5148.