Message ANNUALREPORTFiscal Year 2024
The Colorado Judicial Branch joins the legislative and executivebranches to form the government of the State of Colorado. TheJudicial Department is charged with two responsibilities:resolving disputes and supervising offenders on probation.The supplemental statistical report for 2024, online atcoloradojudicial.gov/court-services/research-and-data, providesspecific data on caseload statistics for the Colorado SupremeCourt, Court of Appeals, District Courts, County Courts, andWater Courts, as well as detailed financial information for theJudicial Department.Unless otherwise specified, all references in this report reflectinformation for Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023, through June 30,2024). This report is also available electronically on the ColoradoJudicial Department’s website, coloradojudicial.gov.If you need additional information regarding this document,please contact the Office of the State Court Administrator, CourtServices Division, or Division of Probation Services at (720) 625-5000.
Letter from Chief Justice Monica M. MárquezFinancialsColorado Supreme CourtColorado Court of AppealsPivotal Highlights From 2024Workplace Culture InitiativeInvesting in CultureOrganizational ChartsMission, Vision, and ValuesLegislative HighlightsCommunity EngagementColorado Judicial DistrictsWater CourtsColorado ProbationColorado County CourtsOffice of Dispute Resolution46789101213141516181920212223TABLE OF CONTENTSCollections and Revenue
I’m honored to introduce our new annual report. Inrevising this report, we intend to communicate betterwho we are, what we value, and importantdevelopments over the past year. Our annual statisticalreport has always provided important information to theJudicial Department and the public. Still, this revisedannual report and the supplemental statistical reportprovide a complete picture of courts and probation inColorado.First, I want to thank Justice Boatright for his steadyleadership as Chief Justice over the past three and a halfyears. He worked tirelessly to address unexpectedchallenges, seek resources for our work, and invest inour staff and workplace culture. The JudicialDepartment is better off due to his efforts.Similar to many organizations in Colorado and acrossthe country, we experienced an enormous turnover injudges and staff over the past few years. This challengeshiring and training but also presents an opportunity tointroduce new employees and judges to our values andculture as they enter our courthouses and probationdepartments around the state. LETTER FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE Chief JusticeMonica M. Márquez“We are amission-drivenworkforce, and we are alldedicated topublicservice.”04I have been amazed at the number of new faces I have seen in my visits around thestate, and I have been heartened by how some of our initiatives and priorities haveresonated. We are a mission-driven workforce, and we are all dedicated to publicservice. The turnover has also highlighted the need to invest in our employees. Thedepartment made significant gains this past year in improving employeecompensation and providing real opportunities for job growth. We now have acompensation structure incentivizing employees to grow and progress professionally,and Justice Boatright was instrumental in these efforts. We still have more work to do,and we know there are compensation needs we could not address this past year. Thisremains a priority moving forward.
Over the past few years, I have been deeply involved in our efforts to fostercommunication and collaboration, and focus on our workplace culture. We now havemeaningful and current Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) statements. This was astatewide effort, and to have any impact, it had to be. Efforts to implement MVV aresuccessful only with collaboration and buy-in from across the branch, and I’m proud ofthe process and final product from everyone who worked on the MVV. Through ourWorkplace Culture Initiative (WCI), we have instituted new training programs foremployees and judges so that everyone understands our expectations and processes.We have made significant strides in recognizing the importance of well-being foreveryone involved in the difficult work of courts and probation. Judge and employeeturnover has also presented a unique opportunity to communicate our values as anorganization and demonstrate our commitment to exceptional workplace culture fromthe first day someone joins the Judicial Department. WCI initiatives remain a priority ofmine as we move forward. Over the past year, the department conducted weighted caseload studies for the Courtof Appeals and county court judicial officers. In 2023, we finalized our study for districtcourt judicial officers. This is the first time in decades that we have had up-to-dateworkload information for trial courts and the Court of Appeals. Not surprisingly, thestudies show a significant need for additional judges at every level. Our cases are morecomplex and take longer to resolve than they did five years ago, and our most recentdata reflects that. We cannot ignore these pressures without risking more burnout andturnover that will hinder many of the extraordinary efforts underway. I am committedto working with the legislature to address our needs in the coming years. As you read the stories and information in this new report, I hope you betterunderstand who we are as an organization—a group of committed public servants—and the mission we carry out every day: fair and equal justice for all Coloradans.LETTER FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE05Monica M. MárquezChief JusticeColorado Supreme Court
06MISSIONThe Judicial Department works to provideequal access to justice, contribute to publicsafety, and strengthen the rule of law acrossColorado. Together, our courts and probationdepartments are committed to impartial andtimely dispute resolution, support for families,litigants, and victims, client rehabilitation, andmeaningful community engagement. VISIONThe Colorado Judicial Department is a trustedand transparent leader in the pursuit ofJustice across the state, serving ourcommunities with integrity and providing fairand equitable access to the judicial process.We are committed to empowering ouremployees through open communicationand fostering a community of trust in asupportive and innovative workplace.MISSION, VISION, AND VALUESVALUES
ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS07
On July 26, 2024, Justice Monica M. Márquez was sworn in as Chief of the ColoradoSupreme Court, making history as the first Western Slope and Latina chief to takethe oath of office.On January 2, 2024, the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center was broken into and sustainedsignificant damage due to fire, smoke, and other actions that led to the building'sclosure and repair. Phase one of the repair process was completed in October 2024,and floors 1-2 and 8-12 reopened. Phase two construction for the more heavilydamaged floors 3-7 is ongoing.On July 1, 2024, with funding from the Colorado Legislature, the departmentlaunched the Compensation and Classification Renovation Project to align jobclassification pay ranges closer to a competitive market range to enhance the abilityto recruit, retain, and develop highly qualified staff. The project's goals were to havejob descriptions that accurately reflect the work being completed, to providemarketplace-competitive pay, and to have a sustainably funded mechanism to movethrough salary ranges.PIVOTALHIGHLIGHTSFROM 202408On June 11, 2024, the department launched a brand new website,coloradojudicial.gov, designed to improve the methods and means that Coloradansuse to access relevant information while promoting the Judicial Branch’s commitment to equity andaccessibility. The new websiteenhances the user's experiencethrough a modern design thatis accessible on computers andmobile devices, providesvaluable content, and animproved search functionality.
COLORADO SUPREME COURTChief Justice Monica M. Márquez Sworn into Office December 10, 2010 Appointed Chief Justice July 26, 2024Justice Brian D. Boatright Sworn into office November 21, 2011 Served as Chief Justice January 1, 2021-July 25, 2024 Justice William W. Hood, III Sworn into office January 13, 2014 Justice Richard L. Gabriel Sworn into office September 1, 2015 Justice Melissa Hart Sworn into office December 20, 2017 Justice Carlos A. Samour, Jr. Sworn into office July 2, 2018 Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter Sworn into office January 4, 2021 09925Petitions for Certiorari review48civil appeals, includingconstitutional challenge, elections,habeas corpus, P.U.C, and waterThe Colorado Supreme Court, the state's court oflast resort, issues binding decisions on allColorado state courts and has exclusivejurisdiction to promulgate rules governingpractice and procedure in civil and criminalactions. Most filings involve reviewing decisionsmade by the Colorado Court of Appeals. TheSupreme Court also has direct jurisdiction overconstitutional challenges, Public UtilitiesCommission decisions, habeas corpus petitions,water rights adjudications, Election Codeproceedings, and certain prosecutorial appeals. The Supreme Court comprises seven justicesserving 10-year terms, with the Chief Justiceselected from among them. The Chief Justiceserves as the executive head of the ColoradoJudicial Branch, chairs the Supreme CourtNominating Commission, appoints the ChiefJudges of the Court of Appeals and judicialdistricts, and assigns judges as needed. 36ballot title reviews10interlocutory appeals C.A.R. 4.1255original proceedings, including habeas corpus, C.A.R 21.1,attorney admissions (C.R.C.P. 206)
Chief Judge Gilbert M. Román Appointed: August 1, 2005 Appointment Chief Judge: October 8, 2021 John D. Dailey Appointed: January 7, 2000 Retired: January 1, 2024David FurmanAppointed: December 16, 2005 Retired: January 1, 2024Jerry N. Jones Appointed: July 5, 2006 Maria Teresa “Terry” Fox Appointed: January 7, 2011 Stephanie Dunn Appointed: November 23, 2012 Anthony J. NavarroAppointed: January 18, 2013Left: January 1, 2025Elizabeth L. Harris Appointment: July 23, 2015 10COLORADO COURT OF APPEALS David H. Yun Appointment: March 2, 2020W. Eric Kuhn Appointment: July 7, 2021 Timothy J. Schutz Appointment: January 1, 2022 Kari L. Schock Appointment: September 15, 2022 Katharine E. Lum Appointment: November 16, 2022 Pax L. MoultrieAppointment: January 1, 2024Grant SullivanAppointment: January 1, 2024Melissa MeirinkAppointment: January 1, 2025 Rebecca Rankin Freyre Appointment: November 16, 2015 Craig R. Welling Appointment: January 16, 2017 Ted C. Tow III Appointment: February 13, 2018Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov Appointment: January 9, 2019 Matthew D. Grove Appointment: January 9, 2019Neeti V. PawarAppointment: March 8, 2019 Jaclyn Casey Brown Appointment: June 1, 2019 Sueanna P. Johnson Appointment: June 1, 2019 Christina F. Gomez Appointment: February 27, 2020
COLORADOCOURT OFAPPEALS11The mission of the Court of Appeals is to providethe citizens of Colorado with clear, impartial, andtimely resolutions of appealed orders andjudgments as provided by law. The Court ofAppeals was created by statute; accordingly,jurisdiction is limited to the areas specified bystate statute and the inherent powers granted toall courts. The Colorado Court of Appeals is the state'sintermediate appellate court, which sits in three-member divisions to decide cases. As of July 1,2008, the court consists of 22 judges retained bythe public to serve eight-year terms. The ChiefJudge, appointed by the Chief Justice of theSupreme Court, assigns judges to the divisionsand rotates their assignments. Established under Section 1 of Article VI of theColorado Constitution and Section 13- 4-101, etseq., C.R.S. (Colorado Revised Statutes), the Courtof Appeals has initial jurisdiction, with exceptions,over appeals from the Colorado District Courts,Denver Probate Court, and Denver JuvenileCourt. In addition, the Court of Appeals hasspecific appellate jurisdiction over decisionsoriginating from a number of stateadministrative boards and agencies, includingthe Industrial Claim Appeals Office. Reviews ofthe Court of Appeals' decisions are directed tothe Colorado Supreme Court.1,016civil case filings86industrial claims casefilings 888criminal case filings2,305total FY 24 case filings315juvenile case filings
Colorado is sectioned into 22 Judicial Districtsencompassing all 64 counties. Across the state, districtboundaries are aligned with county lines – some districtsinclude just one county, while others include as many asseven counties. Each district has at least one district courtlocation. The Supreme Court Chief Justice appoints a ChiefJudge for each district to serve as the Chief Judicial Officer.In addition, each district has at least one other district courtjudge who may preside in more than one district courtwithin that judicial district, particularly in rural areas of thestate. Two hundred and ten district judges served duringFiscal Year 2024. District judges preside over felony criminal matters, civilclaims in any amount, juvenile matters (including adoption,dependency and neglect matters, juvenile delinquency, andpaternity actions), probate, mental health, divorceproceedings, and water cases. Additionally, district judgespreside over jury trials, handle appeals from Colorado’smunicipal and county courts, and review decisions ofadministrative boards and agencies. District decisions maybe appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals and/or to theColorado Supreme Court. COLORADO JUDICIAL DISTRICTS1293,083civil case filings31,081domestic relationscase filings 39,621criminal case filings17,939probatecase filings7,648mental health case filings16,555juvenile case filings
Colorado’s county courts, serving the citizens of the state’s64 counties, are upheld by the dedicated service of one ormore judges in each county. These judges play a crucialrole in handling cases involving serious public safetyissues, such as misdemeanor cases, felony advisements,setting bonds, and preliminary hearings. Theirresponsibilities include issuing search warrants andprotection orders in domestic violence cases, presidingover traffic cases and civil actions involving more than$25,000, and conducting jury trials. Appeals from thecounty court may be made to the district court. Onehundred and thirty-nine county court judges servedduring Fiscal Year 2024.Small claims courts are divisions of county courts.Individuals can argue their cases and have speedydecisions on civil matters involving no more than $7,500.Court sessions are held during the day or evening toaccommodate the public. Small claims courts have no jurytrials; instead, magistrates, court officials with limitedjudicial authority, sometimes hear these cases rather thana judge. No plaintiff may file more than two monthly or 18claims per year in small claims court.Colorado’s county courts have experienced significantincreases in misdemeanor and infraction cases in the lastfive years. Notably, the number of drug cases filed incounty court has increased 140% from 4,150 in FY20 to9,943 in FY24. This increase coincides with significantchanges in the classification of drug-related offenses inMarch 2020. These changes, which were part of a broadercriminal justice reform, moved many cases from district tocounty courts as offenses were reclassified from felony tomisdemeanor offenses, thereby increasing the workload ofthe county courts. COLORADO COUNTY COURTS13135,607civil case filings64,441misdemeanorscase filings 74,769infractionscase filings16,713felony complaintscase filings84,984traffic case filings5,342small claimscase filings
12.09%increase in thenumber claims madewithin existing cases14COLORADOWATERCOURTSBetween FY 2023 andFY2024, ColoradoWater CourtsExperienced:3.77%increase in thenumber of cases filedThe Water Right Determination and AdministrationAct of 1969 created seven water divisions based onthe drainage patterns of major Colorado rivers: theSouth Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison,Colorado, White, and San Juan rivers. For each water court, a division engineer isappointed by the state engineer, a water judge isappointed by the Colorado Supreme Court, thewater judge appoints a water referee, and thedistrict court staff assigns a water clerk. Water judges are district judges who havejurisdiction in determining water rights, the useand administration of water, and all other watermatters within the jurisdiction of the water division.There are no jury trials in water courts, and allappeals are filed directly with the ColoradoSupreme Court. All water courts operate under a standard casedefinition approved by the Colorado SupremeCourt in 1981. This decision made establishing watercourt filing standards possible, which have beenreported annually by water divisions since July 1,1981.
To meet societal expectations, ODR isexploring online dispute resolution serviceofferings for parties who are court-ordered tomediate. Currently, ODR contractors providethe majority of services remotely viateleconference platforms. On October 15, 2024,ODR went “live” with e-ODR, an online disputeresolution platform for small claims cases inArapahoe County. E-ODR was developed withgrant funding from the State Internet PortalAuthority (SIPA) and ODR’s other grants andgeneral funds. This pilot will run for 12 monthsto explore whether parties reach caseresolution faster and more satisfactorily. ODR continues to provide reduced-fee servicesfor qualifying indigent parties based on itsGeneral Fund appropriation and through HB23-1120 for pre-filing eviction cases forvulnerable populations at risk of eviction. Grantmoney from the U.S. Office of Health andHuman Services’ Child Access and VisitationProgram continues to provide support.General information regarding the Office ofDispute Resolution is available atcoloradojudicial.gov/court-services/office-dispute-resolution.OFFICE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION15The Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) has provided dispute resolution services formore than 40 years since ODR’s creation in 1983 by the Colorado Dispute Resolution Act.ODR assists the courts in designing, implementing, and administering disputeresolution programs provided through its 89 independent contractors, many of whomspeak another language fluently. ODR’s primary services include mediation (pre- andpost-filing), early neutral assessment, and supervised parenting time. ODR alsomanages the federal Access & Visitation Grant for the State of Colorado, providingsupport and funding for dispute resolution programs targeting never-married parentsto increase parenting time for non-custodial parents. 7,588cases handledby ODR (FY 24)43.4%agreement ratefor handled cases(“fully or partiallyresolved”) 11.4%prefilingeviction cases48%eviction casesreached solution87%thosecompletingonline surveyreported to be“very satisfied” or“mostly satisfied”with services
Serving under the Colorado Judicial Department, Colorado Probation comprises 23departments and the Division of Probation Services. The probation departments,located throughout the state, interface directly with probation clients to providerehabilitation, skill development, and enhanced public safety for Colorado residents. Onan annual basis, Colorado Probation supervises nearly 70,000 individuals and providessupport and notification to over 17,000 victims of crime. 16Colorado Probation iscommitted to PublicSafety, Victim andCommunity Reparationthrough OffenderAccountability, Skilland CompetencyDevelopment andServices to theCommunities ofColorado.Colorado Probation plays an essential role inthe criminal justice system. It provides thecourts and the community an alternative toincarceration for adults and juvenilescommitting crimes. In all departments,individuals on supervision are assessed forrisk and need factors. Based on theseassessments, individuals on probation aresupervised accordingly and referred fortreatment and other services. Within thelimits of statute and state standards, eachdepartment can develop and structureprograms that address the needs of the localcourt and the community. As probationclients remain in the community duringtheir supervision, developing a supportiveand healthy network in the community iscritical to reducing recidivism. COLORADOPROBATION
17Clients referred to this program expressed their perspectives about the help theyreceived and were specifically appreciative of having space where they could be heardand understood. A probation officer explained the program’s impact on the clients andthe community, “Due to the diverse population that we serve, meeting the differingneeds of each client is important, and eliminating any language barriers allows them tohave their basic needs met. Not only does having a Bilingual Resource Navigator helpour clients access services in a culturally competent way, but it also aids in fostering apositive connection to their community and the probation department.”Colorado Probation is committed to implementing practices and programs thatbalance rehabilitation, accountability, and community safety. This requiresimplementing research-informed practices and programs and exploring innovative andtailored approaches to supervision to serve the courts, justice-involved individuals,victims, and communities. 66,552 FY2024total adult and juvenilepopulation Active as of June 30(Supervision/Monitoring)Several years ago, the 20th Judicial DistrictProbation Department, serving Boulderand Longmont, established a BilingualResource Navigation (BRN) Program toprovide services to monolingual Spanishspeakers, undocumented and immigrantclients, and clients who feel afraid orintimidated by the justice system. In thethree years of its existence, the programhas served hundreds of justice-involvedpersons, providing information and supportfor housing, employment, obtainingidentification, health, education, parenting,and basic needs.COLORADOPROBATION
At the core of the Colorado Judicial Department’s mission is a deep belief in the power ofa positive and inclusive workplace culture. This belief drives an investment in creating anenvironment where everyone feels empowered, respected, and connected to sharedgoals.In 2024, the department, guided by the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court, intensifiedefforts to foster a collaborative environment where teamwork is embedded in dailyoperations. Key committees have been instrumental in advancing this vision, bringingpeople together to enact meaningful changes aligned with the department's missionand values.A significant step this year was adding a Manager of Leadership and Culture, a crucialrole in developing and overseeing cultural initiatives across the organization. Thisposition also supports an expanded and inclusive Workplace Culture SteeringCommittee, now formalized to include a range of staff levels, ensuring a diverseperspective in cultural initiatives. The Statewide Training Committee was established to provide intentional, meaningfultraining that prepares staff at every level to perform their roles confidently and skillfully.Topics range from leadership development to teamwork and conflict resolution, ensuringall employees have access to resources promoting professional growth. Alongside thesedevelopments, the newly established Statewide Training Committee works to provideintentional, impactful training to empower staff in their roles. The Colorado Judicial Department is also preparing to roll out the Anonymous SafeReporting System in early 2025, a significant step forward in creating a safe and openworkplace. This system will allow employees to report concerns confidentially, reinforcingthe department's commitment to a respectful and inclusive environment. Efforts to align all districts with the department's mission, vision, and values havecontinued and have been supported by introducing the Change Activation Network toleadership. This statewide initiative prepares teams for cohesive, mission-driven workacross Colorado.INVESTING INCULTURE18
A shared recognition thateveryone (employees andcustomers) should be treatedwith respect and dignityA shared commitment totransparency, accountability,and ethical decision-makingA shared understanding that wewill not tolerate discrimination,harassment, or retaliationIn recent years, the Colorado JudicialDepartment has prioritized creating aworkplace culture that champions respect,inclusivity, and collaboration. This effort,known as the Workplace Culture Initiative(WCI), reflects a belief that a positive andempowering environment is foundationalto delivering justice effectively across thestate.The initiative aims to embed a culture oftransparency, support, and accountability.With backing from the Chief Justice andthe Supreme Court, a comprehensiveframework was developed, fostering opendialogue, encouraging input from all levels,and equipping leaders with tools tocultivate inclusivity. The expanded Workplace Culture SteeringCommittee, now more representative of thedepartment’s diverse staff, has taken acentral role in driving these efforts. Byincluding perspectives from various roles,regions, and backgrounds, the Committeeensures that decisions and policies alignwith the needs and aspirations of everyteam member.The Colorado Supreme Court’s WorkplaceCulture Initiative is leading state-widechanges at the Judicial Department tofoster an exemplary workplace driven byemployee voices, a shared mission andvision, and common values and priorities. WORKPLACECULTUREINITIATIVE19WCI Core Principles
In 2024, the State Court Administrator’s Office partnered with theGeneral Assembly on legislation that will expand access to justiceand measures that will make courthouses safer.HB24-1291 provides statutory recognition of Licensed LegalParaprofessionals. In 2023, after years of study by the Office ofAttorney Regulation Counsel, the Colorado Supreme Court createdthe LLP program. In lieu of hiring an attorney, Coloradans now mayhire lower-cost Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals to assist litigantswith an array of family court matters. LLPs may represent clients inmarital and civil union dissolutions and legal separations;allocations of parental responsibility; establishing, enforcing, andmodifying child support; name changes; protective orders; adultgender designation changes; and remedial contempt associatedwith that scope of practice.SB24-187 will provide additional security support for countycourthouses throughout Colorado. The bill provides that SCAO mayemploy additional POST-certified staff to assist local lawenforcement agencies, who are responsible for providing security atcourthouses. The additional positions will allow SCAO staff to helpensure litigants, witnesses, attorneys, and court staff can operatewithout fearing physical violence at courthouses. The bill alsoclarifies that the Colorado State Patrol has jurisdiction at the RalphL. Carr Judicial Center, which is similar to CSP’s authority at theCapitol. Finally, the General Assembly re-authorized a popular program thathas enabled many counties to improve their courthouse conditions.HB24-1275 reauthorized the Underfunded Courthouse Facility CashFund Commission until 2035. The program has assisted ruralcounties in renovating, expanding, and building courthouses.Reauthorization helps ensure that the state will continue to partnerwith counties to provide counties with small tax bases that canmaintain safe and secure court facilities. LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS20
COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT21Courts in the Community is an educationaloutreach program that was started on LawDay in 1986 by the Colorado Supreme Courtand Court of Appeals. The program giveshigh school students hands-on experiencein the Colorado judicial system andillustrates how disputes are resolved in ademocratic society.The courts travel to high schools inColorado to hear two oral arguments inactual cases from which rulings aredetermined. Each court issues its opinionswithin a few weeks or months after hearingthe arguments. Cases are chosen byspecifically considering the interests ofstudents.As part of the Courts in the Communityprogram, the Supreme Court held oralarguments at Gateway High School in thefall of 2023 and Pueblo High School in thespring of 2024. The Court of Appeals heldoral arguments as part of the Courts in theCommunity program at Roaring Fork HighSchool and Summit High School in the fallof 2023 and at Fort Lupton High School inthe spring of 2024.“I want to offer my sincereappreciation (for the Courts in theCommunity program). I look backat that November day as aformative experience. Witnessingour justice system in action andspeaking with Justice Gabrielafterward left an impact. Becauseof how he described it, I developedan interest in law that I had neverhad before. Afterward, I startedvolunteering and working onrestorative justice programs forjuvenile offenders. I am gratefulthat I did. None of this would havebeen possible without yourinvolvement. What you do inside the courtroomhas a massive impact, as doeswhat you do for the community.Thank you for making programslike Courts in the Communityavailable and accessible (to highschool students). You make moreof an impact than you could everknow.“- Jack (High School Senior)From a letter to Justice Gabriel
FINANCIALS22TThe Judicial Branch is comprised of the Judicial Department Courts, SCAO, andProbation); the Office of the Public Defender; the Office of the Alternate DefenseCounsel; the Office of the Child’s Representative; the Office of the Respondent Parents’Counsel; the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman; the Independent EthicsCommission; the Office of Public Guardianship; Bridges of Colorado; the Office ofAdministrative Services for Independent Agencies; and District Attorney MandatedCosts.The fiscal year (FY) 2023-24Judicial Department (Courtsand Probation) budget was$710.6 million total funds(including $467.1 millionGeneral Fund, $190.3 millioncash funds, $48.8 millionreappropriated funds, and$4.4 million federal funds)and 4,093.5 full-timeequivalent staff. The total FY 2023-24appropriation was $1.0 billion,representing 2.4 percent ofthe State of Colorado’soperating budget. The FY2023-24 Courts andProbation appropriation of$710.6 million represents 1.7percent of the State’soperating budget.
The Collections Program is a statewide, cash-fundedinitiative promoting client success and victimreparation through restitution. A collection investigatoris available to assist individuals with outstandingbalances from traffic or criminal assessments due tothe court, focusing on each individual's ability to pay.About 93% of cases with financial assessments requirethe services of a Collections Investigator, who providesflexible payment options and education on budgetingand financial management strategies to promoteeconomic stability. The Office of Restitution Services (ORS) continues tohelp victims who are owed court-ordered restitution.The ORS web page, a transparent and informativeresource, is maintained to answer general questionsand provide easy contact with the office staff. Stafffocuses on answering case-specific questions, offerstraining and support to various audiences, andgenerates semi-annual restitution statements uponvictim request. In Fiscal Year 2024, the state courts in Coloradoprocessed a significant $206 million in revenue. Thisrevenue supports more than 50 different statutoryfunds residing in various state departments andagencies. Key beneficiaries of this funding include theGeneral Fund, Highway Users Trust Fund, JudicialStabilization Fund, Correctional Treatment Cash Fund,Offender Services Fund, and many others. COLLECTIONS ANDREVENUE23$23.6 millionreceived and transferred toother state departments tosupport treatment,rehabilitation, and varioussocial services programs .Over $5 millionallocated to local municipaland county governmentprograms and state DMV $71.5 millionFY24 total restitution assessed8,520total FY24 cases withrestitution$16.2 millionFY24 total distributed tovictim programs$41.6 millionFY24 restitution collected
PHONE :(720) 625-5150 or (800) 888-0001ADDRESS :WEBSITE :coloradojudicial.govMORE INFORMATION ABOUT US2 East 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203 (Courts)1300 Broadway, Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80203 (Administration)Case announcements, oral argument schedules, rules, Chief JusticeDirectives, protocols, links to committees and commissions, and generalinformation about the court is available on the Judicial Branch’s website.