What: The Colorado Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two court cases before an audience of high school students at Overland High School in Aurora, Colo. as part of the Colorado Judicial Department’s Courts in the Community outreach program. Courts in the Community is an educational program that gives high school students a firsthand look at how the Colorado judicial system operates and how disputes are resolved in our democratic society. 

When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 9 a.m. to noon  

Where: Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewel Ave, Aurora, Colo. 

Who: Members of the media are invited to attend. RSVP to Susan Postema Scheeres at susan.postemascheeres@judicial.state.co.us; she will be attending the event and can direct you to students who have parent or guardian approval to be photographed or interviewed. 

No videography is allowed. All requests to photograph oral arguments must be submitted through an EMC no later than 24 hours before the event, per Colorado Supreme Court Rule 3. The EMC can be found on online: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true 

Any members of the media will need to check in at the main entrance with an I.D.  

Background:  

• The Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals started the program on Law Day (May 1) in 1986. 
• In the 40 years since, the program has given an estimated 50,000 students and teachers from every Colorado judicial district a firsthand look at how the state’s judicial system operates and how disputes are resolved in our democratic society. 
• These are not mock proceedings. The court will hear arguments in actual cases from which it will issue opinions.  
• The seven justices of the Colorado Supreme Court will hear oral arguments: Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez, Justice Brian D. Boatright, Justice William W. Hood III, Justice Richard L. Gabriel, Justice Carlos A. Samour, Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter, and Justice Susan Blanco. 
• Teachers from Overland High School and Cherry Creek Pathways have been preparing their students to hear oral arguments, using a curriculum designed by the Colorado Judicial Department that provides background information about the judicial system and information about the cases that will be presented. The Criminal Justice and Law Pathway involves students from all six high schools in the Cherry Creek School District. This is a year-long program where students study criminal and civil law, constitutional rights, the role of judges, lawyers and legal professionals, and more

Two cases will be heard at Overland High School: 

• 25SC433, Spectrum Retirement Communities v. Continental Casualty Co. 

This case arose out of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of government restrictions imposed to mitigate the pandemic, retirement communities like those owned by Spectrum were required to limit access to their common areas, including dining areas, and were not allowed to rent vacant units to new residents. Spectrum suffered financial losses as a result and filed a claim with their insurance provider, Continental, pursuant to their "all-risk" policy. Spectrum believed that the policy covered not only the physical properties, but also business interruptions caused by physical losses or damage. While some insurance policies specifically state that they will not cover losses caused by viruses, the policy that Spectrum purchased did not include that language. Continental denied the claim and Spectrum sued Continental. The case was dismissed by the trial court which concluded that Spectrum could not show a covered loss. A division of the Court of Appeals agreed. Spectrum sought review in the Colorado Supreme Court. 

• 25SA342, People v. Ruiz 

After Ruiz allegedly stole a car, the People charged him with first-degree motor vehicle theft. Under that statute, a person commits a felony if they take somebody else’s car and they know “or reasonably should have known” that they lacked authorization to do so. Ruiz filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that this statute violates due process because it permits a criminal conviction based on what a hypothetical person might have known, rather than the defendant’s actual state of mind. Although the trial court didn’t dismiss Ruiz’s case, it did agree with him that the “reasonably should have known” language is unconstitutional, so it required the jury to find that he actually had such knowledge. The People now appeal the trial court’s ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court. 

Students will be able to ask the attorneys and the justices questions after oral arguments. For more information about the cases, visit our website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts-community/events  

Denver, CO — Going to court without an attorney may seem intimidating or overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be, thanks to free programs offered through the Colorado Judicial Department. Recognizing that many Coloradans represent themselves in legal matters, the Judicial Department and partners are hosting free legal assistance and educational sessions in 11 locations around the state in October.

The Judicial Department is committed to equipping self-represented litigants with the information and education they need to be prepared to appear before a judge and answer questions about evictions, family law, sealing a criminal case, small claims, or other legal matters. At Legal Resource Days events, volunteer lawyers and other professionals offer free informational and educational sessions to individuals representing themselves.

Times and types of sessions vary by location. Spanish interpreters will be available, and all sessions are free. Registration is required for some sessions; please see each location’s web page for instructions and details. If you are unable to attend one of the Legal Resource Days events, you can learn more about the Judicial Department’s Self-Help and Court Information Centers at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/stories/self-help-centers. These centers are available across all 23 judicial districts and offer resources for court customers to gain a better understanding of the legal system.

• 1st Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin Counties):Free 15-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the atrium of the Jefferson County Courthouse (100 Jefferson County Pkwy in Golden) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Traffic, criminal, civil, family law and probate attorneys will be providing pro bono assistance. Community service organizations will be hosting informational tables at the event. For more information contact 01selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us or call 720-772-2501.
• 2nd Judicial District (Denver County):Free 30-minute Ask-An-Attorney clinics are available to discuss issues concerning family law, probate and county court civil matters. Free classes will be held online, by phone, or in person at the Denver City and County Building (1437 Bannock St., Room 281, Denver) on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class schedule is posted at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/denver-district/denver-courts-pro-seself-help-centers.
• 3rd Judicial District (Huerfano and Las Animas Counties):Attend free sessions and learn about family law, evictions, guardianship, and conservatorship on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Commons at Space to Create located (218 W. Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082). Free 20-minute Ask-an-Attorney sessions will also be available from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Register for those sessions by calling Kelly Gabrielson at 719-497-8246 or Sam Benson at 719-497-8252.
• 4th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller Counties):Free 20-minute Meet-A-Lawyer sessions to receive free legal advice and in-person sessions on small claims, consumer rights, guardianships, and evictions will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the El Paso County Combined Courts (270 Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903) in the Jury Room. Opening remarks from Judge Frances R. Johnson. For more information, email 04selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us.
• 6th Judicial District (Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan Counties):In-person sessions will be held at the La Plata County Combined Courts (1060 E. 2nd Ave., Durango) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on topics including domestic relations cases (divorce/child custody, post-decree modifications) civil cases (eviction, money, protection orders), and probate (guardianship, conservatorships, trust/estates, wills). For more information, call 970-385-6179.
• 7th Judicial District (Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose (including Nucla), Ouray, and San Miguel counties): In-person events will be held October 28-29 at the Montrose Justice Center (1200 N. Grand Ave., Montrose, CO 81401). Free 20- to 30-minute one-on-one attorney consultations (probate matters, estate planning, estate administration, real estate, property matters, business, HOA, civil, family, divorce, parenting time, and support. Free mediation sessions (these services, attorney consultations, and mediation require pre-registration).
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m., CASA will present a parenting education course, and Adriana Hartley of Montrose County will present on child support services at 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., Lindsey Watson of Colorado Legal Services will present on the Complete Eviction Process (from service of notice through writ of restitution enforcement). Andrea Rosenberry of Colorado Legal Services will present on Contested Family Law Cases at 1 p.m. and on Evidence for Self-Represented Parties at 2:30 p.m. Community vendors will be on site with additional information and representatives to answer questions about services or resources their agencies offer. For more information, contact the Self Help Team at 970-252-4312 or email 07SRLC@judicial.state.co.us. Individuals requesting Spanish interpretation may call Duber Mayer at 970-252-4320.
• 10th Judicial District (Pueblo County): Free in-person educational sessions and 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney consultations regarding family law, probate, civil money cases, landlord/tenant, small claims, and record sealing will be available Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Building (501 N. Elizabeth St., Pueblo). Email 10jdselfhelp@judicial.state.co.us or call 719-404-8752 for more information.
• 11th Judicial District (Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Park Counties): In-person sessions on probate and simple estate planning, courtroom prep, Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals and divorce, and evictions will be held at the Fremont County Courthouse (136 Justice Center Road #103, Canon City) on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. Registration is required. For more information, visit coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/chaffee-county.
• 14th Judicial District (Moffat, Routt, and Grand Counties):Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., attend in person at the Craig Chamber of Commerce (775 Yampa Ave. in Craig) or virtually at the Bud Warner Library (1289 Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat Springs). The event features free legal presentations on divorce and custody law, tenant rights, and IRS changes. Registration is required for free legal advice sessions from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. A Spanish interpreter will be available. For more information, email 14selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us.
• 16th Judicial District (Bent, Crowley and Otero Counties): Monday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Otero County Courthouse (13 W. 3rd St. in La Junta), attend a landlord/tenant presentation and visit information tables provided by community service organizations. Email 16thSelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us for more information.
• 17th Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield Counties):Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed for lunch 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.) at the Adams County Courthouse (1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, CO 80601). Attorneys will be available to assist with divorce, child custody and support, tenant/landlord issues, traffic, juvenile, criminal, civil protection orders, and probate. Community vendors will be on-site to engage with attendees and share resources. Spanish interpreters will be available. For more information, email the Resource Center at 17SHRC@judicial.state.co.us or call: 303-654- 3213.
• 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe County):Free 15-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions for family law and probate matters will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, Jury Assembly Room – Courthouse 1 (7325 S. Potomac St. in Centennial). Community resource service organizations will also host information booths. No prior registration required.
• 21st Judicial District (Mesa County): Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Grand Junction Central Library (443 N. 6th St., Grand Junction, CO 81501) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions regarding civil, family matters, and probate cases are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be two informational presentations: Representing Yourself in Court - Civil Case Procedures from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Navigating the Court's Self-Help Services from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Community resource information and a Spanish interpreter will be available. For more information, email 21selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us or call 970-257-3663.
• 22nd Judicial District (Dolores and Montezuma Counties):Sessions will be held at the Montezuma Combined Court (865 N. Park St. in Cortez) on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 970-565-1328 to register or for more information. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department shares in deep sadness the news of former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart’s passing.

Justice Hart served on the Colorado Supreme Court from 2017 to 2025, bringing a scholar’s rigor and a teacher’s compassion to the bench. While serving on the Court, Justice Hart also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Justice Hart grew up in Denver and graduated from East High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard-Radcliffe College, and her law degree from Harvard Law. Justice Hart clerked for Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and for Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court.

On behalf of the Supreme Court and the entire Judicial Branch, we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Her colleagues will remember her wisdom, her warmth, and her devotion to the work of the Court. Justice Hart’s legacy will leave a lasting impact on those who knew her.

Grants provide funding for courthouses with limited resources

DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2026-27 grants from the Underfunded Courthouse Facility Commission Cash Fund.  

The grants provide supplemental funding for courthouse facilities projects in Colorado counties with the most limited resources. The 2014 General Assembly created the grant program to help counties with the most limited financial resources ensure access to safe courthouses that allow for the efficient and effective administration of justice. 

To be eligible for grants, counties must meet at least two of four criteria set in the statute: counties whose total population is below the median among all Colorado counties; counties in which per-capita income is below the state median; counties in which property tax revenues are below the state median; and counties in which the population living below the federal poverty line is above the state median. 

Approximately $2.5 million to $3 million is anticipated to be available from the Colorado Underfunded Courthouse Facility Cash Fund. Thirty-nine counties meeting at least two of the criteria set in statute are eligible for grants. Of those counties, 22 are given the highest priority for grants because they meet all statutory criteria. 

Under Colorado law, counties are responsible for building and maintaining courtrooms and other court facilities. The Judicial Department is responsible for furnishing those courthouses; however, the level of funding and services that each county can provide varies throughout the state.  

Funds from the grants may be used to pay for master planning services for courthouse projects, to match funds or leverage funding opportunities for construction or remodeling projects, or to address emergency needs due to the imminent closure of a courthouse. Grant funds may not be used to pay for furniture, fixtures, or equipment, and may not be used as the sole source of funding for new construction unless the need stems from the imminent closure of a courthouse. 

Application details, rules, and other information on the grants can be found at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/financial-services/underfunded-courthouse-facility-grant-program. 

Grant applications must be received through the Office of the State Court Administrator’s grant management system, Euna, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Program and application questions may be directed to UFF@judicial.state.co.us. Members of the media should contact the Office of Communications at cojudicialcomms@judicial.state.co.us. 

Incoming Chief Justice Begins One-Year Transition Under Current Chief

DENVER — Today, Chief Justice Monica Márquez announced that Supreme Court Justice William Hood was selected by his fellow justices to serve as the next chief justice beginning in August 2027, when Chief Justice Márquez’s term concludes.

The chief justice serves a three-year rotating term, established by a unanimous vote of the court in 2020 to replace indefinite terms. The incoming chief justice completes a one-year intensive onboarding process, mentoring under the current chief justice to learn the administrative role as the state judicial branch’s top executive, overseeing the 23 judicial districts, in addition to the regular duties of a justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. The new chief justice is sworn in at the end of the outgoing chief justice’s term.

“Justice Hood brings deep experience, steady judgment, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve,” said Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him for many years, and I know he will approach this role with the integrity and thoughtfulness it demands. I look forward to supporting him throughout his onboarding year and ensuring a smooth transition for the branch.”

Justice William Hood said, “I am honored by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. Our judicial branch is filled with dedicated professionals who work every day to deliver justice for the people of Colorado, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support that work in this new role. I appreciate Chief Justice Márquez’s leadership and her willingness to guide me through the year ahead as I prepare for this transition.”

Justice William Hood was sworn in as a member of the Colorado Supreme Court on January 13, 2014, following seven years as a judge on the Denver District Court. In 2014, the Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers gave him its Distinguished Jurist Award. In 2011, he received the Denver Bar Association’s (DBA’s) Judicial Excellence Award.

Before moving to the bench, Justice Hood was a litigation partner at Isaacson Rosenbaum P.C. in Denver and served as a prosecutor for 10 years in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District (encompassing, at the time, Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln, and Elbert Counties). At different times, he was a chief trial deputy and the chief appellate deputy.

In 1990, Justice Hood graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review. In 1985, he received his B.A. magna cum laude, with honors, in International Relations from Syracuse University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Justice Hood is a member of the American, Colorado, and Denver Bar Associations. He is a fellow emeritus of the American and Colorado Bar Foundations.  He has served as a member of the Executive Council of the CBA and the Board of Trustees for the DBA. He is a 2007 (inaugural class) graduate of the CBA’s leadership training program (COBALT). He has also taught several courses related to advocacy as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.

The Colorado Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort. Its decisions are binding on all other Colorado state courts. Under the Colorado Constitution, the Chief Justice serves as the executive head of the Colorado Judicial Department, comprising the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and the state’s district and county courts and probation. The Judicial Department employs over 4,000 court and probation employees, including 343 justices, judges, and magistrates.

Governor to appoint new district court judge

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of the Honorable Michael P. McHenry, effective October 1, 2026.  

Nominees David Michael Lipka, Lara Yoder Nafziger, and Kayla Michelle Wingard, all of Colorado Springs, were selected by the commission on August 12, 2026. 

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from today, within which to appoint one of the nominees as district court judge for the 4th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller counties). Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at gov_judicialappointments@state.co.us. 

Contact information for the nominees: 

• David Michael Lipka. 320 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-867-2217 
• Lara Yoder Nafziger. 270 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5400 
• Kayla Michelle Wingard. 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5542 

For questions about this announcement, please contact the Colorado Supreme Court Clerk's Office at 720-625-5150. 

Effective October 1, 2026, the Colorado Judicial Department will increase Colorado Courts E- Filing fees to $18. This fee includes e-filing, e-service, mailing, and access to case history. The change applies to all CCE users, including attorneys and self-represented filers.

This increase supports ongoing technology initiatives essential to court operations. Fees are allocated to the IT Cash Fund, which finances upgrades to virtual court systems, modernization of the case management system, and the hardware, software, and staffing required to maintain secure and accessible court records. Maintaining this fund is critical to the reliability of daily court services.

The fee amount is set under C.R.S. § 13 32 114 and Chief Justice Directive 08-02. The updated directive explains how these cost recovery fees work and what they’re used for.

The new $18 fee will appear in CCE on October 1. The filing process and notification fees will remain unchanged. Additional information about the fee increase can be found online at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/cjd-08-02-update

DENVER—The Colorado Jury Selection Working Group, which was created through HB26–1288, is seeking input regarding jury selection practices in Colorado. 

The working group will examine issues related to (1) the amount of time provided to attorneys to question prospective jurors during voir dire, (2) the use of questionnaires in selecting jurors, and (3) judicial rehabilitation of prospective jurors who have allegedly exhibited bias. The working group wants to hear from attorneys, judges, litigants, individuals who have served on juries, and other members of the public who wish to share ideas about how the state could improve its practices in these three areas.  

Feedback can be submitted at a link provided on the Jury Selection Working Group’s website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/jury-selection-working-group 

The working group is scheduled to meet at least through the end of 2026 with the goal of submitting proposals to the Colorado Supreme Court for possible changes to criminal and civil rules of procedure related to jury selection. In addition to judges and court staff, the working group includes representatives from the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, the Office of State Public Defender, the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the Colorado Civil Defense Bar, the Colorado Municipal Judges Association, and the Colorado Bar Association. 

4th Judicial District County Court judge finalists selected

Governor to appoint new county court judge

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for a county court judgeship created by the retirement of Honorable D. Denise Peacock, effective August 1, 2026.

Charles D. Allen, Andrew Daniel Herlihy, and Christina S. Perroni, all of Colorado Springs, were selected by the commission on June 30, 2026.

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from today to appoint one of the nominees as a county court judge for the 4th Judicial District (El Paso County).

Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at:

gov_judicialappointments@state.co.us

Contact information for the three nominees:

·        Charles D. Allen. 6 S. Tejon St., Suite 550, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-650-9149.

·        Andrew Daniel Herlihy. 270 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5415.

·        Christina S. Perroni. 105 E. Vermijo Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-520-7036.

For questions about this announcement, please contact the Colorado Supreme Court Clerk's Office at: 720-625-5150.

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DENVER—Colorado residents are being warned about fraudulent text messages circulating statewide that falsely claim recipients must appear in district court for a traffic violation. Anyone who receives one of these texts should delete it immediately and avoid clicking any links.

How to Spot the Fake Text:

The name of the court is wrong. Any message referencing a generic “District Court of the State of Colorado” is not legitimate.

No location, date, or time is listed. A notice without this information is not a real court order.

Court staff information is incorrect, with names that do not match the local court’s public records.

The case number is inconsistent with Colorado’s case number system. Common case numbers appearing in the texts include CO-DC-2026-TR.

The URL is not from Colorado’s official court system. Any link directing you elsewhere, especially one containing “DMV” in the address, is fraudulent. Do not click it.

How Courts Actually Notify You:

Legitimate court appearance notices arrive by mail, in person, by counsel, or by initial summons issued directly by a law enforcement officer at the time of a traffic stop. The court will send text message reminders for court appearances, including one the day before the scheduled appearance. All valid notices include a case number, the specific judicial district, judge and clerk information, courthouse address, and scheduled date and time.

To verify whether you have a pending court matter, visit www.coloradojudicial.gov and use the docket search function or call the clerk of court in your local judicial district. Colorado has 23 judicial districts, and contact information for all of them is listed on the official judicial branch website.

What to Do:

Delete the message. Do not click any links, call any numbers listed in the text, or provide personal or financial information. If you have already clicked a link or shared personal information, contact your bank immediately and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.

Where to Report This Scam:

• Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: http://www.ic3.gov
• Colorado Attorney General, Stop Fraud Colorado: stopfraudcolorado.gov

If you are concerned about a real court matter, contact your local court directly through www.coloradojudicial.gov. Media outlets and community organizations are encouraged to share this information freely.