Criminal Defense in Boulder
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
Criminal cases in Boulder are handled in the 20th Judicial District: felonies in the Boulder County District Court and misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses in the County Court. Boulder County’s county seat is Boulder.
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Colorado criminal defense hub, then read about the criminal process, DUI charges, and record sealing.
Early decisions in a criminal case shape everything that follows. To get matched with a local attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local criminal courts
Court: Boulder County District and County Courts (20th Judicial District) — felonies are heard in the District Court and misdemeanors and traffic in the County Court.
Criminal cases for Boulder are handled in the 20th Judicial District: felonies in the Boulder County District Court and misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses in the County Court. Verify the current courthouse location, hours, and filing procedures on the Colorado Judicial Branch website before you appear.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Which court handles my criminal case in Boulder?
- It depends on the charge. Felonies are heard in the Boulder County District Court (20th Judicial District), while misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and petty offenses are handled in the County Court.
- Where is a DUI case heard in Boulder?
- A misdemeanor DUI is generally handled in the Boulder County Court, while a felony DUI (such as a fourth offense) is heard in the District Court.