Criminal Defense in Denver
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.
Where your Denver criminal case is heard depends on the charge. Felonies are prosecuted in the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District), while misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses are handled by the Denver County Court. Denver is unusual among Colorado counties in having constitutionally separate district and county courts rather than a combined court.
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, drug charges, and record sealing.
Criminal charges move fast and early decisions matter. To get matched with a local attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local criminal courts
Court: Denver District Court hears felonies; the Denver County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses — both in the 2nd Judicial District.
In Denver, felony charges are prosecuted in the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District), while misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses are handled by the Denver County Court. Denver is unusual in having constitutionally separate district and county courts. Verify the current courthouse location, hours, and filing procedures on the Colorado Judicial Branch site before any hearing.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Which Denver court will hear my criminal case?
- Felony charges go to the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District). Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and petty offenses are handled by the Denver County Court.
- Where are DUI cases heard in Denver?
- A misdemeanor DUI is typically handled in the Denver County Court, while a felony DUI (for example, with prior convictions) is prosecuted in the Denver District Court. See our Colorado DUI guide for how the charge level is determined.