Criminal Defense in Fort Collins
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 Fort Collins are handled in the 8th Judicial District: felonies in the Larimer County District Court and misdemeanors, traffic, and petty offenses in the County Court. Larimer County’s county seat is Fort Collins.
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 drug charges.
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: Larimer County District and County Courts (8th Judicial District) — felonies are heard in the District Court and misdemeanors and traffic in the County Court.
Criminal cases for Fort Collins are handled in the 8th Judicial District: felonies in the Larimer 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 Fort Collins?
- It depends on the charge. Felonies are heard in the Larimer County District Court (8th Judicial District), while misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and petty offenses are handled in the County Court.
- Where is a DUI case heard in Fort Collins?
- A misdemeanor DUI is generally handled in the Larimer County Court, while a felony DUI (such as a fourth offense) is heard in the District Court.