Your Rights as a Defendant

Listing of Rights

You, as a defendant, have the right to:

Be represented by an attorney
A determination of whether or not you are entitled to a plea for a lesser charge
Appeal the court's finding to the Arapahoe County District Court of the 18th Judicial District if found guilty in trial
A reasonable continuance of your case for good cause
A trial by the court or by a jury
- In order to obtain a jury trial, a written jury demand and a deposit of $25 must be paid to the court within 20 days of the entry of the not guilty plea
Be advised of the charges against you and the maximum penalty which may be imposed in the event of a plea or finding of guilty
Be given a full explanation of the charges against you
Be presumed innocent until every element has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt
Cross examine prosecution witnesses
Make an oral explanation in mitigation of a plea or finding of guilty
Plead guilty or not guilty to the offense(s) with which you are charged and be informed as to the legal effect of each
Present witnesses on your own behalf and have witnesses subpoenaed by the court
Testify or not testify in your own behalf

For more information, please contact Court Administrator Kathi Husek at 303-762-2200.