Colorado Legal Questions & Answers
73 plain-English answers to common Colorado law questions, grouped into 12 categories. Each answer lists the statutes it is based on and explains when to talk to a lawyer.
Consumer (14)
- How do I appeal my property tax assessment in Colorado?
Colorado property owners protest to the county assessor by June 8 (real property) or June 30 (personal property) in odd-numbered reappraisal years under C.R.S. § 39-5-122. Appeal…
- How does the lemon law process work in Colorado?
Colorado's Motor Vehicle Warranty Act ('Lemon Law'), Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12-101 to 42-12-107, presumes a lemon after 4 repair attempts on the same defect or 30+ business days…
- How much of my wages can be garnished in Colorado?
Colorado is stricter than federal as of HB 20-1162. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-54-104, garnishment is capped at the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings OR amount above 40 times…
- How do I file a mechanic's lien in Colorado?
Serve Notice of Intent to File Lien on owner and GC at least 10 days before filing. Record Lien Statement in county clerk and recorder within 4 months of last work (2 months for…
- What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Colorado?
Colorado provides 2 years for personal injury (3 years for motor vehicle) under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 and § 13-80-101. Medical malpractice is 2 years with a 3-year repose (§…
- How does small claims court work in Colorado?
Colorado small claims handles disputes up to $7,500 under C.R.S. § 13-6-403. Filing fees range $31-$55. Attorneys are barred unless both parties consent. Appeals to District Court…
- How do I set aside a default judgment in Colorado?
Move under C.R.C.P. 55(c) and 60(b) within a reasonable time, and within 182 days for mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. The Craig v. Rider test requires…
- Who is liable if a dog bites me in Colorado?
Colorado imposes strict liability under C.R.S. § 13-21-124 for 'serious bodily injury' or death caused by a dog bite. For lesser injuries or other damages, plaintiff must prove…
- What can I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Colorado?
Colorado classifies identity theft as a Class 4 felony (2-6 years) under C.R.S. § 18-5-902, with potential class enhancement for repeat offenses. Credit freezes are free under…
- How does comparative fault work in Colorado?
Colorado follows modified comparative fault with a 50% bar under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 — plaintiffs 50% or more at fault recover nothing (stricter than 51% rule). Pro rata liability…
- How do I file a public records request in Colorado?
Colorado Open Records Act (CORA, C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 et seq.) requires agencies to respond within 3 business days (extendable to 7 for extenuating circumstances)…
- What is the statute of limitations for contract claims in Colorado?
Colorado gives 3 years for contracts under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) and 6 years for liquidated debts under § 13-80-103.5. UCC sale-of-goods claims have a 4-year SOL under §…
- What money in my bank account is protected from creditors in Colorado?
Colorado protects $250 of bank account funds under C.R.S. § 13-54-104, plus broader source-specific exemptions. Wages exempt 80% under § 13-54-104(2). Federal benefits get…
- How do I appeal a denied Social Security disability claim in Colorado?
Colorado's Disability Determination Services (DDS), within the Department of Human Services, handles initial SSDI/SSI reviews from Denver. 60-day deadline each level. Colorado…
Criminal (10)
- What are DUI penalties in Colorado?
Colorado C.R.S. § 42-4-1301 distinguishes DUI (.08+) from DWAI ('Driving While Ability Impaired,' .05-.079). A first DUI carries 5 days to 1 year jail, $600-$1,000 fine, 9-month…
- How do I expunge a criminal record in Colorado?
Colorado uses 'sealing' under CRS § 24-72-701 et seq. The Clean Slate Act (HB 22-1229, effective 2024) provides AUTOMATIC sealing for many petty offenses, misdemeanors (7-year…
- How do I get a concealed carry permit in Colorado?
Colorado issues a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) through the county sheriff under C.R.S. § 18-12-201. You must be 21+, complete a 4-8 hour state-approved training course (with…
- What are the search warrant requirements in Colorado?
Colorado search warrants are governed by Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-3-301 et seq. and Crim. P. 41. A sworn affidavit of probable cause must be presented to a judge. § 16-3-306 codifies…
- Can I legally record a phone call or conversation in Colorado?
Colorado is a one-party consent state under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-303 (wiretapping) and § 18-9-304 (eavesdropping). A party to the conversation, or someone with consent of one…
- How does bail work in Colorado?
Colorado governs bail under Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 16-4-101 to 16-4-114. HB 19-1225 (2019) eliminated monetary conditions for many petty/municipal offenses. Initial appearance within…
- How does plea bargaining work in Colorado?
Colorado plea procedure is governed by Colo. R. Crim. P. 11 and C.R.S. § 16-7-302. Guilty, nolo contendere, and Alford pleas are recognized. Colorado uses a 'stipulated sentence'…
- How do I sue police for misconduct in Colorado?
42 U.S.C. § 1983 is the federal vehicle. Colorado's SB20-217 (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-131) — the Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act — abolished qualified immunity for…
- When can a private citizen make a citizen's arrest in Colorado?
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-3-201, a person who is not a peace officer may arrest another when any crime has been or is being committed by the arrested person in the presence of…
- What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in Colorado?
Colorado offers Adult Pretrial Diversion under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-101, deferred judgment & sentence under § 18-1.3-102, problem-solving courts (drug, DUI, veterans, mental health)…
Employment (10)
- What is the minimum wage in Colorado?
Colorado's minimum wage is $14.81/hour as of January 1, 2025, under Colo. Const. Art. XVIII, § 15 and the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order (COMPS Order #39)…
- How do I file a workers compensation claim in Colorado?
Colorado workers' comp is governed by C.R.S. Title 8, Article 40-47 and administered by the Division of Workers' Compensation within the Department of Labor and Employment. Notify…
- How do I file for unemployment benefits in Colorado?
File online at MyUI+ at cdle.colorado.gov. Colorado pays $25-$781/week for up to 26 weeks. Need at least $2,500 in base-period wages. Must register at ConnectingColorado, complete…
- What is wrongful termination in Colorado?
Colorado is an at-will state. The Crawford Rehabilitation Services v. Weissman (1996) public policy exception is recognized. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA, C.R.S. §…
- How do I file a workers' compensation claim in Colorado?
Report the injury to your employer in writing within 10 days (C.R.S. § 8-43-102) and file a Worker's Claim for Compensation (Form WC15) with the Division of Workers' Compensation…
- Can I sue for wrongful termination in Colorado?
Colorado is at-will but recognizes the Martin Marietta public-policy exception. CADA (C.R.S. § 24-34-401) and POWR Act (2024) provide broad anti-discrimination remedies, and…
- What are my rights against workplace harassment in Colorado?
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (C.R.S. § 24-34-401) covers all employers (1+) and was amended by the POWR Act (2024, SB 24-058) to LOWER the standard from 'severe or…
- Can my employer drug test me in Colorado?
Colorado permits drug testing but C.R.S. § 24-34-402.5 (lawful off-duty activities statute) is limited—Coats v. Dish Network (2015) held marijuana is not 'lawful' under state law…
- Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Colorado?
Colorado heavily restricts non-competes under C.R.S. § 8-2-113, as amended by HB 22-1317 (effective Aug. 10, 2022). Covenants are void except against 'highly compensated' workers…
- How do I appeal an unemployment insurance denial in Colorado?
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Unemployment Insurance, administers UI under C.R.S. Title 8, Art. 70-82. Appeals must be filed within 20 days…
Family (9)
- How do I file for divorce in Colorado?
Colorado requires 91-day residency. It is a pure no-fault state recognizing only irretrievable breakdown. File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, observe a 91-day waiting…
- How is child custody decided in Colorado?
Colorado uses 'parental responsibilities' (not custody) under C.R.S. § 14-10-124. The court allocates decision-making (joint or sole) and parenting time based on best interest…
- How does alimony work in Colorado?
Colorado calls it 'maintenance' under C.R.S. § 14-10-114. For combined adjusted gross incomes UP TO $240,000 and marriages of at least 3 years, Colorado uses an ADVISORY…
- How is child support calculated in Colorado?
Colorado uses an Income Shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115. Worksheet A (sole physical care, < 93 overnights for noncustodial) or Worksheet B (shared physical care, 93+…
- How do I get a marriage license in Colorado?
Apply at any Colorado county clerk and recorder. Fee is $30. No waiting period and no blood test. License is valid 35 days from issuance and must be used within Colorado (C.R.S. §…
- How do I establish paternity in Colorado?
Colorado adopted the Uniform Parentage Act at C.R.S. § 19-4-101 et seq. Parents may sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage under C.R.S. § 19-4-105 that becomes a legal determination…
- How does the adoption process work in Colorado?
Colorado adoptions are governed by C.R.S. § 19-5-200.2 et seq. A birth parent's consent or relinquishment under § 19-5-103 may be signed any time after birth and may be challenged…
- Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Colorado?
Colorado adopted the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act (UPMAA) at C.R.S. §§ 14-2-301 to 14-2-313, effective July 2014. Prenups must be in writing, signed, with access…
- How do I get a restraining order in Colorado?
Colorado calls them Civil Protection Orders under C.R.S. § 13-14-100.2 et seq., covering DV, stalking, sexual assault, abuse of elderly/at-risk adult, and unlawful sexual contact…
Housing (8)
- What are tenant rights in Colorado?
Colorado has no statewide deposit cap (capped at 2 months' rent under recent reform for many tenants), requires return within 30-60 days, mandates 10-day notice for nonpayment…
- What is the eviction process in Colorado?
Colorado requires a 10-day demand for compliance or possession for nonpayment under C.R.S. § 13-40-104 (recently extended from 3 days). Landlord files a Forcible Entry and…
- What must a home seller disclose in Colorado?
Colorado has no statutory mandatory disclosure form, but the Colorado Real Estate Commission requires licensed brokers to use the Seller's Property Disclosure (Form SPD19-5-18)…
- How do I dispute a security deposit return in Colorado?
Colorado landlords have 30 days (or up to 60 days if specified in the lease) to return the deposit with an itemized statement under C.R.S. § 38-12-103. Wrongful retention triggers…
- How do I dispute an HOA assessment or fine in Colorado?
Colorado is a UCIOA state — the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-33.3-101 to 38-33.3-402) governs every common-interest community created…
- What is the eviction process in Colorado?
Colorado uses Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) under C.R.S. §§ 13-40-101 et seq. Nonpayment requires a 10-day demand for compliance (C.R.S. § 13-40-104(1)(d)); lease breach a…
- What can I do if my landlord won't fix uninhabitable conditions in Colorado?
Colorado's Warranty of Habitability Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-503) was strengthened in 2019 and 2024. Tenants may terminate, repair-and-deduct, or sue for damages plus attorney fees…
- How do I resolve an easement or boundary dispute in Colorado?
Colorado adverse possession requires 18 years (C.R.S. § 38-41-101), reduced to 7 years with color of title and tax payment (C.R.S. § 38-41-108). Prescriptive easement requires 18…
Estate (8)
- How do I make a valid will in Colorado?
Colorado requires the testator to be 18+ and of sound mind (C.R.S. § 15-11-501). The will must be in writing, signed by the testator and 2 witnesses within a reasonable time, OR…
- How do I create a power of attorney in Colorado?
Colorado adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act effective Jan. 1, 2010, codified at Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 15-14-701 to 15-14-745. POA must be signed by the principal and…
- How does probate work in Colorado?
Colorado probate typically takes 6-12 months under the Colorado Probate Code, C.R.S. Title 15. Colorado has adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC). Collection of personal property…
- Can I disinherit my spouse or child in Colorado?
Colorado grants a surviving spouse an elective share of 50% of the marital-property portion of the augmented estate, calculated on a sliding scale from 5% to 100% based on years…
- How do I petition for guardianship or conservatorship in Colorado?
Colorado adopted the Uniform Probate Code: 'guardian' for personal decisions and 'conservator' for property of incapacitated adults and minors under C.R.S. § 15-14-101 et seq…
- How do I create an advance healthcare directive in Colorado?
Colorado recognizes Declaration as to Medical Treatment / Living Will (C.R.S. § 15-18), Medical Durable Power of Attorney (C.R.S. § 15-14-506), CPR Directive, MOST, and Medical…
- How do I file a quitclaim deed in Colorado?
Colorado quitclaim deeds need grantor signature and notarial acknowledgment (C.R.S. §§ 38-30-113, 38-35-103); no witnesses required. Record with the county Clerk & Recorder…
- What is the homestead exemption in Colorado and how do I claim it?
Colorado's creditor homestead is $250,000 (C.R.S. § 38-41-201), raised to $350,000 for elderly (60+)/disabled in 2022. Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption (Const. art. X §…
Traffic (6)
- How do I fight a parking ticket in Colorado?
Colorado parking tickets are governed by C.R.S. § 42-4-1204 and city ordinances. Denver uses the Department of Finance Parking Enforcement with a 20-day window. Other cities use…
- How long do I have to register a vehicle in Colorado?
Colorado gives new residents 90 days to register under C.R.S. § 42-3-103. Purchased vehicles must be titled within 60 days. Documents include title, VIN verification (DR-2698)…
- How do I get my driver's license reinstated in Colorado?
Colorado charges a $95 reinstatement fee (C.R.S. § 42-2-132). After DUI, SR-22 is required for 3 years and an Ignition Interlock-Restricted License is available after a mandatory…
- How do I fight a speeding ticket in Colorado?
Colorado drivers can pay, plead at county court, or contest at trial under CRS § 42-4-1101. Speeding 25+ mph over is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense; 40+ mph over is a Class…
- What are the open container laws in Colorado?
Colorado C.R.S. § 42-4-1305 prohibits any person from drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway. Class A…
- What happens if I get a DUI in Colorado?
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1301 sets per se DUI at 0.08% BAC, DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) at 0.05%-0.079%, with marijuana per se at 5 ng/mL THC. First DUI: 5 days-1 year…
Civil Procedure (4)
- What is the small claims limit in Colorado?
Colorado small claims court hears cases up to $7,500 under C.R.S. § 13-6-403. Filing fees are $31-$55. Lawyers may NOT appear unless all parties have one or the court permits…
- What is the statute of limitations in Colorado?
Colorado civil limitations: personal injury 2 years general (3 years for motor vehicle) (C.R.S. § 13-80-102, § 13-80-101(1)(n)), written contract 6 years (§ 13-80-103.5(1)(a))…
- Can I get out of jury duty in Colorado?
Colorado requires US citizens, 18+, county residents under C.R.S. § 13-71-105. **Employers must pay first-day wages up to $50** under C.R.S. § 13-71-126. After day 3 the state…
- How do I legally change my name in Colorado?
File a Petition for Change of Name (Adult) in the district or county court of your county (C.R.S. § 13-15-101), pay approximately $86 in filing fees, submit fingerprint-based…
Business (1)
Personal Injury (1)
Bankruptcy (1)
Civil Rights (1)
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.