- Fax: 720-918-2906
- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Denver Municipal Court Defense Attorney
Local Charges. Local Rules. Serious Consequences. Defense Experience in 215+ Colorado Municipal Courts.
720-209-1469
Municipal Convictions Follow You for Life
Important: As a former Deputy District Attorney with extensive municipal court experience, Attorney Lori Beck knows how these cases are prosecuted and where they're most vulnerable to challenge. She's defended hundreds of clients across Colorado's municipal courts and understands the local procedures that can make or break your case.
“Minor” Charges = Major Impact on Permanent Records
Municipal court charges might seem less serious than state felonies, but don’t be fooled—they still create permanent criminal records that show up on background checks for employment, housing, and education. Whether you’re facing disorderly conduct, municipal traffic violations, or local ordinance violations, these cases move quickly through a complex system with different rules for each of Colorado’s 215+ municipal courts. The challenge is that every city creates its own laws and procedures, as long as they don’t conflict with state law. What’s legal in one city might be a crime in another. Denver’s procedures differ from Boulder’s, which differ from Thornton’s. You need an attorney who understands these local variations and has experience navigating many of Colorado’s 215+ municipal court systems.How to Protect Yourself in Municipal Court
What Should You Do If You're Facing Municipal Charges?
Don't Pay the Fine
Paying a municipal fine is usually an admission of guilt that creates a permanent criminal record. Fight the charges instead.
Request Jury Trial
You have only 21 days to request a jury trial in writing and pay the required fee. Don't miss this critical deadline.
Understand Local Laws
Municipal ordinances vary significantly between cities. What you think you know about the law might not apply in your specific jurisdiction.
Get Experienced Representation
Municipal courts move quickly, and procedural mistakes can be costly. Don't navigate this alone.
Municipal Violations in Colorado
Municipal Traffic Violation
Reckless Driving (Municipal)
What It Is: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety of others on city streets.
Our Defense: We challenge witness testimony, examine road conditions, and distinguish between aggressive driving and actual recklessness.
Consequences: possible jail/fines and 8 points on license, potential license suspension.
Driving on Suspended License (Municipal)
What It Is: Operating a vehicle when your license is suspended or revoked by the DMV.
Our Defense: We verify the validity of suspension notices, challenge service of process, and negotiate work-privilege licenses.
Consequences: Extended suspension periods, additional fines, possible vehicle impoundment.
Hit and Run (Municipal)
What It Is: Leaving the scene of an accident without providing required information.
Our Defense: We investigate whether you were aware an accident occurred and challenge requirements for reporting minor property damage.
Consequences: Significant fines or jail, license suspension, potential jail time, civil liability.
Public Order Offenses
Disorderly Conduct
What It Is: Behavior that disturbs the peace or creates public disturbance.
Our Defense: We challenge vague allegations, examine First Amendment protections, and demonstrate lawful conduct.
Consequences: Fines up to $2,650, possible jail time, impact on employment background checks.
Public Intoxication
What It Is: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public places to a degree that poses danger.
Our Defense: We challenge evidence of intoxication levels and investigate whether you posed actual danger to others.
Consequences: Fines, mandatory alcohol education, potential jail time for repeat offenses.
Noise Ordinance Violations
What It Is: Creating excessive noise that violates local quiet hours or decibel limits.
Our Defense: We challenge measurement methods, examine equipment calibration, and negotiate community service.
Consequences: Escalating fines for repeat violations, equipment confiscation, court costs.
Business & Property Violations
Building Code Violations
What It Is: Failure to comply with local construction, safety, or maintenance requirements.
Our Defense: We negotiate compliance schedules, challenge inspection procedures, and work toward correction over punishment.
Consequences: Daily fines until corrected, stop-work orders, forced compliance costs.
Zoning Violations
What It Is: Using property in ways not permitted by local zoning ordinances.
Our Defense: We challenge zoning interpretations, investigate grandfather rights, and negotiate use permits.
Consequences: Cease and desist orders, daily fines, forced business closure.
Licensing Violations
What It Is: Operating businesses without required municipal licenses or permits.
Our Defense: We demonstrate good faith efforts to comply and negotiate licensing pathways.
Consequences: Business closure orders, escalating fines, permit denials.
Animal Control Violations
Leash Law Violations
What It Is: Allowing dogs off-leash in areas requiring leash control.
Our Defense: We challenge enforcement consistency and negotiate community service at animal shelters.
Consequences: Escalating fines, mandatory training classes, animal confiscation for repeat offenses.
Dangerous Dog Declarations
What It Is: Allegations that your dog poses danger to public safety.
Our Defense: We present evidence of training, examine incident circumstances, and negotiate behavioral agreements.
Consequences: Mandatory muzzling, insurance requirements, potential euthanization orders.
Animal Cruelty (Municipal)
What It Is: Neglect or mistreatment of animals under local ordinances.
Our Defense: We distinguish between cruelty and care challenges, present veterinary evidence, and negotiate care plans.
Consequences: Animal confiscation, prohibition on ownership, substantial fines.
How Are Municipal Courts Different from State Courts?
What Are the Key Procedural Differences?
Faster Timeline: Municipal courts require trials within 91 days of not guilty plea, compared to 6 months in state court. This compressed timeline demands immediate action.
Jury Trial Rights: You're not automatically entitled to a jury trial—you must request one in writing within 21 days and pay fees ($20-$25). You can choose 3 or 6 jurors, but if you miss this deadline, you only get a bench trial.
Local Prosecutors: City attorneys prosecute these cases, not district attorneys. They often have different priorities and negotiation approaches than state prosecutors.
Varying Penalties: Each municipality sets its own fines and procedures. Maximum penalties are $2,650 fine and 364 days jail, but actual practices vary dramatically between cities.
Why Do Municipal Charges Still Matter?
Permanent Criminal Records: Municipal convictions appear on background checks just like state convictions, affecting employment and housing opportunities.
Probation Violations: If you're on state probation, a municipal conviction can trigger probation revocation and prison time.
Professional Consequences: Licensed professionals face disciplinary action for any criminal conviction, including municipal offenses.
Immigration Impact: Non-citizens can face deportation consequences for certain municipal convictions.
Our Municipal Court Experience Across Colorado
Serving Municipal Courts Throughout Colorado
Beck Law Office represents clients in municipal courts across the Front Range and beyond, with extensive experience handling cases in more than 50 courts statewide.
Primary Service Areas
- Denver Metro: Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Commerce City, Brighton, Northglenn
- Boulder County: Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville
- Northern & Southern Colorado: Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, and additional jurisdictions
Local Expertise, Statewide Reach
Every municipal court has its own procedures, prosecutors, and judicial tendencies. With years of practice across Colorado’s 215+ municipal courts, we understand how to navigate these differences—leveraging local insight while bringing the strength of statewide experience to your case.
💼 “Lori helped me more than I had expected. Value definitely exceeded the dollar here.” — Derick Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Experience That Makes the Difference In Your Case
Why Choose Beck Law Office for Municipal Defense?
Former Prosecutor Background: As a former Deputy District Attorney, Attorney Lori Beck understands prosecution strategies and court procedures that apply across all levels of Colorado courts.
Multi-Jurisdictional Experience: We've handled hundreds of municipal cases across many of Colorado's 215+ municipal courts and understand the variations in local laws, procedures, and court cultures.
Efficient Resolution: Municipal courts move quickly, and we're prepared to act immediately to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
What Sets Our Municipal Defense Apart?
- Immediate Action: We understand the compressed timelines and act quickly to preserve your jury trial rights and other procedural protections
- Local Knowledge: Experience across many of Colorado's 215+ municipal courts means we know local prosecutors, judges, and procedures
- Strategic Focus: We treat every municipal case seriously, recognizing the potential long-term consequences
- Cost-Effective Representation: Flat fee arrangements for most municipal cases with transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions About Municipal Court Defense
Can I just pay the fine and avoid court?
Paying the fine is usually an admission of guilt that creates a permanent criminal record. This can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. It’s often better to fight the charges.
Do I need a lawyer for a "minor" municipal violation?
Yes. Municipal convictions appear on background checks and can trigger serious consequences if you’re on probation or hold professional licenses. The compressed timeline also makes legal representation crucial.
What if I missed my court date?
Municipal courts often issue warrants for missed appearances. We can help resolve warrants and get your case back on track, but immediate action is essential.
Can municipal charges affect my professional license?
Yes. Most licensing boards require reporting of any criminal conviction, including municipal offenses. Some professions face automatic disciplinary action for certain convictions.
Don't Let "Minor" Charges Create Major Consequences
Municipal charges might seem insignificant, but they create permanent criminal records that can impact your life for years. The short timelines and varying procedures across Colorado’s 215+ municipal courts make experienced representation essential.
Every municipal court operates differently, with unique procedures, local prosecutors, and judicial tendencies. You need an attorney who understands these variations and can navigate your specific court’s requirements effectively.
Time is critical in municipal cases—you have only 21 days to preserve important rights like jury trials. Don’t let procedural deadlines or unfamiliar local laws derail your defense.
Get Your First Consultation FREE!
Serving Clients Throughout Denver
Beck Law Office represents families facing juvenile charges throughout Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Major Cities: Northglenn, Thornton, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Arvada
Juvenile Court Experience: We practice in juvenile courts throughout Colorado, understanding local procedures, judges, and rehabilitation programs available in each jurisdiction.
We Look At The Law Differently