Frances Johnson

Division 24 Criminal Proceedings Appearance Requirements

Rule 43(e) of the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure (as amended July 15, 2021) permits a defendant to appear for a hearing by video or telephone IF both the Court and the defendant approve. 

*Judge Johnson approves of defendants appearing by video or telephone for all hearings EXCEPT:

- CONTESTED HEARINGS (where witnesses will testify - i.e. Motions, Preliminary, etc.)

- SENTENCING HEARING

- FIRST APPEARANCE IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE

*If your case is set for one of the above types of hearings, you MUST appear in person*

If you are not certain if you can appear by video or phone, APPEAR IN PERSON.  You may always check with your attorney for clarification.  If you are representing yourself and are uncertain, APPEAR IN PERSON.

 Division 24 is located in the West Tower of the El Paso County Combined Courthouse, located at 270 South Tejon, Courtroom W460 (4^th floor in the west tower).

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Criminal cases

If the courthouse is closed due to inclement (bad) weather on a Thursday, your case will be rescheduled to the next Thursday that the courthouse is open, at the same time.

If the opening of the courthouse is delayed due to bad weather, if your case is set before 10 a.m., report to the courthouse at the scheduled opening time (for example, if your case is set at 8:30 and the courthouse will not open until 10 a.m., report to the courthouse at 10 a.m.). If your case is set after 10 a.m., report at the originally scheduled time.

Domestic relations cases

If the courthouse is closed due to inclement (bad) weather, your case will be rescheduled.  Contact the Court’s staff at the Division 24 email address (D04_Courts_Div24@judicial.state.co.us) to reschedule your hearing.  You must contact the Court’s staff with the party/attorney for all sides (include all parties or representatives in the email).

If the opening of the courthouse is delayed due to bad weather, if your case is set for a status conference, contact the Court’s staff at the Division 24 email address to reschedule the conference.  If your case is set for a contested hearing in the morning, report at the time the courthouse is scheduled to open.  If your case is set for a contested hearing in the afternoon, contact the Court’s staff at the Division 24 email address to confirm if your case will go forward or if it will be rescheduled.