Advice from a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been handed a court summons in Colorado — whether for a traffic violation, misdemeanor, or other charge — your mind probably starts racing:
“Why me? This has to be a mistake! I’ll just ignore it and maybe it’ll go away…”
We hear this a lot. But here’s the truth: a summons is a legal order to appear in court, and ignoring it can lead to an arrest warrant, extra fines, or even jail time.
Before you panic or shove that piece of paper in a drawer, take a few minutes to read this guide. As Colorado defense attorneys, we help people just like you handle summonses every day — and we can help you too.
What Is a Summons in Colorado?
A summons is a legal document telling you when and where to appear in court to respond to charges. You may have received it from a police officer after a traffic stop or another encounter.
In Colorado, people often call it a “ticket,” especially when it’s related to driving — but it carries real legal consequences. A summons means you’ve been charged with a criminal or traffic offense and you must show up in court to address it.
Step 1: Be Grateful It’s Not an Arrest
We get it — getting a summons can feel like an insult. But remember: the officer could have arrested you. A summons usually means you’re being given the chance to appear voluntarily.
Don’t let your frustration get the best of you. Tearing it up in front of the officer might just earn you a ride to jail — and that’s a much worse day.
Step 2: Start Documenting Right Away
As soon as you’re in a safe spot, write down everything you remember:
- What happened?
- Where and when did it happen?
- What was the weather like?
- Were there any witnesses? Get their names and contact info.
- Were there any security cameras nearby? Try to preserve footage ASAP. Most security cameras automatically erase footage within 24 hours, so time is critical. Approach the owner of the camera, or try to find out who it is so you can ask them to either give it to you or at the very least, to ask if they can stop it from automatically being deleted.
Pro tip: Take photos of anything important right away — skid marks, intersections, signs, etc. If there are people who saw it, ask them to give you their contact information. If they are really patient, as if they will give you a statement. Voice memo apps work for this or just calling your own number so you can record a voice mail.
Unlike the prosecution, you don’t have an army of investigators. Your best evidence might disappear if you wait too long.
Step 3: Mark Your Court Date (Now!)
Your summons will list:
- The date and time of your court appearance
- The courthouse location (double-check — some counties have multiple)
- Add it to your calendar immediately — and set reminders. Most court dates are scheduled 4–6 weeks out, which is just long enough for people to forget.
Missing your date is the worst thing you can do. It results in what’s called an FTA — “Failure to Appear” — and it puts a black mark on your record. Judges and prosecutors see it as a sign you don’t take the law seriously, and it could lead to a warrant for your arrest.
Step 4: Call a Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer (Yes, Now)
This is the single best move you can make. An experienced attorney can:
- Explain your charges and options
- Help you avoid saying something that might hurt your case
- Negotiate with the prosecutor
- Sometimes even appear in court on your behalf
At our firm, we often catch things that others miss — procedural errors, weak evidence, or legal defenses. We also help reduce your stress because you’re no longer in this alone.
Bonus: We show up early. So if you forget your court date, we might already be there to cover for you (depending on the charges and court policies).
Don’t Face the Court Alone. Let Us Help.
Every day, we represent clients across Colorado — including Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and beyond — who are facing tickets, summonses, and criminal charges. Whether it’s your first time in court or not, you deserve clear answers and strong defense.
Click Here to schedule a consultation. We’ll explain your next steps, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence. Don’t wait — the clock is already ticking.
