How to File an Appeal in Civil Court in Denver

Colorado's Second Judicial Circuit hears appeals from Civil Court in Denver.

If you lose a case in civil court in Denver, you can choose to appeal to the local district court of appeals. Filing an appeal, however, can be quite costly, because you must purchase an appeal bond, as well as pay for standard filing and transcript fees. Drafting appellate briefs once the appeal is filed usually requires some legal training or expertise, so consulting an attorney is recommended.

Instructions

1. Download appeals forms. The Civil Court appeals forms are available in both PDF and Microsoft Word (.doc) format on the Colorado Courts website.

2. Complete two original copies of forms 4 and 5. Print and complete two original copies of the Notice of Appeal (Form 4) and the Designation of Record (Form 5). Be sure to include the letter "C" in the case number to indicate a Civil Court case.

3. File forms 4 and 5. Make two additional copies of these forms and file one of each of the originals with the clerk of the county court within 15 days of the judgment being appealed. A filing fee applies.

4. Pay appeal bond cost. At the time you file forms 4 and 5, you will have to pay an appeal bond. The cost of the bond depends on the amount of the judgment being appealed. The purpose of the bond is to protect the opposing party's ability to collect if you lost the appeal and to prevent losing the judgment to bankruptcy.

5. File in District Court. Within 30 days of the judgment being appealed, the other two original copies of forms 4 and 5 must be filed with the Second Judicial District, which will hear the appeal. A filing fee applies. The Denver District Court is located at 1437 Bannock Street, Room 256, Denver, Colorado 80202.

6. Order transcripts. Complete and file Form JDF 4 with the trial court to order transcripts for preparing your appeal. Fees for the transcripts will apply, and it may be necessary to make additional arrangements with the clerk or the judicial assistant assigned to the courtroom to order the correct transcripts.

7. Mail notice to opposing party. Mail one of the copies of the Notice of Appeal (Form 4) to the opposing party. If the party is represented by an attorney, mail the notice to their counsel.

References

• Colorado Courts: Instructions for Filing a County Civil Court Appeal
• Colorado Courts: Second Judicial District Home
• City of Denver: County Court Filing Fees

Resources

• Colorado Courts Self-Help Center: County Civil Court Appeals Forms
• Colorado Courts Self-Help Center: District Court of Appeals Forms