What happens at court will depend on the purpose of your appearance. Your attorney can help you understand what to expect while at the Colorado Springs county court. If you are unsure of where to go, you can speak with the civil clerk at the Clerk’s Office.
A few basic things to know:
- Your courtroom. It’s helpful to know which courtroom will hear your case before you arrive at court.
- If you need an interpreter, let your attorney or the clerk know.
- You may need to wait several hours for your case to be called.
Cases are handled one by one, and judges may handle cases in different orders. For example, they may start with the cases that are expected to take the least amount of time, or they may call cases where there is an attorney present first.
It’s important to dress appropriately for court and to treat everyone in the courtroom with respect. When your name is called, make sure that you are loud and clear when telling the judge that you are present.
Trials
If you’re going to trial before a judge or jury, you can expect to go through the following stages:
Opening Statements
At the start of the trial, parties may give their opening statements to tell the judge or jury about the case they will be hearing. Opening statements are not required but are typically given in more serious trials.
Prosecution’s or Plaintiff’s Case
Because the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or prosecution, they are the first party to present evidence in a trial. That evidence may include witness testimony, videos, photographs, documents and recordings.
The other party will have an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses after they testify.
Defendant’s Case
When the prosecution has finished making its case, the defendant will then present evidence and call witnesses.
The plaintiff or prosecution will also have an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses.
Rebuttal
Once the defendant finishes making its case, the prosecution or plaintiff may respond by presenting evidence or calling witnesses to address the evidence presented in the defendant’s case.
Again, the defense will have an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses.
Closing Arguments
Both parties may present closing arguments that summarize the case for the jury or judge. This is each party’s opportunity to make an argument as to why their side should win. Like opening statements, closing arguments are not required.
No new evidence or information can be presented during the closing argument that wasn’t presented in the trial.
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