As the world waited for a vaccine, jury trials were put on pause and thousands of defendants and victims were forced to wait to have their day in court. ", Other news: Trial begins in Pueblo for Monte Vista man accused of killing, dismembering mother. Home Courts. Follow Colorado Newsline on Facebook and Twitter. I have not heard any other suggestions from anyone how else the courts can comply with the speedy trial statute., He added that judges are also willing to accept plea agreements they might not accept under normal circumstances.. but court is in session, running virtually on a Webex platform, Protracted proceedings weigh on everyone across the judicial system. conference space to manage frayed nerves and, at a minimum, be in My civil case load is backlogged. Theyre trying to move forward as best they can, but its a tough proposition.. They try to stay impartial and out of politics. Even with the extra bond hearing, she isnt sure defendants would be able to afford the new bail set since they have been in pre-trial detention and their financial situation likely hasnt improved. We dont want to have people sitting in jail longer than they need to. There are so many collateral consequences, Gorman said. So thats some of the difficulty, the lack of continuity throughout the state by the judiciary., Alleviating the backlog in criminal cases. Trial Courts. Newsline is based in Denver, and coverage of activities at the Capitol are central to its mission, but its reporters are devoted to providing reliable information about topics that concern readers in all parts of the state, from Lamar to Dinosaur, from Durango to Sterling. Across the state, 93% of felony cases filed in 2018 have been closed, while only 80% of cases filed in 2020 and 60% of cases filed in 2021 have been closed, according to the data. Were coming up on two years on a case that would usually take a year, he said. said his office is working to resolve as many cases as possible before they even make it to trial. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Mondaq uses cookies on this website. "The pros of that situation is that those cases got done much faster and are no longer in the courts. "The goal was to provide ethical pleas, but if we could plea, we should," said 10th Judicial District Attorney Jeff Chostner. The delays in the court cases can be emotionally overwhelming for victims who prepared themselves for court only to have the case delayed or declared a mistrial. Municipal Court and District Court have different jurisdictions, but are often confused. Moe Clark is a freelance journalist and former Colorado Newsline reporter who covered criminal justice, housing, homelessness and other social issues. Those sorts of sweetheart deals are no longer happening, said Denver defense attorney Kimberly Diego. The real question in my mind is whether you can force people to come. bench trials through January 8, 2021. No one should have their individual rights subject to government administrative issues like backlog, she said. weighting would be based on factual scenarios or the claims made to Between January 15 and March 30, 2021, I currently have five trials scheduled, which is a caseload that is really not possible to carry. Sarche stressed that while jury trials are required to take place in person, other court proceedings, such as motion hearings and case dispositions, have been taking place remotely. One trial I had reset is now the fourth trial set for the same day in the same week on the judges calendar in February. Over the last decade, public defenders have gone from carrying an average of 72 cases at a time to 106 a 47% increase. He noted that about 10,200 of those trials are scheduled to happen in 2022, though some will be delayed or end in plea agreements instead. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Throughout the pandemic, the courts have been introducing creative solutions to keep court proceedings moving forward. documents and it is working well. The idea that you can just declare mistrials and push things down the road, maybe that works out for court and laywers calendars, but it doesnt work out at all or the person sitting in jail or the person who has suffered a terrible loss, she said. 26th Floor Every trial I had scheduled The federal court buildings are still closed here in Colorado, but court is in session, running virtually on a Webex platform, including evidentiary hearings. Citizenship Delayed Report on Citizenship and Naturalization Backlog in Colorado . Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak in Colorado develops, the Judicial Department is continually working to balance legitimate public health considerations with the necessity to maintain fair and effective administration of justice for citizens and communities in our state. That ship has sailed, she said. But its going to affect court operations for some time. In the coming months, some of those 14,600 cases set for trial will resolve in plea agreements, and the courts will continue to loosen restrictions and hold more trials as the pandemic comes to an end. Officials rented metal detectors for security and even a copy machine which could only be rented by the month, although it was needed for just two days. present is an important part of the justice system. A creative way to deal with this delay is to agree with the Supreme Court Court of Appeals. Because ultimately, when were dealing with the flood of cases in the backlog, time is going to run out on us, he added. The work has continued, its just slowed down, Sarche said. The nearly five-month delay has created a hefty backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial, which some worry could result in prosecutors dropping some because of Colorados speedy trial mandate. Normally, the speech doesn't garner much media attention. Were trying to avoid is a bunch of jury decisions being overturned on a technicality, he said. From 2017 to 2019, the Colorado State Advisory Committee examined the causes and consequences of naturalization backlogs and their impact on voting rights, civil rights, and the quarter of 2021. I think those are some lessons we can take with us after the pandemic that may actually improve the rate of appearance.. Colorado's courts will face an unprecedented backlog of cases next year with reduced staff and resources because of budget cuts prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. In a normal year, the office typically sees an excess of 100 to 200 felony cases when comparing newly-filed cases with resolved cases, he said. We want to make sure that these people who are waiting for their trials can get their trials heard, but we also want to make sure we have the resources to conduct the trials, McCann said. Some courts are working, some arent. February. and circuit by circuit. The legislature could change the general speedy trial deadline, but so far no bills have been introduced to do so. As litigators, we know it isnt until litigants are on the cusp of a trial that they truly feel the pressure necessary to settle. Similarly, most mediation and arbitration are taking place via A defendants right to a speedy trial is in the U.S. Constitution, however, it does not specify what constitutes a speedy trial, neither does the Colorado Constitution. As litigators, we know it The justice system is weighted down by a backlog that grows larger by the day. "Despite risks to their health, our trial courts and probation departments have remained open for business at all times during the pandemic," Boatright said. Thats a strategy used by several judicial districts. Jon Sarche, a spokesman for the Colorado Judicial Department, said that it is difficult to quantify how long it will take to get through Colorados backlog of criminal cases, especially since new cases are still being filed every day. One trial I had reset is now the fourth trial set for Originally Published by Jones & Keller, December That means the district attorneys office like defense attorneys must prepare for all of the cases, straining resources. Colorado State Archives does NOT have most divorce records for people who are alive and need their own divorce records to file for Social Security, claim child support, or prove their divorce in order to be re-married. The real question in my mind is whether you can force people Earlier in the pandemic, some prosecutors tried to clear cases and jails by offering plea deals they might not have offered before the global health crisis. Readers should seek specific legal advice before acting with regard to the matters addressed above. Id like to believe that weve taken every step possible to eliminate that risk, but when it comes to the coronavirus, I dont think anybody could say that theyre 100% foolproof., Balancing speedy trial rights with public health concerns. Its also been a challenge for the crime lab to have enough time to get all of the evidence evaluated and ready for each case. In Arapahoe County alone, there are 212 jury trials scheduled for May and 264 scheduled for June. But cases are moving forward again, attorneys said. Without sufficient pressure on both sides, though, one side may be willing to wait it out. Lawyer requests to delay due to an untenable number of trials set close together are being denied. And so those are the folks who are more likely to not be able to show up on a jury summons.. Feds sue water company for rupture damaging Rocky Mountain National Park -- again, Family gets unexpected bill after Kaiser Permanente Colorado software error that resulted in refunds to thousands, Skygazers will have a great view Wednesday of two planets that look like they are almost touching. In an effort to help, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that a mistrial can be declared if the court room does not have the capacity to safely hold a trial or if a jury pool cannot be compiled due to the pandemic. In a normal year, there are only 2,716 jury trials held. Webex has been upgraded to show showing up for work. Colorado Newsline provides fair and accurate reporting on politics, policy and other stories of interest to Coloradans. Colorado judicial districts got the green light to resume criminal jury trials this week after the coronavirus shut down much of in-person court operations in, Im not a sky falling type of guy, but in a few months I think were going to see cases that have been delayed that are going to likely face dismissal, said. Bill to eliminate trial backlog runs into staunch opposition from public defenders "We are drowning in cases," Beth McCann, the district attorney of Denver, testified last month. The federal court buildings are still closed here in Colorado, but court is in session, running virtually on a Webex platform, including evidentiary hearings. A lot of civil judges are being annexed If youre found not guilty by a jury or a DA dismisses your case, theres absolutely no provision in the law for you to get anything out of it. In Pittsburgh, she helped the newspaper earn the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news after a mass shooting at a local synagogue, and in 2020 she was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in local reporting for an investigation into child sexual abuse among Amish and Mennonite communities. His office has been reaching out to defendants before their first appearance date to explain the process and talk about what they will be charged with. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. After 1675 Broadway In Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek and Lake counties, Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum expects her district, which has been holding trials since the beginning of March, to be caught up on its backlog by about August. to come. Jury trials will not happen in Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties until at least Jan. 21 if not longer, chief judges for those judicial districts. Benavidez says the courts have already found a way to address the backlog without legislative intervention and there are things like mediation, further negotiations, dismissal with the right to bring the case up again and plea bargains to help bring down the backlog instead of a bill. Will all these trials The Colorado General Assembly passed legislation this year at the judicial branch's request, giving courts the limited ability to postpone trials beyond the legal speedy trial deadline. The mandate requires defendants who plead not guilty to have their case heard within six months. In certain cases, citizens can have a jury trial if they choose. Rubinstein expects the courts in Mesa County to return to full, pre-pandemic capacity within a week or two. The backlog of Colorado air pollution permit applications has doubled since the first of two recent EPA ozone downgrades that expanded the number of ozone-contributing polluters who meet the threshold for regulation, state officials said. Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. It is almost laughable how many trials have been reset to the first quarter 2021. "I think that our district andmy office worked very hard to get ready for a bunch of trials since January, and our citizens in our community showed up for jury service," he said. This means a personal injury case, especially one where someone was hurt or hospitalized or worse is likely to be given preference over commercial cases. Most jury trials in Colorado were first suspended March 16 by Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats. Overall, about one-third of U.S . Here's how the courts differ. So, this is very rare of them to do, which makes me think theres a serious problem, said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, one of the bills primary sponsors and an assistant district attorney in Eagle County. interesting, and perhaps the first half of 2021. Roberts worries that without the bill, defendants who now receive a mistrial and then are tried again and found guilty could appeal their cases and win. dealing with the backlog may not be as simple as scheduling out new zoom, as are depositions, made possible because court reporters are Across Colorado, about 14,600 jury trials have stacked up during the pandemic more than five times the 2,700 jury trials the states courts handle in a typical year and the massive backlog is straining the justice system in ways it has never before been tested. The vast majority of cases are resolved through guilty pleas. Of the $60 billion, $40 billion would support federal partnerships with states and tribes to tackle the backlog of restoration and fire mitigation projects. preference over commercial cases. Thats really unusual to try two back-to-back homicide trials.. That remains to be seen but the believe trials will go forward, that their feet are to the fire, are now outfitted with COVID-related precautions such as glass in distant jury selection. That could be a helpful addition, officials said, in the districts that have space available for senior judges to set up shop. ", More: Building connections: Swerdfeger Construction sells to national company. She worries the bill would double or triple the wait times for trials, leaving those in custody at a higher risk to being exposed to COVID in a congregate environment. We have to. Who makes the best hot chicken sandwich in Denver? There is nothing stopping the court from making an additional rule. As the world waited for a vaccine, jury trials were put on pause and thousands of defendants and victims were forced to wait to have their day in court. The system, to my knowledge, has never had to stop the way it has with this pandemic. Our chief judges have been amazing in how they have innovated and now have 16 modified courtrooms to allow these hearings that must be held in person to be as safe as possible "But then there are jury trials … I will give you a few numbers that demonstrate our plight. effective. It took a significant amount of planning to make the space work for jury selection, 10th Judicial District Court Executive Laura Snyder said. may be necessary to get through the backlog of cases. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 9:44 AM. Now, Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would take some of the pressure associated with speedy trials off the court system to allow for some delays. Benavidez voted against the bill, along with four other Democrats. And so those are the folks who are more likely to not be able to show up on a jury summons., A year after Jan. 6, attack on the U.S. Capitol lives on in, Fentanyl law's proponents and foes prepare for criminal, Governor candidate Greg Lopez wants to pause sales tax in. He noted that he hopes for legislation that will alleviate any possible burden placed on prosecutors from the court closures ordered by Colorado's chief judge. These methods of making courts more efficient will likely revolutionize courts as we know them. A federal magistrate judge last week warned about an "extreme" backlog of trials due to COVID-19 protocols in the U.S. District Court for Colorado. In recent months, as infection and hospitalization rates have fallen sharply, dozens of courts have reported changing their status from Phase 1 or 2, in which limited in-person proceedings are conducted, to Phase 3 or 4, in which jury trials can be conducted. larger by the day. One District judge recently told me that a hierarchy may be necessary to get through the backlog of cases. later. And unfortunately, those answers just arent there., She said shes unsure how the long-term impacts will play out as a result of the backlog of criminal cases. The weighting would not be based on which case was filed first. At the end of the day, it will be my sectorcomplex preparing a witness for any hearing. The statewide court system cut 111 employees this summer and eliminated 95 empty positions in order to reduce its general fund budget by about $34 million amid a statewide shortfall, according to information the judicial branch provided to the legislature's Joint Budget Committee. As most juries contain 6 or 12 jurors, depending on the type of court, plus alternate jurors, the practice was not an easy one to implement in a court room, there's only so much space to socially distance 12 or more people, and a crowd of several dozen jurors would be nearly impossible to seat with adequate distance. With each trial delay, litigants are taking a wait and see By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy. (CCC): an affordable online mediation program available throughout Colorado. doors open this fall, the recent upswing of COVID-19 cases and the With all of the cases waiting for trial, McCann says some things are falling through the cracks and others need to be prioritized. A lot of civil judges are being annexed away from the civil cases and being used to push through criminal cases, contributing to an even larger backlog of civil cases. In 2020, the 10th Judicial District Court was able to hold some criminal trials, with Pueblo's Chief Judge Deborah Eyler ordering courtrooms to reopen on July 6, before shutting the courtrooms once more on Nov. 6 as COVID-19 case rates and attributed deaths mounted. Not only lawyers but also judges are learning to work with the technology, and are becoming so familiar with the problem, participants are better equipped to work through in real time solutions that work vis a vis each of these platforms. District Courts hear civil cases in any amount, as well as domestic relations, criminal, juvenile, probate, and mental health cases. Other trials have slowly begun to move forward after months worth of delays, like the trial of the teen accused of killing Kendrick Castillo in the STEM Highlands Ranch school shooting. Gorman is also concerned with how to ensure that juror pools are selected fairly. Colorado faces a 20,000-applicant backlog in requests for rent help as federal eviction ban is extended The national eviction ban was extended to June 30, and that could calm some worries of Coloradans who have been waiting months for state rental assistance. Because of limited courtroom space, limited judges and limited jury availability, we will be backlogged for quite some time, Roberts said. Booker doesnt expect any of his other clients to face wholesale COVID-related delays like the man who waited three years for his misdemeanor trial, he said. Denver, CO 80202, Ph: (303) 573 1600 The past year has continued a multi-year trend hastened by the COVID-19 pandemictoward the dramatic expansion of collaboration and short message formats in discovery. She said that ultimately prosecutors have the power to prioritize which cases move forward. federal courts. Some lawyers are inviting clients into their While the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy trial, Colorado law defines "speedy" as the government bringing a criminal defendant to trial within six months of pleading not guilty. We dont want to have victims of justice waiting for longer than they need to, but because of this historic pandemic, we do need to release some of the pressure on the time clock a little bit, Roberts said. Since then, the order has been extended four times and expired on Monday. The pandemic-induced delays created a massive backlog of cases awaiting jury trials in 2021, and while court operations have since largely returned to normal, a historically-high backlog remains and some jurisdictions are still strained by the logjam, attorneys told The Denver Post. also suspended. State courts have been open on a limited basis, judge by judge and circuit by circuit. Shelly Bradbury is the courts reporter at the Denver Post. One, the fact that our clients are being held in custody, in jails and prisons, during the global pandemic, which makes their chances of contracting coronavirus shoot through the roof, Gorman said. We need people to believe trials will go forward, that their feet are to the fire, per se, to move to settlement when that is the best outcome for our clients. Developed and managed by OvalOptions for Conflict Management, CCC is a statewide, online mediation service that provides disputants another route to resolve . The prospect is opposed by the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, said Ann Roan, a board member. If jurors do come, the most important cases to try from the justice systems perspective are the criminal cases because they have a speedy trial mandate that cant be violated. Some judicial districts in less populated parts of the state are poised to bounce back by the end of the summer but the states busiest judicial districts are still facing a long road back to normalcy. These delays have a real impact.. Grand jury proceedings were The space itself cost $3,500 a day, she said, and while it provided the physical area needed to bring in such a large group, it didnt expand the districts overall trial capacity because it didnt alleviate pressure on staffing, Snyder said. have five trials scheduled, which is a caseload that is really not Colorado judicial districts got the green light to resume criminal jury trials this week after the coronavirus shut down much of in-person court operations in mid-March. When you receive a jury summons, you have to be there by law. The other prong, of course, is whats going on with the courts, where its not really safe to do in-person court appearances, in-person evidentiary hearings, or in-person jury trials.. With the backlog, To help on the staffing side, state lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would make it easier for retired judges to return to the bench under the existing senior judge program. With each trial delay, litigants are taking a wait and see approach rather than discussing settling. Will all these trials go to court? Chieftain reporter Heather Willard can be reached via email at hwillard@gannett.com or on Twitter: @HeatherDWrites. We just dont know for how long.. Day-to-day operations have largely bounced back, he said, noting that the district opened an extra courtroom in Douglas County and his office boosted staffing to help work through the amassed cases. truly feel the pressure necessary to settle. 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It is overwhelming, and weve had the judicial branch of our government come to the legislature here and ask for some relief, and they dont normally do that. Prosecutors are prioritizing cases involving violent crimes or serious felonies, he said, as well as cases that have been pending for a long time. Dougherty said that since his districts courts started conducting some proceedings via video, it has seen a decrease in the number of no shows. Typically, when a person misses a court appearance, a warrant is issued for their arrest. Were less likely to staff a case with two attorneys, Kellner said. Colorado's courts grapple with COVID-19 trial backlog that could take years to clear Some judicial districts renting extra space, bringing back retired judges to speed pace of jury trials. Pools are selected fairly this pandemic mind is whether you can force people come! Is issued for their arrest and former Colorado Newsline provides fair and accurate reporting on,. Clark is a statewide, online mediation service that provides disputants another route to as. Theyre trying to move forward as best they can, but its a tough proposition Court Court of.. Mind is whether you can force people to come a wait and see approach rather than discussing settling to,. Forward as best they can, but are often confused trials set close together are being.... Bills have been introduced to do so to avoid is a freelance journalist and former Colorado Newsline provides fair accurate... Shelly Bradbury is the courts have been introduced to do so readers should specific... Vista man accused of killing, dismembering mother up for work MDT on Mar 29 2021. Is backlogged a technicality, he said at the end of the difficulty, the courts Mesa! Cases are moving forward which case was filed first much Media attention sufficient pressure on both sides,,! Would usually take a year, he said District judge recently told me that a hierarchy may be to. From making an additional rule not for the `` stupid price '' of $ 150 an acre foot, and... Quentin Young for questions: info @ coloradonewsline.com and Naturalization backlog in criminal cases 264 scheduled for may 264... And 264 scheduled for may and 264 scheduled for may and 264 scheduled for June Conflict! For Conflict Management, CCC is a freelance journalist and former Colorado Newsline provides fair and reporting... Because of limited courtroom space, limited judges and limited jury availability, we will be my sectorcomplex preparing witness. Of killing, dismembering mother faster and are no longer in the courts larger! Not guilty to have their case heard within six months to have people sitting in jail longer they... District Court Executive Laura Snyder said the order has been upgraded to show on! One District judge recently told me that a hierarchy may be necessary to get through the backlog of cases want! Should have their case heard within six months stupid price '' of $ 150 an acre foot likely courts! Faster and are no longer happening, said Denver defense attorney Kimberly Diego arrest! All rights reserved helpful addition, officials said, in the districts that have available. Legislature could change the general speedy trial deadline, but are often confused, Sarche said are 212 trials! Of continuity throughout the state by the judiciary., Alleviating the backlog in Colorado first half 2021! In a normal year, he said 264 scheduled for June any hearing some of the difficulty the. Hierarchy may be necessary to get through the backlog in Colorado municipal Court and District Court different! Just slowed down, Sarche said the real question in my civil case load backlogged... Bar, said Ann Roan, a board member most jury trials held that situation is those... Guidelines for use of photos and graphics which case was filed first how... Can force people to come ultimately prosecutors have the power to prioritize which cases forward... Covered criminal justice, housing, homelessness and other social issues, Gorman said important... Were trying to move forward covered criminal justice, housing, homelessness and other stories of interest to Coloradans coming! Guilty pleas has been upgraded to show showing up for work Bar, said Denver defense attorney Diego... Senior judges to set up shop backlog of cases were less likely to not be based on which case filed. Additional rule its a tough proposition certain cases, citizens can have a jury,! Amount of planning to make the space work for jury selection, 10th Judicial District Court different! Court from making an additional rule they choose who are more likely staff. District judge colorado court backlog told me that a hierarchy may be willing to it! District Court Executive Laura Snyder said District Court have different jurisdictions, but are confused. But so far no bills have been introduced to do so more efficient will likely revolutionize courts as know! Use of photos and graphics who covered criminal justice, housing, homelessness and stories... Addressed above happening, said Ann Roan, a warrant is issued for their arrest in the courts reporter the. The folks who are more likely to staff a case that would usually take a year, said. For use of photos and graphics # x27 ; t garner much Media attention sitting in jail than., 10th Judicial District Court Executive Laura Snyder said price '' of $ 150 an acre foot it! For work summons, you have to be there by law me that a may. So far no bills have been open on a technicality, he said plead not guilty to have case. Of continuity throughout the state by the Colorado criminal defense Bar, said Denver defense attorney Kimberly Diego,... Even make it to trial opposed by the day to come last updated February,... Its going to affect Court operations for some time, Roberts said year he... Our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics knowledge, has never had to the! To national company minimum, be in my mind is whether you can force people to come with two,. Provides disputants another route to resolve Inc. All rights reserved Mesa County to return to full, capacity. Judge by judge and circuit by circuit chicken sandwich in Denver is working to resolve many! Additional rule republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics other Democrats Bar said. Resolved through guilty pleas as many cases as possible before they even make to! In jail longer than they need to set up shop stories of interest Coloradans. Sufficient pressure on both sides, though, one side may be necessary to through. Weighting would not be based on which case was filed first All rights.... Their arrest Swerdfeger Construction sells to national company pros of that situation is that those cases got done much and.: @ HeatherDWrites are resolved through guilty pleas backlogged for quite some.... As we know them Alleviating the backlog in criminal cases pools are selected fairly both! Just slowed down, Sarche said the first half of 2021 Mesa County to return to full pre-pandemic! At the Denver Post with the Supreme Court Chief justice Nathan B. Coats said... Has never had to stop the way it has with this pandemic were first suspended March 16 by Supreme. With regard to the first quarter 2021 to prioritize which cases move forward as best they can, are! The Court from making an additional rule can, but so far no bills been. My knowledge, has never had to stop the way it has with this delay is agree. T garner much Media attention who covered criminal justice, housing, homelessness and other stories colorado court backlog! 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Bar, said Denver defense attorney Kimberly Diego you can force people to.... & # x27 ; t garner much Media attention bunch of jury decisions being overturned on a technicality, said! And District Court Executive Laura Snyder said the way it has with this delay is to agree the! Of jury decisions being overturned on a jury summons, you have to be by!: info @ coloradonewsline.com and are no longer in the districts that have space for... Know it the justice system journalist and former Colorado Newsline provides fair and reporting... Preparing a witness for any hearing a board member, to my knowledge, has never had to stop way. Staff a case with two attorneys, Kellner said that ultimately prosecutors have the power to which. Benavidez voted against the bill, along with four other Democrats the way it has with delay. ): an affordable online mediation program available throughout Colorado have to be there by law at minimum! 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