The United States District Court
District of Colorado

Hon. Philip A. Brimmer, Chief Judge
Jeffrey P. Colwell Esq., Clerk of Court

Our mission is to serve the public by providing a fair and impartial forum that ensures equal access to justice in accordance with the rule of law, protects rights and liberties of all persons, and resolves cases in a timely and efficient manner.

All Court News

System Maintenance - July 25, 2016

This system will be unavailable starting on Tuesday, July 26th at 6:00 pm for approximately two hours for scheduled maintenance. This maintenance will include the Attorney Services Portal.


The United States District Court is seeking applications for appointment to the court's Committee on Conduct. The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LAttyR 6(c). The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court's bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, petitions for relief from the rule of good standing, and matters involving attorney disability. There is currently one upcoming vacancy on the Committee. The term of the appointment is three years and will commence on or about October 1, 2016. Committee members should expect to serve two terms. Applications are due by close of business on August 5, 2016. More information and application instructions may be found HERE.


The United States District Court for the District of Colorado is pleased to announce the selection of Scott T. Varholak as a United States Magistrate Judge. He will occupy a new full-time magistrate judge position in Denver that was authorized for the District by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 2015. Mr. Varholak has extensive litigation experience, including his current role as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the District of Colorado.

Mr. Varholak's appointment is subject to a required background investigation. To assist the Court with the selection process, the Court appointed a seven member Magistrate Judge Selection Panel that reviewed submissions received from numerous applicants. From this applicant pool, the Selection Panel made its recommendation to the Court of the candidates it determined were most qualified to serve. Each of the candidates was interviewed by the judges of the court before it made its final selection. The Court thanks the members of the Selection Panel for their service.


The U.S. District Court has been notified by the Colo. Supreme Court's Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel that it has become aware of an email phishing scam targeting attorneys in many states, including Colorado. Emails are being sent to lawyers purporting to notify them of disciplinary action.

View the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel's Notice HERE.


System Maintenance - June 16, 2016

This system will be intermittently unavailable on Saturday, June 18th from 12:00pm - 8:00pm for scheduled maintenance. This maintenance will include the Attorney Services Portal.


Notice To Attorneys - June 10, 2016

The eVoucher training class is designed to train users how to edit attorney and billing information, how to propose a first time expert and request authorization for expert services, and how to submit the following requests in eVoucher: CJA 20/30 payment, CJA 21/31 payment, CJA 24 authorization, and the travel authorization. This training session is worth one CLE credit hour.

Please bring the following information to the training class:

  • Attorney's billing information – bar #, tax id, email address, phone number, and office mailing address.

  • List of currently open cases including the case number and defendant's name.

  • List of experts being used with open CJA 21/31 authorizations including their name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.

  • Open requests to be entered into eVoucher – any vouchers you wish to submit to the court at this time.
  • Training sessions will be one hour long and held June 13th through June 30th. Please use the link below to sign up for eVoucher training. There are twelve computers in the training room, extra chairs will be provided for those who want to share a workstation. Training will be held on the first floor in the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse in room A142, across the hall from the Clerk's office.

    eVoucher Training Signup


    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge Craig B. Shaffer, as magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent's good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before August 22, 2016 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment. View the Appointment Order.


    On May 20, 2016 the Court approved a new Criminal Justice Act Panel Plan. The new Plan will go into effect on July 20, 2016. View the new plan here.


    The District of Colorado is in the process of implementing the new CJA eVoucher System. The CJA eVoucher System is a web-based program for the submission, monitoring, and management of all Criminal Justice Act (CJA) functions. Once fully implemented, all CJA-related motions, requests, and vouchers must be submitted through eVoucher. However, before we can begin making payments out of eVoucher we must close out the vouchers in our old system. Accordingly, the last day that we will accept paper vouchers submitted via CM/ECF is Friday, May 13, 2016. Read more about eVoucher implementation HERE.


    The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Craig B. Shaffer for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, is due to expire on January 17, 2017. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term. Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court. Click the link above for more details and instructions on submitting comments.


    Due to existing needs in courts in Grand Junction and Durango, the CJA Panel is accepting applications from attorneys qualified who live within the geographical vicinity of those courts.

    The application is available HERE.

    Completed applications can be e-mailed to the Chairman of the Standing Committee, David Kaplan at: dkaplan@hmflaw.com by May 5, 2016.



    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, as part-time magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent’s good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before May 13, 2016 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment.

    View the appointment order

    The current term of office of part-time United States Magistrate Gordon P. Gallagher for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, is due to expire on October 11, 2016. Magistrate Judge Gallagher sits in Grand Junction, Colorado. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new four-year term. Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court. Click the link above for more details and instructions on submitting comments.


    The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado is now accepting applications for an additional full-time Magistrate Judge to be located in Denver, Colorado. The application process is open from January 15, 2016, through 5:00 p.m. February 29, 2016.

    Full Public Notice

    Application Form


    Please be aware that effective December 1, 2015:

    • Civil Rules 1, 4, 16, 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 37, 55, and 84, and the Appendix of Forms have been substantially revised.

    Significant changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure focus on changes in case management and discovery deadlines, the scope of discovery, and sanctions for discovery violations.

    The text of the amended rules and extensive supporting documentation are posted on the Judiciary's website at: http://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/current-rules-practice-procedure.


    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado reviewed and approved revisions to its Local Rules which become effective December 1, 2015. The Advisory Committee on the Local Rules of Practice in the 2015 rules cycle considered 16 proposals or suggestions from the bar and the public submitted in 2015, and addressed 9 matters continued from previous years. The Advisory Committee's work in the 2015 cycle focused on conversion of the magistrate judge direct assignment pilot program into corresponding local rules; and refinements to the criminal rules (sentencing and restricted documents), the AP rules (forms of pleadings and case management), and the court's attorney rules (discipline matters).

    The amendments can be found in final form and redline/strikeout versions by visiting the link below.

    Visit the Local Rules page


    Please see the attached Order appointing the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming. For questions on Johnson relief, please contact the Office of the Federal Public Defender directly, at 303-294-7002.

    General Order 2015-4


    The United States District Court is pleased to announce that it has appointed three new members to the Committee on Conduct to fill upcoming vacancies. These appointments become effective on October 1, 2015. The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LAttyR 6(c). The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court’s bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, and matters involving attorney disability. More information and the membership of the Committee may be found HERE.

    Have you paid your 2013 One-Time Fee of $50 or obtained an exemption (e.g., you are an attorney employed by the federal government and serving in a legal capacity for it) via your Attorney Services Portal account?  All noncompliant bar members will be administratively removed from the Attorney Roll on or after November 1, 2015. For more information, visit the Attorney Services Portal page by clicking here.

    Area residents have received phone calls from someone claiming to be with the United States Marshal Service. Residents are told that they have failed to respond or appear on a grand jury summons and that a warrant for their arrest has been issued.

    View the entire Notice


    Effective August 3, 2015, and in accordance with D.C.COLO.LCivR 40.1 and D.C.COLO.LAPR 10.3, pending and future AP case will be assigned to either Senior Judge Wiley Y. Daniel or Judge Robert E. Blackburn for pre-merits management.

    View the General Order


    The United States District Court is seeking applications for appointment to the court's Committee on Conduct. The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LAttyR 6(c). The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court’s bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, and matters involving attorney disability. There are currently three upcoming vacancies on the Committee. The term of each appointment is three years and will commence on or about October 1, 2015. Committee members should expect to serve two terms. Applications are due by close of business on August 7, 2015.  More information and application instructions may be found here.


    The Court offers the appended Guidelines and Checklist as a resource for judicial officers, attorneys and parties in civil actions involving electronically stored information. Counsel and parties are encouraged to consult and review the Guidelines and Checklist in all such actions.

    View the Guidelines and Checklist


    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge David L. West, as part-time magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent’s good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before August 21, 2015 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment.

    View the appointment order


    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya, as magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent’s good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before August 21, 2015 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment.

    View the appointment order


    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado has revised  Local Criminal Rule 11.1(b) - Pleas, following publication of the proposed rule change and an opportunity for public comment in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 2071 and Fed. R. Crim. P. 57.  The revision to D.C.COLO.LCrR 11.1(b) facilitates implementation of the “Durango and Grand Junction Protocol."   Accordingly, the District Court's Local Rules as a whole are revised and reflect the amendment to D.C.COLO.LCrR 11.1(b).  The revised rules become effective May 15, 2015.

    The amendment to D.C.COLO.LCrR 11.1(b) in final form, as well as the redline/strikeout version, can be found by visiting the link below.

    Visit the Local Rules Page


    The current term of office of part-time United States Magistrate David L. West for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, is due to expire on January 7, 2016.  Magistrate Judge West sits in Durango, Colorado.   The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new four-year term.  Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court.  Click the link above for more details and instructions on submitting comments.

    The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, is due to expire on January 3, 2016.  The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.  Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court.  Click the link above for more details and instructions on submitting comments. 


    The Judges of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado take great pleasure in announcing the reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix to a second term of eight years effective August 5, 2015.   To view the announcement, please click on the link above. 

    PRESS RELEASE - March 17, 2015

    Better Access to the Federal Courts for the Western Slope.  To provide greater federal court access for the residents on the Western Slope, the United States District of Colorado is pleased to announce that it has adopted a Western Slope Protocol for criminal cases. Please click on the "Press Release" link above to read more.



    Effective immediately, the Court has adopted the enclosed protocol for all criminal cases where the initial appearance is held in Durango or Grand Junction.  General Order 2014-4 is hereby vacated.  To view the protocol please click on link above.

    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix, as magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent’s good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before March 20, 2015 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment. View the Appointment Order.

    The Court will continue to operate under the procedures set forth in the Durango Pilot Project Protocol (Corrected) issued on October 28, 2013. This protocol, unless replaced sooner by one implemented in accordance with the Court’s local rules, shall remain in effect until March 9, 2015. 

    New Magistrate Judge Nominee - November 19, 2014
    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado has nominated Nina Y. Wang to replace Magistrate Judge Boyd N. Boland, the current incumbent, who will retire effective February 8, 2015.  Ms. Wang’s appointment is subject to a required background investigation.  To facilitate this nomination, the Court appointed a seven member Magistrate Judge Selection Panel that reviewed submissions received from 60 applicants.  From this applicant pool, the Selection Panel made its recommendation to the Court of the five candidates it determined most qualified to serve.  Each of these five candidates was interviewed by the judges of the court (District and Magistrate) who thereafter made a unanimous nomination.  

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado reviewed and approved revisions to its Local Rules which become effective December 1, 2014. The Advisory Committee on the Local Rules of Practice and Procedure continues its comprehensive review of the local rules. In the 2014 rules cycle the Committee focused on the restyling of the local criminal rules, updating the rules applicable to members of the bar, and converting pilot programs to local rules.

    All members of the bar and the public are advised that the Advisory Committee will conduct a community forum at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. District Courthouse sometime in January, 2015, the date to be determined. The Advisory Committee looks forward to providing an opportunity at the forum to answer inquiries about the recent rule revisions.

    The amendments can be found by visiting the link below, in final form, as well as the redline/strikeout version.

    Visit the Local Rules Page


     Pursuant to District Court General Order 2014-2, the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado has been appointed to provide an initial advisement of the application of Amendment 782 to all defendants convicted in this District who may be eligible for a reduction of sentence.  Additional information about Amendment 782 may be found on the Federal Public Defender's website at:  http://www.cofpd.org/782.html

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces proposed amendments to its Local Rules and invites public comment under 28 U.S.C. § 2071(b) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 83(a).

    The proposed amendments can be found by visiting the link below, formatted with redline/strikeout markups to indicate the proposed changes, or can be obtained at the Office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 9th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    All comments must be submitted no later than Monday, November 10, 2014. Please submit comments to LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov or mail them to the Clerk of the Court, United States District Court, Attn: Edward Butler, Legal Officer, Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex, 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294. Please identify the specific Local Rule to which your comment(s) relate.

    Thank you in advance for your input.

    Visit the Local Rules page

    Durango Term of Court 2014-2015 - September 26, 2014

    On May 9, 2013, the Court adopted a Pilot Program which directed the implementation of a Term of Court in Durango, Colorado. The Pilot Program provides that a United States District Judge for the District of Colorado shall sit in Durango, Colorado, every other month for the time reasonably necessary to conduct any trial, hearing, or other proceeding scheduled in Durango, Colorado, for that term of court. It further provides that a rotating schedule for participating district judges shall be established by the Chief Judge. That schedule is here: Durango Term of Court Schedule (2014-2015):


    The United States District Court is pleased to announce that it has appointed three new members to the Committee on Conduct to fill upcoming vacancies. These appointments become effective on October 1, 2014. The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LAttyR 6(c). The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court’s bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, and matters involving attorney disability. More information and the membership of the Committee may be found here.


    The District of Colorado congratulates the dedicated men and women of the United States Marshals Service on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of its establishment.  Read more

    A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe, as magistrate judge and other experience, the comments from members of the bar and public, and other evidence of the incumbent’s good character, experience, ability, and commitment to equal justice under the law. The Panel shall submit their report to the Court on or before November 21, 2014 unless otherwise directed by the Court, whether the incumbent is recommended for reappointment. View the Appointment Order.

    The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe for the

    U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, is due to expire on February 11, 2015.  The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.  Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court.  For more details and instructions on submitting comments ... Read more




    A new juror scam email, which fraudulently seeks personal information that could aid identity theft, has been reported in at least 14 federal court districts.

    According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, citizens received emails claiming they had been selected for jury service and demanding that they return a form with such information as Social Security and driver’s license numbers, date of birth, cell phone number, and mother’s maiden name.

    According to the email, anyone who failed to provide the information would be ordered to court to explain their failure, and could face fines and jail time. The email also falsely claimed that it was affiliated with eJuror, an online registration program used in about 80 U.S. court districts. Please note that the federal courts will NOT ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, bank account information, or such things as your mother's maiden name. Read the full story.


    The United States District Court is seeking applications for appointment to the court's Committee on Conduct. The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LAttyR 6(c). The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court’s bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, and matters involving attorney disability. There are currently 3 vacancies on the Committee. The term of each appointment is three years and will commence on or about October 1, 2014. Committee members should expect to serve two terms. Applications are due by close of business on August 29, 2014.  More information and application instructions may be found here.

    June 11, 2014 - The United States District Court for the District of Colorado on June 4, 2014, formally adopted a Pilot Program that Implements Proposed Patent Rules.  The Pilot Program is designed to facilitate the efficient management of patent cases through the use of local rules collaboratively developed with members of the local patent bar and with input from public comment. Patent cases will follow the procedures and deadlines set forth in the Pilot Project Local Patent Rules beginning August 1, 2014.

    The details of the Pilot Program are attached and can also be found at the U.S. District Court’s website HERE, or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    Download LOCAL PATENT RULES PILOT PROJECT

    Download PROPOSED SCHEDULING ORDER IN A PATENT CASE (PDF)

    Download PROPOSED SCHEDULING ORDER IN A PATENT CASE (DOCX)


    The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the District of Colorado located in Denver, Colorado. Magistrate Judge Boyd N. Boland, the current incumbent, will be retiring effective February 8, 2015. A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will review all applicants. On or before September 8, 2014, the panel shall submit a report to the Court designating those five applicants that it finds most qualified to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge. View the Appointment Order

    Court facts, figures, and statistics for 2013 are now posted on the District Statistics page.


    On April 2, 2014, the district judges of the U.S. District Court  appointed Mr. David Kaplan, Esq., for a second term on the Standing Committee of the Criminal Justice Act, and he will serve as Chairman of the Committee, effective April 1, 2014.  In addition, Mr. Mitch Baker, Esq., Ms. Marci Gilligan, Esq., and Ms. Kathryn Stimson, Esq. were appointed as new members of the Standing Committee, each serving a term of three years, effective April 1, 2014. 

    The Judicial Officers of the U.S. District Court wish to thank all Standing Committee members for their service, and in particular those whose terms have expired. 


    This plan governs the management and expenditure of attorney admission funds maintained locally by the court (“the funds”). The funds are non-appropriated funds held in trust by the court. This plan is established pursuant to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 13, Chapter 12, and supersedes the previous plan approved on July 11, 1994.  


    The hourly pay rates for lawyers who represent indigent defendants in federal criminal cases, which were temporarily reduced last year, have been restored, effective March 1, 2014. In addition to restoring the previous hourly panel attorney rates, the FY 2014 spending plan for the Defender Services account provides sufficient funding to pay all FY 2014 panel attorney vouchers without deferring any payments into FY 2015. The hourly rates also include a one-percent increase, consistent with the one percent Employment Cost Index increase for all federal employees. As a result, for work performed on or after March 1, 2014, hourly panel attorney rates will increase to $126 for non-capital representations and $180 for capital representations.

    See the CJA Information page for more details.

     


    General Order 2014-1:  Criminal Hearings on Fridays resume. 

    General Order 2013-3 ordering that no hearings or trials in criminal cases (other than mandatory first appearances before a magistrate judge) will be heard on Fridays is hereby vacated.

    View the Orders.


    On April 2, 2014 the United States District Court for the District of Colorado approved the following Pilot Program Implementing Proposed Local Patent Rules subject to public notice and comment. The purpose of the pilot program is to facilitate the efficient management of patent cases.  The period of public comment shall be thirty (30) days from the date of the public notice.

    Visit the Pilot Projects page for more details.


    January 17, 2014 - The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces formal adoption of a Pilot Program for the direct assignment of civil cases to the full time magistrate judges.  The Pilot Program requires the parties in cases assigned directly to a magistrate judge to indicate, through the filing of a Consent Form by a date certain, whether they accept or decline consent.  Cases will begin being assigned to full time magistrate judges on February 3, 2014.  

    The details of the Pilot Program are attached and can also be found at the U.S. District Court’s website HERE, or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    Download PILOT PROGRAM FOR DIRECT ASSIGNMENT OF CIVIL CASES TO FULL TIME MAGISTRATE JUDGES

    Download CONSENT FORM (PDF)

    Download CONSENT FORM (Word)


    The federal judiciary has learned of an email scam, in which emails purporting to come from federal and state courts are infecting recipients with computer viruses.

    According to the Security Operations Center of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the emails are instructing recipients to report to a hearing on a specified day and time. The emails also instruct recipients to review an attached document for detailed case information. When the attachments or links in the email are opened, a malicious program is launched that infects the recipient's computer. Several state courts have reported similar schemes, and also are warning the public about potential viruses.

    Unless you are actively involved in a case in federal court and have consented to receive court notifications electronically, you generally will not be served with court documents electronically.

    If you receive an email regarding a federal court case or matter of which you are unaware, please contact the U.S District Court for the District of Colorado at 303.844.3433 before opening any attachments or links.


    The Court’s website now features an archived list of past final versions of the court's Local Rules of Practice. Though not complete, past iterations of the rules are available dating back to the early 1980's, as well as a copy of the 1940 version. You may access the Archived Local Rules page by means of a link at the very bottom of the Local Rules of Practice page.

    The District of Colorado welcomes a new Chief U.S. Probation Officer:  Ms. Lavetra A. Castles was sworn in today as the Chief U.S. Probation Officer - Designee for the District of Colorado.  She will officially assume the title of Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Colorado on January 1, 2014.  Ms. Castles comes to the District of Colorado from the District of Idaho where she served as the Deputy Chief U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Officer.

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado reviewed and approved revisions to its local rules which become effective December 1, 2013. The local civil rules have been restyled. A Section IV – Attorney Rules has been added.

    Visit the Local Rules page


    The Court’s website now features a “Judicial Officers” button located on the home page task bar, to the right of “About the District.” This button provides direct access to each Judge’s chambers contact information, courtroom number, and practice standards.


    December 6, 2013 - The Judges of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado take great pleasure in announcing the reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty to a second term of eight years effective February 15, 2014.

    View the announcement


    December 6, 2013 -- The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces a Pilot Program for the direct assignment of civil cases to the full time magistrate judges of the Court to conduct any and all proceedings in jury and nonjury civil actions, with certain exceptions.  All parties in civil cases will be required to indicate, through the filing of a Consent Form by a date certain, whether they accept or decline consent to magistrate judge jurisdiction.

    Visit the Pilot Projects page for all the details


    The CM/ECF System will be off-line for system maintenance beginning at 10:00 PM on Friday, November 8th and ending at 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 9th.

    On October 16, 2013, the House and Senate passed, and the President later signed, H.R. 2775, the “Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014.”  The legislation funds the federal government, including the Judiciary, through January 15, 2014, on a Continuing Resolution (CR) basis, and extends the federal government’s borrowing authority through February 7, 2014.  Suspended payments to Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys will resume immediately and will be paid in the order in which they were entered into the payment system. It may take the Department of the Treasury several days to clear the backlog of nearly 12,000 vouchers.

    Visit the CJA page


    In light of the current lapse in appropriations for the federal government and upon representation by the offices of the United States Attorney, the Federal Public Defender, and the United States Marshal for the District of Colorado, the Court finds that each office is expected to suffer continued budget reductions resulting in mandated furlough days in varying number during FY 2014.  Effective immediately and until this order is revoked, no hearings or trials in criminal cases (other than mandatory first appearances before a magistrate judge) will be heard on Fridays.

    View the Order


    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces proposed amendments to its Local Rules and invites public comment under 28 U.S.C. §2071(b).

    The proposed amendments can be downloaded on our Local Rules Page or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    All comments must be submitted no later than October 30, 2013. Please submit comments to LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov or mail them to the Clerk of the Court, United States District Court, Attn: Edward Butler, Legal Officer, Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex, 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294. Please identify the specific Local Rule to which your comment(s) relate.

    Thank you in advance for your input.

    Visit the Local Rules page


    The court has adopted a Lapse in Appropriations Plan (LAP) for continued court operations in the event that an appropriations bill is not approved before the Judiciary's  funding is exhausted on or about October 18, 2013.   Pursuant to the LAP, every current court employee is performing an essential function necessary to the court's constitutional duty to hear and decide cases without interruption.  Accordingly, all court employees will continue to work full time during any lapse in appropriations.   The LAP suspends the following activities:

    1. hiring employees including the in-processing of new interns and/or pro bono law clerks;
    2. purchasing equipment, supplies, and contractual services.  Even if a contract is currently in place, any actions that would result in further expenses under the contract will be curtailed unless they are clearly in support of designated essential activities.  Further, payment on any goods and services acquired during a lapse in appropriations could have payment delayed until funds become available through another continuing resolution or an appropriation. The court’s Contracting Officer (CO) will notify contractors prior to an appropriations lapse as directed by the Procurement Management Division;
    3. entering into new contractual obligations;
    4. non-essential training;
    5. non-essential travel;
    6. supporting public and private non-adjudicative functions in the court house (e.g. naturalization ceremonies, bar organization meetings and functions, and moot court); and
    7. attendance of judicial officers at public functions/appearances requiring security personnel.

    View the Plan


    In the event of a government shutdown on October 1, 2013, the federal Judiciary will remain open for business for approximately 10 business days. On or around October 15, 2013, the Judiciary will reassess its situation and provide further guidance. All proceedings and deadlines remain in effect as scheduled, unless otherwise advised. Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) will remain in operation for the electronic filing of documents with courts.

    Pursuant to the recently adopted Pilot Program implementing a Civil Pro Bono Panel, all attorneys practicing in the District of Colorado, except for those admitted in 2013, are required to pay a one-time mandatory $50 renewal fee. Bar members employed by the United States may claim an exemption from the fee. The fee is now past due and must be remitted immediately.   To pay the fee and/or claim an exemption, all attorneys must register and create an account via the District’s new Attorney Services Portal. An attorney may confirm that the renewal fee was paid or recorded as exempt by searching on the "Attorney Status" page.

    Click here to access the Attorney Services Portal
    Click here to check an Attorney's Status

    Click here to see all the Pilot Programs


    The fiscal year 2013 Defender Services financial plan assumed Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney payments would be suspended for the last three weeks in September 2013. Due to lower actual panel attorney payments than projected, the Office of Defender Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has been able to disburse payments beyond the point at which suspension was expected to begin. However, the funding provided for these payments has now been exhausted. As of September 17, 2013, all payments from the Administrative Office will be suspended and deferred until funding becomes available in fiscal year 2014. Assuming the continuation of government operations, the remaining 10 days of CJA panel attorney payments will be paid in full the week of October 1, 2013.

    Visit the CJA page


    The U.S. District Court has adopted a Pilot Program which directs the implementation of a Term of Court in Durango, Colorado. The Pilot Program provides that a United States District Judge for the District of Colorado shall sit in Durango, Colorado every other month for the time reasonably necessary to conduct any trial, hearing, or other proceeding scheduled in Durango for that term of court. A Protocol has been issued by the Court that describes the implementation and conduct of the Pilot Program and a copy is available on the Pilot Projects page.

    The United States District Court is seeking applications for appointment to the court’s committee on Conduct.  The Committee on Conduct presides over attorney disciplinary matters, as defined in D.C.COLO.LCivR 83.5B, and D.C.COLO.LCrR 57.7B.  The Committee investigates and acts upon complaints against members of this court’s bar, applications for reinstatement or readmission, and matters involving attorney disability.  There are currently 3 vacancies on the Committee. The term of each appointment is three years, and will commence on or about October 1, 2013.  The Committee Member may be asked to serve up to two terms.  Applications are due by close of business on September 23, 2013.  More information and application instructions may be found by clicking the title of this article or the 'read more...' link at the bottom.

    At its August 15-16, 2013, meeting, the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States determined that it is necessary to implement a temporary emergency $15 reduction in the hourly rates of compensation for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) “panel” attorneys appointed to represent eligible persons under the CJA, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), codified in part in 18 U.S.C. § 3599, and the Guidelines for Administering the CJA and Related Statutes (CJA Guidelines), Vol. 7, Part A, Guide to Judiciary Policy. As explained below, after careful deliberation the Executive Committee determined that the impending budget shortfall facing the Defender Services program constitutes an emergency requiring immediate action on behalf of the Judicial Conference to preserve the appointed criminal defense function performed in the Federal Judiciary.

    Specifically, both the panel attorney non-capital hourly rate of $125 and the maximum capital hourly rate of $178 (for federal capital prosecutions and capital post-conviction proceedings), which the Judicial Conference has authorized pursuant to the CJA and AEDPA, will be reduced by $15, to $110 and $163 respectively, for work performed from September 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Where the appointment of counsel occurred before this effective date, the new compensation rates apply to that portion of services provided on or after September 1, 2013. The case compensation maximums reflected in CJA Guidelines § 230.23.20 will remain the same.


    The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, is due to expire on February 15, 2014.

    The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.

    The duties of a magistrate judge in this court include the following: (1) conduct preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; (3) conduct various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from a district judge; and (4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.

    Written comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court.

    All comments should be directed to the Office of the Clerk of Court, Attn: Ms. Brenda Martinez, Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294 or via email at: Brenda_Martinez@cod.uscourts.gov

    Comments must be received by: September 2, 2013.

    Order Appointing Magistrate Judge Selection Panel


    Beginning June 21, 2013, all applications for admission to the Court's Bar must be submitted by completion of an electronic form, through the Court’s Attorney Services Portal on the District Court website, under the Attorney Information menu bar. Registration for the Court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Filing System (CM/ECF) can be completed simultaneously, allowing for speedy access to the Court’s filing system for new and existing attorneys. Access to the Portal is on the Attorney Information menu bar above, and requires creation of an individual online account for all attorneys. You may also submit an online application through the Attorney Services Portal, by visiting the Clerk’s Office in the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse Annex, 901 19th St., Denver Colorado, 80294.  Completion of the form must be accompanied by a $186.00 fee, paid online from a bank account or by credit/debit card through Pay.gov, a service of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Please note that the $186.00 fee will increase to $211.00 effective July 15, 2013, concurrent with the imposition of the $50.00 One-Time Renewal fee, excluding members of the Bar admitted after December 31, 2012 and members of the Bar employed by a federal government agency. Regarding the mandatory 2013 One-Time Renewal Fee of $50, the Attorney Services Portal is the Renewal Application Packet described in the District Court’s Civil Pro Bono Pilot Project.  Current members of the Bar are required, commencing July 15, 2013, to create their Attorney Services Portal Account to update their contact information and pay the $50.00 fee through Pay.gov.

    Read more on the Attorney Information page...

    Read more about the Civil Pro Bono Panel on the Pilot Projects page...


     You may now subscribe to CM/ECF RSS feeds by logging into CM/ECF, click Utilities then Court Information.

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces formal adoption of a  pilot program that creates a panel of attorneys who have agreed to accept pro bono appointments to represent pro se litigants of limited financial means in civil cases before this Court. On June 5, 2013 the District Court approved revisions to the Civil Pro Bono Pilot Program Plan that were made in consideration of and in response to public comments. 

    For complete information about applications to the Panel and payment of the one-time renewal fee, see the Pilot Projects page of the District Court website, and to download a copy of the Plan.


    Judge Moore's Judicial Practice Standards have been posted effective May 15, 2013. See the Practice Standards.

    Judge Arguello's Civil and Criminal Practice Standards have been revised effective May 15, 2013. See the Practice Standards.

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces a pilot program to establish a term of court in Durango, Colorado.

    A link to a description of the Pilot Program can be found below (read more... link), or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    A thirty day Notice and Comment period about the Pilot Program commences today, May 9, 2013, and the Court welcomes comments from court users, member of the Bar, and the public at large. Please send your comments or suggestions to: LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov

    All comments must be submitted no later than Monday, June 10, 2013. Please submit comments to LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov or mail them to the Clerk of the Court, United States District Court, Attn: Edward Butler, Legal Officer, Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex, 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    The U.S. District Court thanks you in advance for your input.


    On Tuesday, April 30th, 2013 Chief Judge Marcia S. Krieger held an informal investiture for Raymond P. Moore, as the newest District Judge for the District of Colorado. A formal investiture is scheduled for June 21, 2013, with more details to follow at a later date.

    Please note, effective May 1, 2013, a $50 Administrative Fee* will be charged for filing a civil action, suit or proceeding in district court.  This fee is in addition to the filing fee of $350, bringing the total cost for such filings to $400. The filing fee for an application for writ of habeas corpus remains set at $5. The district court miscellaneous fee schedule is issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1914.

    *Administrative Fee not applicable to persons granted in forma pauperis status under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. For more information, see the District Court Fee Schedule for the District of Colorado.


    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces a pilot program that creates a panel of attorneys who have agreed to accept pro bono appointments to represent indigent pro se litigants in civil cases before this Court. As a means to reimburse attorneys who accept cases as volunteers, the Pilot Program includes provisions for the Faculty of Federal Advocates to manage the reimbursement of expenses, funded in part by grants to the Faculty from the Court. Funding for the grants will derive from an increase in attorney admission fees and a one-time renewal fee for current members of the Bar. Current members will be expected to pay the renewal fee by July 1st, 2013.

    A link to a description of the Pilot Program can be found below, or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    A thirty day Notice and Comment period about the Pilot Program commences today, April 12, 2013, and the Court welcomes comments from court users, members of the Bar, and the public at large. Please send your comments or suggestion to: LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov

    All comments must be submitted no later than Monday, May 13, 2013. Please submit comments to LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov or mail them to the Clerk of the Court, United States District Court, Attn: Edward Butler, Legal Officer, Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex, 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.

    The U.S. District Court thanks you in advance for your input.

    Download PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT A CIVIL PRO BONO PANEL


    Due to inclement weather, the court facilities of the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Probation Office for the District of Colorado will delay opening today, April 9th, 2013, until 9:00a. All hearings scheduled for 8a or 8:30a will start at 9a. Please contact the court or the probation office as soon as possible if you were scheduled to report to either location.

    Judge Walker Miller passed away at his home on March 24, 2013.  Additional information and service details are available at: http://www.allnutt.com/obituaries/Walker-Miller-35443/








    On Saturday morning, March 23, 2013 Mr. Raymond P. Moore was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as a District Court Judge for the District of Colorado in Denver.   Mr. Moore will fill the vacancy left when former Chief Judge Wiley Y. Daniel took senior status this past January 1st.   Mr. Moore is a 1975 graduate of Yale College and a 1978 graduate of Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut.  He started his legal career with the law firm of Davis, Graham, and Stubbs from 1978-1982.  Then from 1982-1986 he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Colorado.  Thereafter, he returned to Davis, Graham, and Stubbs until 1992 when he resigned his partnership with the firm to take a position with the Federal Public Defender's office.  In January 2004, Mr. Moore was appointed as the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming; he was subsequently reappointed to this position in 2008 and again in 2012.  Mr. Moore's investiture date will be formally announced at a later date.

    Beginning Friday, April 26, 2013 and continuing through September 30, 2013, no hearings or trials in criminal cases (other than mandatory first appearances before a magistrate judge) will be heard on Fridays. In addition, no trials or hearings in criminal cases in which a Federal Public Defender must appear shall be conducted on Friday, March 29 and Friday, April 12, 2013. Parties with existing criminal matters affected by this order shall coordinate with the opposing party, and with the respective judicial chambers, to reschedule hearings/trials.

    Stating that sequestration has put the federal Judiciary "in uncharted territory," a federal judge told the Judicial Conference today that "we face a budget crisis that is unprecedented, one that is not likely to end in the near-term."

    POSTED: March 8, 2013

    The Administrative Office of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado gave notification that the mileage rate increased from 55.5 cents to 56.5 cents. Mileage rate increase was effective January 2, 2013.

    If you are a juror that was selected and served in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado between January 2, 2013 to January 14, 2013, you have the right to file a claim within 60 days from date of this posting for the increased mileage reimbursement.

    Please direct your claim to the United States District Court, Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado  80294, Attention: Jury Division or fax your claim to (303) 335-2714.

    Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this notification, please contact the jury division at (303) 844-3924 or (800) 359-8699 during business hours.

    United States District Court
    for the District of Colorado
    Jury Division


    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces proposed amendments to its Local Rules and invites public comment pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2071(b).

    The proposed amendment can be found on the Local Rules page, or can be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street, Denver, Colorado 80294.


    Check the latest Federal budget information at The Federal Times website.

    Due to inclement weather, the court facilities of the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Probation Office for the District of Colorado will delay opening tomorrow, February 25, 2013, until 9:00a. All hearings scheduled for 8a or 8:30a will start at 9a. Please contact the court or the probation office as soon as possible if you were scheduled to report to either location.

    New Chief Judge - January 01, 2013
    As of January 1, 2013, Judge Wiley Y. Daniel takes senior status and Judge Marcia S. Krieger becomes Chief Judge of the District Court.

    First Net-Zero Energy Federal Courthouse in the Country. In February 2013, the Wayne Aspinall Courthouse will be rededicated after a renovation that both restored its historical character and installed a variety of energy saving techniques. The combination of solar power, geothermal wells and energy conservation techniques make it the first federal courthouse in the United States to project the production of as much energy as it will consume.

    Judge Martinez has revised his practice standards effective December 1, 2012.  Click the title to view the new document.


    Click here to fill out your Juror Qualification Questionnaire Online!

    The Hon. Gordon P. Gallagher is the newest magistrate judge in Grand Junction.  He replaces the Hon. Gudrun J. Rice who retired after many years of devoted service to the Court and the residents of the District of Colorado.

    The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces proposed amendments to its Local Rules to become effective December 1, 2012, and invites public comment pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2071(b).

    Click to view a list of recently filed motions to restrict.

    The Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse building will be closed Thursday, July 26, 2012. The building will re-open for normal business hours on Friday, July 27, 2012.

    Effective June 29, 2012, the attorney lounge on the third floor of the Arraj courthouse (RoomA312) will be open.

    The court is pleased to announce that the district judges have unanimously selected Jeffrey P. Colwell to be the court's next Clerk of Court.

    Mission of the Court - April 25, 2012
    To serve the public by providing a fair and impartial forum that ensures equal access to justice in accordance with the rule of law, protects rights and liberties of all persons, and resolves cases in a timely and efficient manner.