What Happens at Court During COVID?

The first appearance in Court is called an arraignment. At the beginning of the first appearance session, the judge will advise you of your constitutional rights. This information outlines each person's rights in this Court.

During court days, the following will be enforced:

Only the defendant(s) and witnesses(s) are allowed to be present in the courtroom.
Everyone entering the courtroom will be requested to use hand sanitizer prior to entering.
Facemasks are required in the Courtroom.
All parties entering the courtroom will have their temperature checked prior to entering. Anyone with a temperature of 100.3 or higher will be requested to leave.
No children are allowed in the courtroom.
The courtroom is limited to *6* people (total of 10 including staff) at a time. Seating will be spaced for social distancing compliance.
If you are considered an At-Risk individual, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are an individual experiencing any signs of illness, DO NOT come to the court. Any persons showing signs of illness will not be allowed in the courtroom. Contact the Court Clerks to reschedule your hearing.

Making a Plea

When appearing in court, you may plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty. If you plead guilty or no contest, you may explain to the judge what happened. In most cases, the judge will impose a sentence at the first appearance.

If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for a trial to the Court. Some charges are eligible for a trial to a jury. A written request and payment of a $25 jury fee must be made within 20 days of the not guilty plea.

Directions to Court

City of Monte Vista Municipal Court is located at 95 West 1st Ave, Monte Vista, CO. 81144, Entrance is located on the West side of the building, 4 Chico Comino. View map here.

Municipal Court Authority

Municipal Code Violations

City of Monte Vista Municipal Court has authority over violations of the City of Monte Vista Home Rule Charter and Code.

Some charges require an appearance in Court, while others may be resolved by simply mailing in a fine. City ordinances, Court rules, and Colorado State Statutes govern Court proceedings.

Municipal Court employees are not allowed to give legal advice but are happy to answer procedural questions.

Misdemeanor & Traffic Offenses

City of Monte Vista Municipal Court is a court of record that hears misdemeanor and traffic offenses of alleged violations of City of Monte Vista ordinances.

Collections

Fines & Court Cost Payments

Fines and costs must be paid as soon as the defendant has appeared in Court. (Unless otherwise discussed with the Judge)

If the defendant is unable to pay on the court date and other arrangements were not made with the Judge, they must speak with the Court Clerk and will then a payment plan will be set up.
The balance of the fines and costs are due the day of court. If this is not paid, a $25 stay of execution fee will be added to the case for the payment plan to be put into place.

Pay a Ticket / Fine

How Do I Pay My Fine?

Payment of all fines, costs, fees, and restitution is due and payable in full immediately upon a plea of guilty or a finding of guilty.

If you wish to pay a fine before your scheduled court date, you may do so in most cases. Many cases are payable in advance of court and, if paid, do not require a court appearance.

By paying the fine, you are pleading guilty to the charged offense. Based upon the payment, a conviction would be entered. If the charge is a violation of the Model Traffic Code, a report of the conviction would be made to the Colorado Motor Vehicle Division and points would be assessed on your driver's history. The number of points for each offense should be indicated on the summons.

If the summons states an amount for the fine and surcharge, payments in advance can be made by mail (by check or money order) or in person at the Municipal Court window during business hours or online through the City of Monte Vista web, https://cityofmontevista.colorado.gov

How Do I Send a Payment?

Checks or money orders should be made payable to the City of Monte Vista Municipal Court. Payments should be accompanied by the blue copy of the summons. Mail your payment to:

City of Monte Vista
Municipal Courts
95 West 1st.
Monte Vista, CO. 81144

The Court will accept payment up until the close of business of the day prior to your court hearing. The Court also accepts payments after hours via the drop box located at the main entrance to City Hall or on line through xpress bill pay. If you wish to make payment on the day of court, $50 in court costs will be added to the amount on the face of the summons.

If the summons does not state an amount for a fine, payment in advance of court is not permitted. A court appearance by the defendant is then necessary.