Colorado Small Claims Court Hearing: What to Expect as a Defendant

The Hearing Is Not What You See on TV

Colorado small claims court hearings are informal by design. Under C.R.C.P. 501(b), the rules are "liberally construed to secure the just, speedy, and informal determination of every action." There is no jury, no opening statements, and no formal cross-examination. A magistrate hears both sides, asks questions, reviews the evidence, and issues a decision — often in the same session.

Most hearings last 15 to 45 minutes. The stakes can still be significant: up to $7,500 plus court costs.

What Happens Before the Trial

In many Colorado judicial districts — particularly urban ones like Denver — the first court date is set for pre-trial mediation through the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) or a local court-connected program. A neutral mediator works with both parties to reach a settlement. ODR contract-neutral mediation costs $30 per party per hour ($15 with an approved fee waiver).

If mediation produces an agreement, both parties sign a stipulation (Form JDF 75), the magistrate converts it into a court order, and the case is closed. If mediation fails, trial may follow at the same setting or be scheduled for a later date, depending on how the district set the mediation.

In rural judicial districts, mediation and trial sometimes happen on the same day. Arrive fully prepared with all evidence and witnesses regardless of which district you are in.

The Trial Itself

The plaintiff speaks first. They explain their claim, present their evidence, and state the amount they are asking for. The magistrate may ask the plaintiff clarifying questions.

Then it is your turn. You present your defense: why you do not owe what the plaintiff claims, or why the amount is wrong. This is where your organized evidence matters. Reference specific exhibits ("As shown in Exhibit 2, the contract states...") rather than narrating from memory.

The magistrate may ask both sides additional questions. There is no formal cross-examination, but the magistrate will give each party a chance to respond to the other's statements.

Virtual and Phone Hearings

Colorado allows remote hearings via interactive audiovisual technology (such as Webex) under C.R.S. § 13-1-127, but availability varies by county. If you want to appear remotely, you must file a formal request well in advance and pre-submit all digital exhibits to the court clerk and the opposing party before the hearing.

You cannot just call in or join a video link on the day without prior approval. Unapproved electronic submissions during a live hearing are rejected.

What to Bring to Court

• Your completed JDF 250 response
• All evidence organized in triplicate (your copy, the magistrate's copy, and the plaintiff's copy)
• A government-issued photo ID
• Any witnesses who will testify on your behalf
• A notepad to take notes during the plaintiff's presentation

If you need a language interpreter, contact the Managing Interpreter for your judicial district at least 7 days before the hearing. The state provides certified interpreters at no cost. Friends and family members are not allowed to interpret during formal hearings.

After the Decision

The court states its findings and decision at the end of trial and directs judgment to be entered immediately. If you want to appeal, file a Notice of Appeal and appeal bond with the County Court where the case began within 14 calendar days of the decision or judgment. The District Court reviews the appeal. If you win, the plaintiff has the same 14-day window.

Prepare With the Full Hearing Day Checklist

The Responding to a Small Claims Case in Colorado guide includes a hearing day checklist covering arrival, evidence presentation, courtroom protocol, and post-hearing next steps — organized by dispute type.

See more Colorado guides →