In Colorado, “juvenile delinquency” covers offenses alleged to have been committed before age 18 (with a minimum age of 10); the juvenile court can keep jurisdiction to finish the case even after a youth turns 18.

If a youth is held, the court must hold a detention hearing “without unnecessary delay,” and courts treat this as within about 48 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) to decide release, conditions, or continued detention.

Colorado has special rules for custodial interrogation of minors. Before a valid waiver of rights, the youth must get a full advisement, and—depending on circumstances—parent/guardian presence or consultation with a responsible adult or attorney may be required. A recent Colorado Court of Appeals decision discusses how §19-2.5-203 works in practice. Bottom line: ask for a lawyer and a parent/guardian before any questioning.

At the first appearance (and any detention hearing), the judge explains the charges and rights, decides release, appoints counsel if eligible, and sets the next dates. Many districts use a risk screening tool and community-based options to avoid unnecessary detention.

Cases can resolve through diversion (no adjudication if requirements are met), deferred adjudication, probation with terms (therapy, school, no new law violations, community service, restitution), or in serious cases commitment to the Colorado Department of Human Services (Division of Youth Services). Restitution orders cannot pay insurance companies and must follow Colorado’s juvenile sentencing statutes.

Diversion lets a youth take accountability and complete services (like classes, counseling, or community repair) so the DA does not file or continues a case for dismissal after completion. It’s authorized by statute, is often available for first-time or lower-level cases, and helps youth avoid an adjudication record.

In limited, serious situations, prosecutors may “direct file” in adult district court, or seek transfer after a hearing. Statutes tightly control when and for which ages/offenses this can happen, and courts can send the case back (“reverse transfer”) in some circumstances. Early legal help is critical here.

If there’s proven financial loss to a victim, the court must consider restitution from the youth; parents/guardians can also be ordered to pay, but Colorado caps the parent/guardian liability at $25,000 per delinquent act and allows courts to waive it if the parent made diligent, good-faith efforts to prevent the behavior.

Delinquency is about alleged law violations by a youth. D&N focuses on child safety when a county human services department believes a child is abused/neglected. In D&N, the court holds a “shelter” hearing quickly after removal (generally within 72 hours), appoints a Guardian ad Litem for the child, and may appoint client-directed counsel for youth 12+ as well as counsel for eligible parents.

Yes. Colorado law provides a right to counsel for indigent respondent parents in D&N proceedings, administered through the Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel (ORPC). Courts advise parents of this right at the first appearance; orders and statewide directives confirm ORPC appointments.

For youth age 12 and older in D&N, Colorado requires appointment of client-directed counsel, in addition to a Guardian ad Litem if needed. This was strengthened by HB22-1038.

Truancy is a status matter tied to Colorado’s compulsory attendance law. Schools must use interventions before filing. If a truancy case is filed, the court can order attendance plans and services. Judges generally cannot detain youth for mere truancy; any court actions still flow from the education statutes and local district practice.

You can request a temporary civil protection order (TPO) using court forms; if granted, the court sets a permanent-order hearing within 14 days. Proper service is required, and some TPOs include firearm restrictions under state law. The Judicial Branch site provides step-by-step instructions and forms.