Source: http://www.cobar.org/tcl/tcl_articles.cfm?articleid=6835
Timestamp: 2014-09-19 19:50:06
Document Index: 166272089

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 16', '§ 21', '§ 21', '§ 21', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 14', '§ 12', '§ 13', '§ 12', '§ 13', '§ 14', '§ 14', '§ 14']

TCL - Court Business - December 2010
Home > For Lawyers > The Colorado Lawyer > Past issues TCL > December 2010 Issue > Court Business
Vol. 39, No. 12 [Page 97]
Rule Change 2010(15)
Appendix to Chapter 26. Small Claims Courts Forms
Amended Forms’
JDF 250: Notice, Claim and Summons to Appear for Trial
Amended by the Court, en banc, July 19, 2010, effective immediately.
Rule Change 2010(17)
Chapter 35. Colorado Rules for Magistrates
Rule 6. Functions of District Court Magistrates
(a) Functions in Criminal Cases: A district court magistrate may perform any or all of the following functions in criminal proceedings:
(1) (A)–(J) [No change]
(2) Consent necessary:
(D) Impose stipulated sentences to probation in cases assigned to problem solving courts.
(b)–(d) [No change]
Amended by the Court, en banc, October 14, 2010, effective immediately.
Rule Change 2010(18)
Chapter 17. Court Proceedings: Sales Under Powers
(b) Notice; Contents; Service. The moving party shall issue a notice describing the instrument containing the power of sale, the property sought to be sold thereunder, and the default or other facts upon which the power of sale is invoked. The notice shall also state the time and place set for the hearing and shall refer to the right to file and serve responses as provided in section (c), including a reference to the last day for filing such responses and the addresses at which such responses must be filed and served. The notice shall contain the following advisement: "If this case is not filed in the county where your property is located, you have the right to ask the court to move the case to that county. Your request may be made as a part of your response or any paper you file with the court at least five days before the hearing." The notice shall contain the return address of the moving party. Such notice shall be served by the moving party not less than 15 days prior to the date set for the hearing, by: (1) mailing a true copy thereof to each person named in the motion (other than persons for whom no address is stated) at the address or addresses stated in the motion; (2) by filing a copy with the clerk and by delivering a second copy to the clerk for posting by the clerk; and (3) if a residential property as defined by statute, by posting a true copy in a conspicuous place on the subject property as required by statute. Such mailing, delivery to the clerk for posting, and property posting shall be evidenced by the certificate of the moving party or moving party’s agent. For the purpose of this section, posting may be electronic on the court’s public website so long as the electronic address for the posting is displayed conspicuously at the courthouse.
(c)-(h) [No change]
Rule 120.1. Order Authorizing Expedited Sale Pursuant to Statute
(a) Motion; Contents. An order of the court authorizing an expedited sale may be sought in conjunction with the order authorizing sale. An eligible holder as defined by statute may file a verified motion, together with a supporting affidavit, in a district court seeking an order authorizing an expedited sale together with the motion for order authorizing sale pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rule 120. The affidavit shall state the following: (1) The moving party is an eligible holder as that term is defined by statute; (2) the subject deed of trust secures an eligible evidence of debt as that term is defined by statute; and (3) the property has been abandoned as defined by statute, or in the alternative, the grantor of the deed of trust requests an order for expedited foreclosure sale.
(b) Notice; Contents; Service. The moving party shall issue a combined notice, which shall include the provisions as specified in C.R.C.P. Rule 120 (b) and add a statement that the moving party is seeking in addition to the order authorizing sale, an order for expedited foreclosure sale. The moving party shall additionally state that the property is abandoned, or in the alternative that the grantor of the deed of trust has requested the order for expedited foreclosure sale. Such combined notice shall be prepared and served in Spanish and English. Such combined notice shall be served by the moving party as required by C.R.C.P. Rule 120 (b). In addition to the mailing of such combined notice, filing of such combined notice with the clerk and providing a second copy for the clerk to post, the combined notice shall be either personally served on the grantor of the deed of trust, or alternatively such combined notice shall be posted at the real property as provided in C.R.C.P. Rule 120 (b). Such mailing, delivery to the clerk for posting, and property posting shall be evidenced by the certificate of the moving party or the moving party’s agent.
(c) Response; Contents; Filing and Service. The grantor of the deed of trust may dispute the moving party’s motion for expedited sale in the same time frame as provided in C.R.C.P. Rule 120.
(d) Hearing; Scope of Issues; Order; Effect. At the time and place set for the hearing or to which the hearing may have been continued, the court shall examine the motion and responses, if any. The scope of inquiry under this section shall not extend beyond the determination that the property is abandoned as that term is defined by statute, or that the grantor requests for an order for expedited sale. The court shall enter the order for expedited sale if there is clear and convincing evidence that the property has been abandoned or that the grantor of the deed of trust has requested such order. In order to establish clear and convincing evidence that the property has been abandoned, the moving party shall file an affidavit with the court as provided by statute. The court shall determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence that the property is abandoned.
(e) Hearing Dispensed With if No Response Filed. If no response has been filed within the time permitted by C.R.C.P. Rule 120(c), the court shall examine the motion and, if satisfied that the moving party is entitled to an order for expedited sale upon the facts stated in the motion and affidavit, the court shall dispense with the hearing and forthwith enter the order for expedited sale.
Amended and adopted by the Court, en banc, October 14, 2010, effective immediately.
CJD 04-04
Appointment of State-Funded Counsel in
Criminal and Juvenile Delinquency Cases
and for Contempt of Court
A. The federal and state constitutions provide that an accused person has the right to be represented by counsel in criminal prosecutions. This constitutional right has been interpreted to mean that counsel will be provided at state expense for indigent persons in all cases in which actual incarceration is a likely penalty, unless incarceration is specifically waived as a sentencing option pursuant to § 16-5-501, C.R.S., or Alabama v. Shelton, 535 U.S. 654 (2002), or there is a waiver of the right to counsel at the advisement.
B. State funds are appropriated to the Office of the Public Defender to provide for the representation of indigent persons in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases pursuant to § 21-1-103, C.R.S.
C. State funds are appropriated to the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel to provide for the representation of indigent persons in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases in which the Public Defender declares a conflict of interest pursuant to § 21-2-101, C.R.S.
D. Section 19-2-706(2), C.R.S., provides for the representation of juveniles in delinquency cases in which (1) the parent or legal guardian refuses to retain counsel for the juvenile, or (2) the court finds such representation is necessary to protect the interest of the juvenile or other parties involved in the case. When such an appointment is necessary and the juvenile does not qualify for representation by the Public Defender or the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel, the Judicial Department will pay for the costs of counsel and investigator services. However, reimbursement to the state may be ordered, as outlined in this directive.
E.Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 107 and 407 provide for the appointment of counsel to an indigent person cited for contempt where a jail sentence is contemplated. If the court appoints private counsel to prosecute a contempt action or to represent an indigent party for contempt charges, the Judicial Department will pay for counsel, as there is no statutory authority for the Public Defender or the Alternate Defense Counsel to represent clients for the sole purpose of addressing contempt charges.
A. A defendant in a criminal case or a juvenile’s parent or legal guardian in a delinquency case must be indigent to be represented by the Public Defender or by Alternate Defense Counsel, in cases of Public Defender conflict, at state expense. Such person(s) must also be indigent or otherwise qualify for court-appointed counsel as described in Section III for the court to authorize the payment of certain costs/expenses. Any defendant in a criminal case, or the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian in a delinquency case, requesting court-appointed representation on the basis of indigency must complete Form JDF208, Application for Public Defender, Court-Appointed Counsel or Guardian ad Litem, signed under oath.
B. An indigent person is one whose financial circumstances prevent the person from having equal access to the legal process (Attachments A, B, and C).
C. Pursuant to § 21-1-103 (3), C.R.S., the initial determination of indigency shall be made by the Public Defender subject to review by the court. Therefore, all persons seeking court-appointed representation shall complete form JDF208 and shall first apply with the Office of the Public Defender. The Public Defender will determine if the defendant, or a juvenile’s parent or legal guardian in a delinquency case, is eligible for representation in accordance with the fiscal standards.
D. In all cases, the court retains jurisdiction to determine whether the person is indigent based on all the information available. Upon receipt of the finding by the Public Defender on the issue of eligibility for representation in accordance with the fiscal standards, the court shall review the person’s application for Public Defender, including any requests for exception to the determination of the Public Defender. Based on a review of all information available, the court shall enter an order either granting or denying the person’s request for appointment of the public defender. The court may use the judicial district’s Collections Investigator(s) to provide a recommendation to the court relative to the above determinations, if additional analysis is needed.
E. If the court finds the person indigent and appoints the Public Defender, or in the case of a conflict, the Alternate Defense Counsel, the court may consider ordering the person to make reimbursement in whole or in part to the State of Colorado pursuant to law using the process described in Section V. of this Chief Justice Directive.
F. An attorney or other person appointed by the court on the basis of one or more party’s inability to pay the costs of the appointment shall provide timely notice to the court in the event financial related information is discovered that would reasonably call into question the party’s inability to pay such costs. The court shall have the discretion to reassess indigence, and for purposes of possible reimbursement to the state, the provisions of Section V. of this Chief Justice Directive shall apply. Based upon a reassessment of a party’s financial circumstances, the court may terminate a state-paid appointment, require reimbursement to the State of Colorado of all or part of the costs incurred or to be incurred, or continue the appointment in its current pay status.
III. Guidelines for Appointment of Counsel A. Appointment of Public Defender
1. Appointments on the Basis of Indigency: To be eligible for representation by the Public Defender (PD), a defendant, or a juvenile’s parent or legal guardian in a delinquency case, must be indigent, as defined above and determined by the PD, subject to review by the court. If such person is indigent, the court shall appoint the PD, except as otherwise provided in paragraph III.B.
2. Appointments to Assist in Motions Under Rule 35 of the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure: An indigent defendant may be entitled to representation by the PD to assist in motions under Rule 35 if the court does not deny the motion under Crim.P. 35(c)(3)(IV). If another attorney represents the defendant and withdraws, the PD may be appointed if the defendant is indigent and there is no conflict with such representation.
3. Appointments for Appeals:
a. The court or the PD shall reassess the indigency status of a defendant who requests court-appointed counsel, as described in Section II.A., for purposes of appeal.
b. When an indigent person has an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney for the trial of a criminal or delinquency case, the PD shall be appointed to represent the defendant on appeal unless the court determines that the PD has a conflict of interest.
B. Appointment of Alternate Defense Counsel The Office of Alternate Defense Counsel (OADC) shall maintain a list of qualified attorneys for use by the courts in making appointments. Upon appointment of an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney, the clerk shall notify the OADC’s designee. No more than one attorney may be appointed as counsel for an indigent person except in specific exceptional circumstances. Accordingly, upon specific written request by counsel for appointment of an additional attorney to assist in the defense of an indigent person, the OADC may approve appointment of an additional attorney for good cause shown. Such requests should be made in writing and directed to the OADC. Alternate Defense Counsel shall be appointed under the following circumstances:
1. Conflict-of-Interest Appointments: The PD shall file a motion or otherwise notify the court to withdraw in all cases in which a conflict of interest exists. The court shall appoint an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney to represent indigent persons in cases in which the court determines that the PD has a conflict of interest and removes the PD from the case. The OADC is responsible by statute to handle all PD conflict cases. Therefore, the OADC shall establish policies and procedures to cover instances when Alternate Defense Counsel has a conflict.
2. Appointments To Assist in Motions Under Rule 35 of the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure: An indigent defendant may be entitled to conflict-free counsel to assist in motions under Rule 35 if the court does not deny the motion under Crim. P. 35(c)(3)(IV) and if the PD notifies the court that a conflict of interest exists. The provisions of III.B.1. above shall be followed in appointing an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney.
3. Appointments for Appeals: If the court determines that the PD has a conflict of interest, it shall set forth in a written order the reason for the conflict of interest and the court shall appoint an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney to represent the defendant.
C. Appointment of Other Counsel 1. The Clerk of Court or the District Administrator shall maintain a list of qualified private attorneys from which appointments shall be made under this section. Private counsel appointed under the following circumstances will be paid by the Judicial Department as established in this directive:
a. Exceptional Circumstances: Counsel in Juvenile Delinquency Cases if Parties are Not Indigent: The parents/legal guardians of juveniles are routinely expected to retain and pay for their own private counsel. Upon any request that the State of Colorado / Judicial Department pay counsel fees and costs, the initial determination shall be whether the party(ies) are indigent, and if so, the Public Defender or ADC shall be appointed, as described above. If the juvenile and parents/guardians are not indigent, the court may appoint counsel in a juvenile delinquency case with consideration for the following:
iii. Counsel may be appointed if the court deems representation by counsel is necessary to protect the interests of the juvenile or of other parties or if the parent or guardian refuses to retain counsel, pursuant to § 19-2-706(2), C.R.S.
iii. If such appointment is made by the court and the juvenile and parents/guardians are not indigent (and therefore not eligible for representation by the Public Defender or ADC), the court shall order the parent or guardian to reimburse the court for the costs of counsel and if applicable, investigator appointment.
iii. The court may waive the requirement that the parent/
guardian reimburse the costs of representation if the court finds good cause for the refusal to retain counsel, such as when a family member is alleged to be the victim of the juvenile’s actions.
b. Appointments of Advisory Counsel: There is no constitutional right to the appointment of advisory counsel to assist a pro se defendant. However, pursuant to case law, the court may appoint private advisory counsel either 1) at the request of an indigent pro se defendant, or 2) over the objections of an indigent pro se defendant to ensure orderly proceedings and to provide assistance to the defendant. If the court appoints private advisory counsel for an indigent pro se defendant in a criminal case, the Judicial Department will pay for counsel, as there is no statutory authority for the Public Defender or the Alternate Defense Counsel to advise pro se defendants.
c. Appointments of Contempt Counsel: Private counsel may be appointed as a special prosecutor or as counsel for an indigent person facing contempt charges when punitive sanctions may be imposed, in accordance with Rule 107(d) and 407(d) of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. Costs and reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with the contempt proceeding may be assessed at the discretion of the court.
d. Appointments of Counsel for Grand Jury Witnesses: A witness subpoenaed to appear and testify before a grand jury is entitled to assistance of counsel pursuant to § 16-5-204, C.R.S. For any person financially unable to obtain adequate assistance, counsel may be appointed at state expense. Pursuant to case law, no attorney who provides counsel in the grand jury room may represent more than one witness in a single investigation without grand jury permission. If the court appoints counsel for an indigent witness before a grand jury, the Judicial Department will pay for counsel, as there is no statutory authority for the Public Defender or the Alternate Defense Counsel to represent grand jury witnesses.
e. Appointments of Counsel for Witnesses: An indigent witness subpoenaed to appear and testify in a court hearing may be appointed counsel if the witness requests counsel and the judge determines the appointment of counsel is necessary to assist the witness in asserting his or her privilege against self-incrimination. If the court appoints counsel for an indigent witness for this purpose, the Judicial Department will pay for counsel, as there is no statutory authority for the Public Defender or the Alternate Defense Counsel to represent a witness.
2. For appointments under this section, the appointing judge or magistrate shall, to the extent practical and subject to attorney-client privilege, monitor the actions of the appointee to ensure compliance with the duties and scope specified in the order of appointment.
3. Attorneys appointed under this section shall notify the State Court Administrator, in writing, within five (5) days of any malpractice suit or grievance brought against them.
4. Appointees shall maintain adequate professional liability insurance for all work performed. In addition, appointees shall notify the State Court Administrator, in writing, within five (5) days if they cease to be covered by said liability insurance and shall not accept court appointments until coverage is reinstated. IV. Guidelines for Payment
A. Public Defender Costs
The Public Defender’s Office has attorneys on staff (Deputy Public Defenders) to accept appointments. Court costs and other expenses incurred by the Public Defender shall be billed to the Public Defender’s Office in accordance with that office’s policies and procedures.
B. Office of Alternate Defense Counsel Costs
Claims for payment of counsel and investigator fees and expenses shall be filed with the OADC. A schedule of maximum hourly rates and maximum total fees for OADC state-funded counsel and investigators is shown in Attachment D (1). Court costs incurred by Alternate Defense Counsel attorneys and investigators shall be billed to the OADC in accordance with that office’s policies and procedures.
C. Other Court-Appointee’s Costs The fees and costs associated with appointments described under section III.C. shall be paid by the Judicial Department as follows:
1. Fees and Expenses: Appointments may be made by the courts on an non-contract hourly fee basis or contract basis as set forth by the State Court Administrator’s Office. A schedule of maximum hourly rates and maximum total fees for state-funded counsel and investigators is shown in Attachment D (2). Upon appointment of counsel or other appointee, court staff shall enter the appointment in the ICON/Eclipse computer system and complete the appointment on the CAC system for payment and tracking purposes. Claims for payment on hourly appointments shall be entered in the Department’s Internet-based payment system (CACS); or, if the Financial Services Division of the State Court Administrator’s Office has granted the appointee an exception to the requirement to invoice using CACS, claims for payment shall be filed with the District Administrator in the respective judicial district on the Request and Authorization for Payment of Fees (form JDF207). Claims for payment on flat-fee, contract appointments shall be entered in the Department’s Internet-based payment system (CACS); or, if the Financial Services Division of the State Court Administrator’s Office has granted the appointee an exception to the requirement to invoice using CACS, such claims for payment shall be filed with the State Court Administrator’s Office using the process and format required by that office. All requests for hourly payment must be in compliance with Guidelines for Payment of Court-Appointed Counsel and Investigators Paid by the Judicial Department for Itemized Fees and Expenses on an Hourly Basis (Attachment E) and shall follow the Court-Appointed Counsel and Investigators Procedures for Payment of Fees and Expenses (Attachment F). All hourly payment requests shall be reviewed by the District Administrator or his/her designee to ensure that all charges are appropriate and in compliance with this directive and applicable fiscal policies and procedures, before authorizing the request. The Office of the State Court Administrator may review, verify, and revise, when appropriate, authorizations for payment. All incomplete or erroneous claims will be returned to the attorney or investigator with an explanation concerning the issue(s) identified.
2. Court Costs, Expert Witness Fees, and Related Expenses: Costs incurred by counsel shall be pre-approved, billed to and paid by the appointing court. Court costs include such items as: expert and standard witness fees and expenses, service of process, language interpreter fees, mental health examinations, transcripts, and discovery costs. Payment of all court costs shall be in accordance with applicable statutes, Chief Justice Directives, and other policies and procedures of the Judicial Department, including the Mandated Costs chapter of the Judicial Department’s Fiscal Policies and Procedures manual. Out-of-state investigation travel expenses incurred by the appointee must be accompanied by appropriate travel receipts.
3. Investigator Appointments: If a court appointed attorney paid by the Judicial Department requires the services of an investigator, he or she shall submit a motion to the court requesting authority to hire an investigator. The court shall authorize such appointments as the judge or magistrate deems necessary, and shall issue an order authorizing the amount of investigator fees and expenses that may be incurred, not to exceed the maximum fees set forth in Attachment D (2). The Judicial Department shall pay for investigator services under these circumstances.
4. Online Appointee Billing: Appointees shall invoice the Judicial Department using the Department’s Internet-based system (CACS) according to the policies and procedures set forth by the State Court Administrator’s Office. An appointee may request an exception to this requirement by contacting the Financial Services Division at the State Court Administrator’s Office. In the request, the appointee shall describe the extenuating circumstances preventing the use of CACS for invoicing. The Director of Financial Services or his/her designee shall review such requests and shall have final decision authority concerning the granting or denial of the request. Failure of an appointee to learn or avail him/herself of training on the use of CACS is not sufficient cause to warrant an exception.
5. To maintain the security and integrity of CACS, appointees shall immediately notify the Director of Financial Services, or his/her designee, in writing, of any changes in appointee’s staffing or practice that may require cancellation or other changes in the CACS login authority or credentials of appointee or appointee’s staff.
6. Failure of appointee to appropriately use CACS shall be sufficient grounds for denial of payment and may result in removal from consideration for future appointments.
D. Court Costs, Expert Witness Fees and Investigator Fees of an Indigent Party who is Not Appointed Counsel
1. In certain circumstances, a defendant’s court costs, expert witness fees, and/or investigator fees may be paid by the Judicial Department even though the defendant is not being represented by state-funded counsel (i.e., Public Defender; Alternate Defense Counsel; Judicial-paid counsel). Payment by the local court is appropriate if any of the following statements apply: a) The defendant is indigent and proceeding pro se; b) The defendant is indigent and receiving pro bono, private counsel; c) The defendant is receiving private counsel but becomes indigent during the course of the case, and the court has determined that the defendant lacks sufficient funds to pay for court costs, and that it would be too disruptive to the proceedings to assign the Public Defender or Alternate Defense Counsel to the case.
2. Court costs include such items as: expert and standard witness fees and expenses, service of process, language interpreter fees, mental health examinations, transcripts, and discovery costs. An investigator appointed by the court under this section shall be paid in accordance with the rates and maximum fees established in Attachment D (2). A motion requesting authorization to hire an investigator, to pay court costs, or for expert witness fees shall be submitted to the court. The Court shall authorize such appointments or payments as the judge or magistrate deems necessary, and shall issue an order authorizing the amount of the costs, fees and expenses that may be incurred under this section. For maximum rates for payment of expert witnesses, see CJD 87-01, as amended.
E. In instances in which fees for activity such as travel time, waiting time, and mileage expenses were incurred simultaneously for more than one court appointment, appointees shall apportion the fees or expenses across cases, as applicable. (For example, traveling to/from court would be billed 50% on the client A appointment and 50% on the client B appointment if the appointee made one trip to cover both clients’ hearings.)
V. Reimbursement to the State
A. If the court determines, at any time before, during the course of the appointment (at the court’s discretion if questions concerning indigence arise), or after the appointment of state-funded counsel, that the person has the ability to pay all or a part of the expenses for representation including related, ancillary costs, the court shall enter a written order that the person reimburse all or a part of said expenses and inform the responsible party of this obligation. Such order shall constitute a final judgment including costs of collection, and may be collected by the state in any manner authorized by law. The court’s financial review concerning ability to pay counsel fees and costs may be accomplished with the use of the judicial district’s Collections Investigator. If the defendant is placed on probation, the court may require payment for the costs of representation as one of the conditions of probation.
B. If the court appoints counsel for a juvenile in a delinquency case because of the refusal of a non-indigent parent, guardian, or other legal custodian to retain counsel for the juvenile, the court shall order the responsible party(ies) (unless the county department of social services or the Department of Human Services is the responsible party) to reimburse the state for the costs of counsel unless the court finds there is good cause for the refusal to retain counsel pursuant to § 19-2-706(2)(b), C.R.S. C. Collection of fees and costs related to court-appointed representation may be referred to the Collections Investigator or a private collector that has an agreement for such collection services with the State Court Administrator’s Office.
D. Costs for representation provided may be assessed against the responsible party(ies) at the fixed hourly rate for state-funded private counsel, at the state-funded counsel flat fee rate, or at the hourly cost of providing legal representation by the Public Defender or Alternate Defense Counsel for the number of hours reported by counsel to the court. Other costs incurred for the purposes of prosecution of the case may also be assessed, including, for example, costs for transcripts, witness fees and expenses, language interpreter fees, and costs for service of process. In addition, the responsible party(ies) may be required to pay costs of collection. Costs incurred for accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as hearing interpreter fees, may not be assessed.
A. All written complaints and documentation of verbal complaints regarding the performance of any state-paid counsel shall be submitted to the District Administrator. B. All complaints shall be referred by the District Administrator to the appropriate agency or person. Public Defender complaints shall be submitted to the Public Defender’s Office. Complaints against an Alternate Defense Counsel attorney shall be submitted to the Alternate Defense Counsel Office. The District Administrator will forward all other complaints to the presiding judge or, if appropriate, the Chief Judge of the district unless a conflict exists due to the judge’s involvement in a pending case. If a conflict exists, the District Administrator will forward the complaint to another judge designated for that purpose.
C. If the complaint involves an attorney and the reviewing judge or District Administrator determines that the person may have violated the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, the information shall be filed with the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. The Regulation Counsel shall advise the reporting judge or District Administrator and the State Court Administrator of the final outcome of the investigation.
D. Copies of all written complaints and documentation of verbal complaints regarding state-paid counsel shall be forwarded by the District Administrator to the State Court Administrator’s Office. The State Court Administrator may investigate a complaint and take action he/she believes is necessary to resolve any concerns or issues raised by the complaint. Such action may include, but is not limited to, terminating the contract with the attorney.
A. All contracts with the Judicial Department for appointments addressed in this Chief Justice Directive shall include a provision requiring compliance with this Chief Justice Directive. Failure to comply with this Directive may result in termination of the contract and/or removal from the appointment list.
B. Judges and Magistrates shall notify appointees that acceptance of the appointment requires compliance with this Directive, and that failure to comply may result in termination of the current appointment and/or removal from the appointment list.
CJD 04-04 is amended and adopted effective November 1, 2010.
Done at Denver, Colorado this 13th day of October 2010.
CJD 04-05
Appointment and Payment Procedures for Court Appointed Counsel
Pursuant to Titles 12, 13, 14, 15, 19 (Dependency
and Neglect Only), 22, 27, and Guardians Ad Litem,
Child and Family Investigators and Court Visitors Paid by the State Court Administrator’s Office
The following policy is adopted to assist the administration of justice through the appointment of counsel for children and adults under Titles 12, 13, 15, 19 (dependency and neglect only), 22, and 27;
the appointment and training of guardians ad litem and court visitors appointed on behalf of wards or impaired adults in all cases; the appointment of non-attorney child and family investigators in the best interest of children pursuant to § 14-10-116.5, C.R.S. This policy does not cover appointments made pursuant to Titles 16 and 18, nor appointments of counsel in juvenile delinquency matters pursuant to Title 19, nor appointments of guardians ad litem for minors, attorney child and family investigators and child’s legal representatives (Office of the Child’s Representative (OCR) appointments). For information concerning criminal and juvenile delinquency appointments refer to Chief Justice Directive 04-04, and for state paid attorneys appointed in the best interest of children and paid by the OCR, refer to Chief Justice Directive 04-06.
A. The federal and state constitutions and various Colorado statutes provide authority for the appointment of counsel, guardians ad litem (GAL), child and family investigators, and court visitors in certain legal actions.
B. State funds are appropriated to the Judicial Department to provide for representation in dependency and neglect cases and in certain other cases in which the party represented, or the party’s parent or legal guardian, is determined to be indigent.
II. Eligibility Determination
A. The person for whom representation is requested or, in the case of children, the responsible party, must be indigent to qualify for court-appointed representation at state expense pursuant to Titles 14, 22, , and 27 and for representation of respondents in a dependency and neglect action under Title 19. Such person(s) must also be indigent for the court to authorize payment of certain costs and expenses. B. An indigent person is one whose financial circumstances fall within the fiscal standards set forth in Attachment A.
C. All persons requesting court-appointed representation to be paid by the state on the basis of indigency must complete, or have completed on their behalf, application form JDF208 ("Application for Public Defender, Court-Appointed Counsel or Guardian ad litem") signed under oath, before an appointment of counsel at state expense may be considered. Form JDF208 must be completed for the appointment of counsel at state expense in all cases except mental health cases under Title 27, guardianship and protective proceeding cases under Title 15 in which the respondent refuses to or is unable to supply the necessary information, cases in which a minor is requesting counsel for judicial bypass proceedings pursuant to § 12-37.5-107(2)(b), C.R.S. Pursuant to § 13-90-208, C.R.S. a person who is deaf or hard of hearing may have access to counsel for advice on whether to execute a waiver of state funded interpreter services.
D. For appointments under Title 15 and some appointments under Title 27 where the court believes that the person needs the assistance of counsel and is unable to obtain counsel, the person for whom representation is requested or, in the case of children, the responsible party, need not be indigent to qualify for court-appointed representation at state expense.
E. If, in the best interests of justice, a tentative appointment of legal counsel or a guardian ad litem for the party is necessary, such appointment may be made pending a final decision regarding indigency. If a review of a person’s application shows that the person is not indigent and the person is not qualified to have court-appointed representation at state expense, the court may order the person to reimburse the state for any justifiable fees and expenses as a result of representation provided from a tentative appointment of legal counsel or a guardian ad litem.
III. Guidelines for Appointment of Counsel, GAL (for Adults), Non-Attorney Child and Family Investigators and Court Visitors
The Clerk of Court or the District Administrator shall maintain a list of qualified persons from which appointments will be made under this section. The order of appointment shall specify the:
4. Terms and method of compensation (including indigency status).
See Attachments B (form JDF209), and C (form JDF210).
A. Appointments of Counsel
Appointments may be made under flat fee or hourly contracts developed by the Judicial Department, or if necessary to meet the jurisdiction’s needs, on a non-contract hourly fee basis. Any attorney not under contract with the Department who requests appointments must submit to the Chief Judge a request with an affidavit of qualifications for such appointments. The Chief Judge, in his or her discretion, may approve additions to the list of non-contract attorneys at any time. An attorney not under contract with the Judicial Department must submit an updated affidavit to the chief judge every three years to ensure that he or she is maintaining his or her qualifications for such appointments. The judge or magistrate shall consider the number of an attorney’s active cases, the qualifications of the attorney, and the needs of the party to be represented when making appointments.
1. Appointment of Counsel for Respondent in Dependency and Neglect Proceedings: Counsel shall be appointed for an indigent parent or guardian in dependency and neglect proceedings as provided under Title 19. 2. Appointment of Counsel for Involuntary or Emergency Alcohol/Drug Commitment Proceedings: Counsel appointments to provide legal representation to eligible persons shall be in accordance with the provisions under Title 27, Articles 81 and 82, as amended.
3. Appointment of Counsel for Care and Treatment of Mentally Ill: Counsel appointments to provide legal representation to eligible persons shall be in accordance with the provisions under Title 27, Article 65, as amended. 4. Appointment of Counsel for Probate, Trusts, and Fiduciaries: Counsel appointments to provide legal representation to eligible persons shall be in accordance with provisions under Title 15, Article 14, as amended.
5. Appointment of Counsel for a Juvenile:
a. Counsel may be appointed for a child in a truancy matter under Title 22 if adjudication is previously entered and the child is served with a contempt citation or if the court deems representation by counsel necessary to protect the interests of the child or other parties. Parties requesting counsel must complete form JDF208 and a finding of indigence is required for the appointment of counsel at state expense. If the party is not qualified to have court-appointed representation at state expense, the court may order the responsible party(ies) to reimburse the state for any justifiable fees and expenses as a result of representation provided from a tentative appointment of legal counsel.
b. Counsel may be appointed for a minor under the judicial bypass provisions of the Colorado Parental Notification Act pursuant to § 12-37.5-107(2)(b), C.R.S. and Chapter 23.5 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure ("Rules of Procedure for Judicial Bypass of Parental Notification Requirements").
6. Appointment of Counsel for Appeals: The trial court shall determine the need and statutory requirement for appointment of counsel on appeal. The court shall be under no obligation to appoint counsel in appeals where the sole issue for determination is the individual allocation of parental responsibilities between and among two parents. Where applicable, determinations of indigency should be in accordance with the procedure described in section II. The maximum total fee allowable on an appeal shall be in accordance with the maximum fees outlined in section IV. D. Requests for payment shall be filed on Form JDF207 (Colorado Judicial Department Request and Authorization For Payment of Fees) with the appellate court and must contain a copy of the order appointing counsel to represent the indigent person on appeal. An appellate court judge, or designee, shall carefully review all requests for payment submitted to the court for approval.
7. Appointment of Counsel for a Person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Pursuant to § 13-90-208, C.R.S., the right of a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to a qualified interpreter or auxiliary service may not be waived except in writing by the person who is deaf or hard of hearing. Prior to executing such a waiver, a person who is deaf or hard of hearing may have access to counsel for advice.
8. Appointment of Counsel in Other Cases: Indigent parties may request that the court appoint counsel in other cases for which there is not specific statutory authority. See, In re C.A.O. for the adoption of G.M.R., 192 P.3d. 508 (Colo. App. 2008). The Judicial Department does not budget for non-statutorily required appointments. In an instance where the court finds constitutional authority for the appointment of counsel for an indigent party, a written order of appointment stating the grounds for appointment, citing legal authority, and certifying payment of counsel at the state rate is required.
B. Appointments of Guardians ad litem (for Adults), Non-Attorney Child and Family Investigators and Court Visitors.
The court may appoint a qualified person other than an attorney as a child and family investigator or court visitor when the appointment of an attorney is not mandated by statute. The court shall maintain a list of qualified persons to accept appointments as Guardians ad litem, court visitors and non-attorney child and family investigators from which the court will make appointments.
1. Appointment of GAL in Dependency and Neglect Case: A guardian ad litem may be appointed pursuant to Title 19 for a parent or guardian in dependency and neglect proceedings who has been determined to be mentally ill or developmentally disabled, unless a conservator has been appointed.
2. Appointment of GAL in Trusts or Estates: In formal proceedings involving trusts or estates of decedents, protected persons, and in judicially supervised settlements pursuant to Title 15, a guardian ad litem may be appointed for an incapacitated person, unascertained person, or a person whose identity or address is unknown, if the court determines that a need for such representation exists.
3. Appointment of GAL in a Civil Suit: A guardian ad litem may be appointed for an incompetent person who does not have a representative and who is a party to a civil suit, pursuant to CRCP 17(c).
4. Appointment of GAL for Emergency or Involuntary Commitment of Alcoholics or Drug Abusers: Upon the filing of a petition for involuntary commitment of alcoholics or drug abusers, a guardian ad litem may be appointed for the person if the court deems the person’s presence in court may be injurious to him or her pursuant to Title 27.
5. Appointment of Non-Attorney Child and Family Investigator: A non-attorney child and family investigator may be appointed in a domestic relations case pursuant to § 14-10-116.5, C.R.S. For appointment of an attorney child and family investigator, see applicable guidelines implemented through the Office of the Child’s Representative. Pursuant to § 14-10-116.5(b), C.R.S., in cases where the appointment is made prior to the entry of a decree of dissolution or legal separation, the court shall consider the combined income and assets of both parties for purposes of determining indigence and whether the state shall bear the costs, fees, or disbursements related to the appointment of a child and family investigator. The court shall enter an order for costs, fees, and disbursements against any or all of the parties and, as provided in § 14-10-116.5(c), C.R.S., shall make every reasonable effort to apportion costs between the parties in a manner that will minimize the costs, fees, and disbursements that shall be borne by the state. When a responsible party is indigent, the state will pay the non-attorney child and family investigator at the rates established in section IV.C. and IV.D. for the portion of authorized fees and expenses for which the indigent party is responsible.
6. Appointment of Court Visitor: A court visitor shall be appointed for a respondent pursuant to Title 15. IV. Guidelines for Payment of Counsel, Guardians Ad Litem, Non-Attorney Child and Family Investigators, and Court Visitors A. The fees and costs associated with appointments described under this directive shall be paid by the Judicial Department as follows:
1. Fees and Expenses: Appointments may be made under contracts developed by the Judicial Department or on a non-contract hourly fee basis. Upon appointment of counsel or other appointee, court staff shall enter the appointment in the ICON/Eclipse computer system and complete the appointment on the CAC system for payment and tracking purposes. Claims for payment on hourly appointments shall be entered in the Department’s Internet-based payment system (CACS); or, if the Financial Services Division of the State Court Administrator’s Office has granted the appointee an exception to the requirement to invoice using CACS, claims for payment shall be filed with the District Administrator in the respective judicial district on the Request and Authorization for Payment of Fees (form JDF207). Claims for payment on flat-fee, contract appointments shall be entered in CACS; or, if the Financial Services Division of the State Court Administrator’s Office has granted the appointee an exception to the requirement to invoice using CACS, such claims for payment shall be filed with the State Court Administrator’s Office using the process and format required by that office. All requests for hourly payment must be in compliance with Guidelines for Payment of Court-Appointed Counsel, Guardians ad litem, Non-Attorney Child and Family Investigators and Court Visitors Paid by the Judicial Department for Itemized Fees and Expenses on an Hourly Basis (Attachment D) and shall follow the Court Appointees and Investigators Procedures for Payment of Fees and Expenses (Attachment E). All hourly payment requests shall be reviewed by the District Administrator or his/her designee to ensure that all charges are appropriate and in compliance with this directive and applicable fiscal policies and procedures, before authorizing the request. The Office of the State Court Administrator may review, verify, and revise, when appropriate, authorizations for payment. All incomplete or erroneous claims will be returned to the attorney or other appointee with an explanation concerning the issue(s) identified.
2. Court Costs, Expert Witness Fees, and Related Expenses: Costs incurred by counsel shall be pre-approved and paid by the appointing court. Court costs include such items as: expert witness fees and expenses, service of process, language interpreter fees, mental health examinations, transcripts, and discovery costs. Payment of all court costs shall be in accordance with applicable statutes, Chief Justice Directives/Orders, and other policies and procedures of the Judicial Department, including the Mandated Costs chapter of the Judicial Department’s Fiscal Policies and Procedures manual. A motion requesting authorization to hire an investigator, to pay court costs, or for expert witness fees shall be submitted to the court. The court shall authorize such appointments or payments as the judge or magistrate deems necessary, and shall issue an order authorizing the amount of the costs, fees and expenses that may be incurred under this section. For maximum rates for payment of expert witnesses, see CJD 87-01, as amended.
3. Online Appointee Billing: Appointees shall invoice the Judicial Department using the Department’s Internet-based system (CACS) according to the policies and procedures set forth by the State Court Administrator’s Office. An appointee may request an exception to this requirement by contacting the Financial Services Division at the State Court Administrator’s Office. In the request, the appointee shall describe the extenuating circumstances preventing the use of CACS for invoicing. The Director of Financial Services or his/her designee shall review such requests and shall have final decision authority concerning the granting or denial of the request. Failure of an appointee to learn or avail him/herself of training on the use of CACS is not sufficient cause to warrant an exception.
4. To maintain the security and integrity of CACS, appointees shall immediately notify the Director of Financial Services, or his/her designee, in writing, of any changes in appointee’s staffing or practice that may require cancellation or other changes in appointee’s or appointee’s staff’s CACS login authority and credentials.
5. Failure of appointee to appropriately use CACS shall be sufficient grounds for denial of payment and may result in removal from consideration for future appointments.
B. A flat fee contract system is available to the Judicial Districts to use in appointing and compensating attorneys for certain appointment types. The Department contracts with individual attorneys for this purpose on a state fiscal-year basis (July 1 through June 30) at rates established by the Department. Claims for payment by attorneys for appointments made under flat fee contracts shall be submitted by appointees in compliance with the procedures specified in the contract and set forth by the State Court Administrator’s Office. Claims for payment not covered by flat fee contracts with the Department shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures described in this Section IV and Attachment E. Judicial districts shall make every effort to appoint flat fee contractors on the appointment list if that compensation method is selected by the district. For each appointment type in which flat fee or hourly contracts with private counsel may be established, either a flat fee compensation method or an hourly compensation method should be adopted by the district for the given fiscal year, not both.
C. The following maximum hourly rates are established for any hourly invoicing: (No payment shall be authorized for hourly rates that exceed the "maximum hourly rates.").
D. Maximum total fees, established July 1, 2008, that may be paid by the Department for court-appointed counsel, guardians ad litem, non-attorney child and family investigators, or court visitors are as follows: E. Under no circumstances shall the total fees exceed the maximums outlined without a detailed written motion and detailed written order showing the specific special circumstances that justify fees in excess of the maximum (see guidelines in Attachment D, paragraph B). If a court-appointed attorney chooses to use the support of a paralegal, legal assistant, investigator, or law clerk, the combined fees, inclusive of expenses, of the attorney or non-attorney appointee and other support staff shall not exceed the total maximum outlined.
F. To maintain effective representation by court-appointed counsel and to provide basic fairness to attorneys and others so appointed, the State Court Administrator is directed by the Chief Justice to periodically review and make recommendations concerning the fee schedule established in this CJD and/or Chief justice Order for court-appointed counsel.
G. Appointees shall maintain records of all work performed relating to court appointments and make all such records available to the Judicial Department for inspection, audit, and evaluation in such form and manner as the Department in its discretion may require, subject to any applicable attorney/client privilege.
H. In instances in which fees for activity such as travel time, waiting time, and mileage expenses were incurred simultaneously for more than one court appointment, appointees shall apportion the fees or expenses across cases, as applicable. (For example, traveling to/from court would be billed 50% on the client A appointment and 50% on the client B appointment if the appointee made one trip to cover both clients’ hearings.)
V. Reimbursement to the State for Court-Appointed Costs
A. For all appointments requiring a finding of indigence, the court shall review the indigency status of the responsible party(ies) or estate at the time of appointment, during the course of the appointment (at the court’s discretion if questions concerning indigence arise), and, if feasible, at the time of case closure. In the case of a court visitor appointment, the petitioner and/or the respondent may be ordered to pay all or a portion of the visitor’s fees and expenses if they are not determined to be indigent. If the court determines, at any time before or after appointment of counsel, guardian ad litem, non-attorney child and family investigator or court visitor, that the responsible party(ies) or estate has the ability to pay all or part of the costs for representation or other costs, the court shall enter a written order that the person(s) or estate reimburse all or part of said costs. Such order shall constitute a final judgment including costs of collection and may be collected by the state in any manner authorized by law.
B. Collection of fees and costs related to court-appointed representation and other costs may be referred to the Collections Investigator or a private collector with whom the Judicial Department has contracted.
C. Costs for representation provided may be assessed against the responsible party(ies) at the fixed hourly rate for state-funded private counsel, at the state-funded counsel contract rate, or at the hourly cost of providing legal representation for the number of hours reported by counsel to the court. Other costs incurred may also be assessed, including, for example, costs for transcripts, witness fees and expenses, language interpreter fees, and costs for service of process. In addition, the responsible party(ies) may be required to pay costs of collection. Costs incurred for accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as sign language interpreter fees, may not be assessed.
VI. Training of Guardians ad litem and Court Visitors Appointed on Behalf of Wards or Impaired Adults
A. Attorneys appointed as a guardian ad litem shall possess the knowledge, expertise, and training necessary to perform the court appointment, and shall be subject to all of the rules and standards of the legal profession.
B. In addition, the guardian ad litem shall obtain 10 hours of continuing legal education, or other courses relevant to an appointment that enhance the attorney’s knowledge of the issues in representation, per legal education reporting period. The court shall require that proof of such education, expertise, or experience is on file with the court at the time of appointment.
C. In those cases in which a non-attorney is appointed as a court visitor, the non-attorney shall also demonstrate the knowledge, expertise, and training necessary to fulfill the terms of the appointment. The court may determine whether the person’s knowledge, expertise, and training are adequate for an appointment, and may require the person to demonstrate his or her qualifications.
VII. Duties of Guardians ad litem and Court Visitors Appointed on Behalf of Wards or Impaired Adults A. The person appointed shall diligently take steps that he or she deems necessary to protect the interest of the person for whom he or she was appointed, under the terms and conditions of the order of appointment, including any specific duties set forth in that or any subsequent order. If the appointee finds it necessary and in the best interests of the ward or impaired adult, the appointee may request that the court expand the terms of the appointment and scope of the duties.
B. Persons appointed shall perform all duties as directed by the court, which may include some or all of the duties described below:
1. Attend all court hearings and provide accurate and current information directly to the court. (Although another qualified attorney may substitute for some hearings, this should be the exception.)
2. At the court’s direction and in compliance with applicable statutes, file written or oral report(s) with the court and all other parties.
a) Personally meeting with and observing the client, as well as proposed custodians, when appropriate; b) Reviewing court files and relevant records, reports, and documents;
In cases in which the ward or impaired person is living or placed more than 100 miles outside of the jurisdiction of the court, the requirements to personally meet with and interview the person are waived unless extraordinary circumstances warrant the expenditure of state funds required for such visits. However, the appointee shall endeavor to meet the person if and when that person is within 100 miles of the jurisdiction of the court.
VIII. Duties of Judges and Magistrates
A. For any type of court appointment under this Chief Justice Directive, the appointing judge or magistrate shall, to the extent practical and subject to attorney-client privilege, monitor the actions of the appointee to ensure compliance with the duties and scope specified in the order of appointment.
B. Judges and magistrates shall ensure that guardians ad litem and court visitors involved with cases under their jurisdiction are representing the best interests of adult wards or impaired adults and performing the duties specified in this order. In providing this oversight, judges and magistrates shall:
2. Encourage local bar associations to develop and implement mentor programs which will enable prospective guardians ad litem and court visitors to learn these areas of the law;
3. Meet with guardians ad litem and court visitors at the first appointment to provide guidance and clarify the expectations of the court; 4. Hold periodic meetings with all practicing guardians ad litem and court visitors as the court deems necessary to ensure adequate representation of wards or impaired adults.
A. Colorado’s "Practice Guidelines for Respondent Parents’ Counsel in Dependency and Neglect Cases" (Attachment F to this directive) may provide helpful guidance in the Court’s investigation of the complaint regarding court-appointed Respondent Parents’ Counsel. All written complaints and documentation of verbal complaints regarding the performance of any state paid counsel, guardian ad litem, non-attorney child and family investigator or court visitors appointed pursuant to this directive shall be submitted to the District Administrator. The District Administrator shall forward the complaint to the presiding judge or, if appropriate, the chief judge of the district unless a conflict exists due to the judge’s involvement in a pending case. If a conflict exists, the District Administrator will forward the complaint to another judge designated for that purpose.
If the complaint involves an attorney and the reviewing judge or District Administrator determines that the person may have violated the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, the information shall be filed with the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. The Regulation Counsel shall advise the reporting judge or District Administrator and the State Court Administrator of the final outcome of the investigation.
B. Copies of all written complaints and documentation of verbal complaints, and the results of the investigation including any action taken with regard to Judicial paid counsel, guardians ad litem, non-attorney child and family investigators, and court visitors shall be forwarded by the District Administrator to the State Court Administrator’s Office. The State Court Administrator may conduct an additional investigation and take action he believes is necessary to resolve any concerns or issues raised by the complaint. Such action may include, but is not limited to, terminating the contract with the attorney, GAL, non-attorney child and family investigator or court visitor.
X. Sanctions
XI. Grievances, Malpractice, and Liability
A. Attorneys appointed shall notify the State Court Administrator, in writing, within five (5) days of any malpractice suit or grievance brought against them.
B. Appointees shall maintain adequate professional liability insurance for all work performed. In addition, appointees shall notify the State Court Administrator, in writing, within five (5) days if they cease to be covered by said liability insurance and shall not accept court appointments until coverage is reinstated. CJD 04-05 is amended and adopted effective November 1, 2010.
GPO 2009-3 (SO-13)
In re Standing Order Number 13
Order Delegating Authority to the Clerk or his Designated Deputy
to Enter Certain Ministerial Orders on Behalf of the Court Revised
Paragraph 13 in GPO 2009-3 has been revised. The purpose of the changes to GPO 2009-3 is to delegate authority to the Clerk to enter certain ministerial orders on behalf of the Court. The revision to paragraph 13 changes the manner in which duplicate cases filed in error are handled. Revised by the Court October 21, 2010.
13. Closing or Dismissal of Duplicate Petitions Entered in Error. If an attorney contacts the court in writing prior to the close of court business hours on the same day that the attorney filed a duplicate case in error, the erroneous case will be closed and the filing fee will be backed out of the payment system. If action is not taken on the day the petition is filed, the attorney must file a motion to dismiss the duplicate petition filed in error and, if the motion is filed within three business days of the erroneous filing, the attorney is only required to serve the trustee, United States Trustee and the debtor(s) to avoid undue confusion, delay and cost. The clerk or his designated deputy shall prepare above his or her signature and enter an order Dismissing Duplicate Petition Entered in Error. Consistent with Judicial Conference policy generally prohibiting the refund of fees, the Clerk is directed to deny any requests to refund the filing fee.