There are three different courts in which an individual can be charged with a crime.  Each of these courts has jurisdiction over different types of crimes.  Sometimes an alleged criminal action can be in violation of a law in more than one jurisdiction.  In that circumstance, it is usually up to the law enforcement officer to decide where to file the case. 

Municipal or city courts deal with violations of city ordinances that have been committed within its city limits. These can include acts of domestic violence, minor traffic infractions, shoplifting and disturbing the peace.   Usually, all city ordinance violations carry the same potential penalty, but usually only carry a maximum penalty of ninety (90) days in jail.  If a jail sentence is imposed, the sentence will be served in the county jail of the county in which the municipality is located.  If you are convicted of a municipal ordinance violation, you may appeal the conviction to a state district court. 

Each county in the state of Colorado has a county court.  County courts handle traffic violations, including major traffic offenses such as Driving under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol, Reckless Driving and Driving While Your Driver’s License is Suspended or Revoked, and minor criminal cases.  The potential penalty for each county court offense depends on the level of the offense charged.  The level of a county court offense and its corresponding penalty is designated by the Colorado State Legislature.  If you are convicted of a county court violation, you may appeal the conviction to a state district court. 

The State of Colorado has been divided into several judicial districts.  A judicial district may contain one county or several counties.  Each county in the judicial district will have a district court located in its county seat.  A district court judge is a state judge, and may sit in any court within the judicial district or within the state.  District courts handle major criminal offenses.  The potential penalty for each district court offense depends on the level of the offense charged.  The level of a district court offense and its corresponding penalty has been designated by the Colorado State Legislature.  If you are convicted of a crime in district court, you may appeal the conviction to the Colorado Court of Appeals or the Colorado Supreme Court.