County Court: Misdemeanor and Traffic Prosecution
The County Court Department is responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor and serious traffic offenses in El Paso and Teller Counties. Chief Deputy District Attorney Diana K. May supervises this Department. There are currently two Senior Deputy District Attorneys (Robin Chittum and Frederick Stein) and 12 Deputy District Attorneys assigned to County Court. In addition to attorneys, Joy Thompson, Department Manager, supervises twenty employees including three paralegals, thirteen secretaries, and Domestic Violence Fast Track personnel. Typically, 12 volunteers assist with County Court and Fast Track.
In 2007 County Court prosecuted 33,218 misdemeanor and serious traffic cases in El Paso and Teller Counties. These cases can be broken down as indicated in the list below:
- TOTAL CASES: 33,218
- Misdemeanor Cases: 10,897
- Domestic Violence Cases: 2,629
- Serious Traffic Cases: 22,321
- Alcohol Related Cases: 3,925
One hundred fifty-three trials were held in County Court. Of this total number, 109 were jury trials and 44 were court trials.
The County Court Department continues to focus on innovative programs in the prosecution of cases. The Domestic Violence Pilot Project which was started in 2005 still continues to be utilized. This program is designed to better assess the dynamics present in each individual domestic violence case through the use of a pre-sentence evaluation.
For questions about traffic and misdemeanor cases that are being prosecuted in County Court, please call 719-520-6115.
Domestic Violence Fast Track Program - 520-6162
Colorado law requires that all offenders charged with domestic violence must be held in custody until advised by the court. The Fast Track program allows offenders to meet with a Deputy District Attorney at the first court appearance and attempt to resolve the case at the earliest possible time. Victims are notified of their right to appear and participate in the process. The Fast Track program allows for early intervention and treatment of the offender and safe participation of the victim.
Child Abuse Diversion - 520-6110
The Child Abuse Diversion Program is for misdemeanor child abuse offenders. The purpose of the program is to intervene legally and therapeutically with first time minor offenders. The treatment program offers behavioral alternatives designed to break the cycle of child abuse.