What Is An Appeal?

An appeal is the legal process to ask a higher court to review the findings / judgment of a lower court (trial court). A litigant who files an appeal is called an “appellant”. The review is based solely on the trial record and is not a new trial.

What Is An Appeal Bond?

The court may require an appeal bond and the amount of the bond will be set by the court. The appeal bond must be paid in cash, money order, certified funds or posted by a professional bail bondsperson, within ten (10) days of filing a notice of appeal. The defendant must be present to sign the appeal bond.

If an appeal bond was posted, the court will release / disburse the appeal bond based on the ruling of the Appellate Judge.

What Are The Procedures For Filing An Appeal?

Rule 237 of the Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure defines what must be done to file an appeal. If all requirements for filing an appeal are not met, your appeal may be dismissed and the findings / judgment of the Trial Court remain in place.

• It is the defendant's responsibility to proceed with an appeal.
• The City of Aurora Municipal Court has forms available for filing an appeal.
• The Notice of Appeal form informs the court and the city attorney that you are filing an appeal. The Designation of Record informs the clerk which paperwork and records from your original case should go to the judge reviewing your appeal.
• Appeals must follow State Statutes, Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure.
• An appeal must be filed within thirty-five (35) days of final judgment at:
  
  • Arapahoe County District Court
    7325 South Potomac Street
    Centennial, CO 80112
• The following must be filed with the City of Aurora Municipal Court within thirty-five (35) days of final judgment:
  
  • A copy of the notice of appeal filed in the District Court
  • Designation of Record
  • Transcript deposit:
    
    • Contact 303.739.6550 to receive a quote for the transcript.
    • The transcript deposit must be paid in cash, money order or certified funds, within ten (10) days of filing a notice of appeal.
    • The original transcript will be sent to the Arapahoe County District Court as part of y our appeal. A copy will be available to you upon completion.
    • Note: The cost of the transcript is contingent upon the length of the proceeding. If the cost of the transcript exceeds the deposit, you are required to pay the balance prior to any further action on your case. If the cost of the transcript is less than the deposit, the balance will be refunded to you.
      The original transcript will be sent to the Arapahoe County District Court as part of your appeal. A copy will be available to you upon completion. The transcript deposit must be paid in cash, money order or certified funds, within 10 days of filing a notice of appeal.

NOTICE: The information contained above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.