Otero County Court Process
Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Otero County.
Court Information
Court Process Timeline
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain Benefits
- • Reduced charges
- • Lighter sentence
- • Certainty of outcome
- • Lower costs
Trial Risks
- • Maximum sentence if convicted
- • Higher legal fees
- • Uncertainty
- • Time consuming
Sentencing
Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.
Don't Face This Alone
A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.
Find Otero County AttorneysThe Otero Combined Court is the hub for the 16th Judicial District, encompassing Otero, Bent, and Crowley counties. Navigating the Otero County court system after a DUI arrest requires understanding its unique logistical challenges.
Courthouse Location and Logistics
The Otero Combined Court is located at 13 West 3rd St, Suite 207, La Junta, CO 81050. Street parking on 3rd Street is generally available, but be aware of strict 2-hour limits. A crowded arraignment docket can easily last 3 hours, so factor in the potential for a parking ticket. Critical offices, including the Court Clerk, are closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, reflecting a general "Banker’s Hours" model. It's wise to arrive early, but not too early to avoid adding to parking meter time.
Judge Information
- Hon. Mark A. MacDonnell (Chief Judge): Handles District Court matters, including Felony DUIs. He is known for a rigid adherence to the docket schedule. If court starts at 8:15 AM, the doors are locked shortly after.
- Hon. Douglas R. Manley (County Court): Presides over the majority of misdemeanor DUIs. County court dockets in rural areas can be crowded, leading to long wait times.
Arraignment and Court Dates
A quirk of the Otero County Court is the Civil Return Date system. For County Court (misdemeanors), return dates are typically non-holiday Mondays or Wednesdays at 2:00 PM. For District Court (felonies), they are non-holiday weekdays at 8:15 AM. Always cross-reference the bond paperwork date with the Court’s holiday calendar to avoid showing up to a locked courthouse. Contact the clerk immediately if there is a conflict. The court's phone number is (719) 384-4951.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Otero County District Court
Colorado Court System
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