On This Page
- Charged With a Crime in Pueblo
- Pueblo County Court and District Court
- Pueblo Municipal Court
- Who Prosecutes Your Case
- Police Agencies in Pueblo and Pueblo West
- The New Pueblo County Detention Center
- Federal Charges From Pueblo
- How a Pueblo Criminal Case Moves
- Charges We Defend in Pueblo County
- Working With a Pueblo Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Charged With a Crime in Pueblo
Pueblo County is its own judicial district, the 10th, with its own District Attorney, its own judges, and its own jail. A criminal case from the City of Pueblo, Pueblo West, or anywhere else in the county is handled entirely within that system. City ordinance cases go to a separate municipal court on South Main Street.
This page explains which Pueblo court hears which kind of case, who prosecutes, which agencies make arrests, and where people are held after an arrest. It also covers the jail move that took place in 2026, since older information online may still point to the former Court Street jail.
Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C. represents people charged in Pueblo County from its office in Colorado Springs, about 45 miles north on I-25.
If You or a Family Member Was Just Arrested
- Find the case number and the court. The bond paperwork or summons names the court, either Pueblo Combined Court or Pueblo Municipal Court.
- Note the bond conditions. Protection orders, no-alcohol orders, and travel limits are common, and a violation can bring new charges.
- Do not talk about the case with police, on jail phones, or online. Jail calls are recorded.
- Write down what happened and the names of any witnesses while details are fresh.
Pueblo County Court and District Court
State criminal cases in Pueblo County are heard at Pueblo Combined Court in the Dennis Maes Judicial Building. Both the county court and the district court sit in this building. The table below shows which one handles which kind of case.
| Court | Criminal cases it hears |
|---|---|
| Pueblo County Court | Misdemeanors, petty offenses, DUI and DWAI, traffic offenses, and many protection order matters |
| Pueblo County District Court | Felonies, juvenile delinquency cases, and appeals from county court |
| Address | 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003 |
| Phone | 719-404-8700 |
| Building hours | 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Clerk's window and records | 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
Parking at the Dennis Maes Judicial Building is free but can fill up, especially on jury trial days, according to the Judicial Branch. Do not park in spaces reserved for nearby businesses; the Judicial Branch names the 6th Street Mall lot as an alternative. Allow extra time to park and clear security before your hearing.
Bond Hearings and Virtual Courtrooms
After an arrest on a state charge, bond is set by a judge if it was not set by a schedule. The Judicial Branch's 10th Judicial District page lists bond hearings on Monday at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday through Friday at 2:30 p.m., and Saturday at 1:30 p.m., all in Division 101 and livestreamed. The schedule can change around holidays, and the same page links to a Webex virtual courtroom for Pueblo County.
Whether you can appear remotely for a particular hearing is up to the judge. Unless the court tells you otherwise, plan to be in the courtroom in person.
Pueblo Municipal Court
The City of Pueblo has its own municipal court for violations of the city charter and city ordinances. The court also shares jurisdiction with the state courts over certain criminal offenses, so similar conduct can end up in either system.
| Address | 200 S. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003 |
| Phone | 719-562-3810 |
| [email protected] |
Several of the court's own rules are worth knowing before a first appearance:
- Mandatory appearances for serious traffic charges. Most traffic tickets can be paid, but 6-, 8-, and 12-point violations, and violations involving injury or significant property damage, require a court appearance.
- Repeat offenses. Most adult general offense cases can be paid without appearing, but a third or later offense requires a court appearance.
- Juveniles. A parent or legal guardian must come with anyone under 18 to all criminal proceedings. See our juvenile defense page.
- Jury trials. The court's pamphlet says the written request, the $25 fee, and the number of jurors (three to six) must be filed within 21 days of the arraignment date. State law, C.R.S. 13-10-114, sets the 21-day window from entry of a plea.
- No jury for infractions. Traffic infractions, photo red light tickets, and parking violations are decided by a judge.
In general, paying a ticket counts as admitting the violation. A municipal conviction for a criminal ordinance can still appear on background checks, so get advice before paying anything beyond a minor infraction. Our municipal court page explains how these cases are defended.
Who Prosecutes Your Case
State charges in Pueblo County are prosecuted by the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Unlike the 4th Judicial District next door, which covers both El Paso and Teller counties, the 10th covers Pueblo County alone. Plea offers, diversion programs, and charging decisions in Pueblo come from that office.
Cases in Pueblo Municipal Court are prosecuted by the City of Pueblo's Law Department, which the city says prosecutes municipal court violations and appeals, not by the District Attorney. Knowing which office is on the other side matters, because each has its own policies for reductions, deferred sentences, and diversion.
Police Agencies in Pueblo and Pueblo West
Pueblo Police Department
Inside the City of Pueblo, most arrests are made by the Pueblo Police Department, at 200 South Main Street. An officer can charge an offense under city ordinance, which goes to Pueblo Municipal Court, or under state law, which goes to Pueblo Combined Court. The summons or bond paperwork shows which.
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in the unincorporated parts of the county and runs the county jail. Because the jail moved in 2026, check with the Sheriff's Office for current office and jail locations before you go in person.
Pueblo West
Pueblo West is not a city. It is an unincorporated community that receives many services from the Pueblo West Metropolitan District, while law enforcement comes from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. A criminal case from Pueblo West is a county case, investigated by the Sheriff's Office and heard at Pueblo Combined Court. There is no Pueblo West municipal court.
Colorado State Patrol
The Colorado State Patrol enforces traffic laws on the state and federal highways through Pueblo County, including I-25 and US-50. Troopers charge state law, so their DUI, reckless driving, and eluding cases go to Pueblo County Court or, for felonies, District Court. See our DUI page and eluding page.
The New Pueblo County Detention Center
For 46 years, Pueblo County's jail was on Court Street. In May 2026 the county opened a new detention center on Medal of Honor Boulevard on Pueblo's west side, and the Sheriff's Office moved all inmates there as of July 11, 2026. Local news reported that all jail-related operations and services moved to the new facility.
That means older websites, directory listings, and even some paperwork may still show the Court Street address for the jail. If you are trying to post bond, visit, or put money on an account, confirm the current location and procedure with the Sheriff's Office before driving there.
Federal Charges From Pueblo
Some cases from Pueblo County are federal, such as charges involving firearms, controlled substances across state lines, or crimes on federal property. These are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
The federal court does not list a courthouse in Pueblo. Its locations are in Denver, Colorado Springs (212 N. Wahsatch Avenue), Grand Junction, and Durango. A federal defendant from Pueblo should expect hearings in one of those cities.
Our federal crimes page explains how federal cases differ from state cases.
How a Pueblo Criminal Case Moves
- Arrest or summons. A person arrested on a state charge is booked at the county detention center and held until bond is set and posted. Others receive a summons with a court date.
- Advisement and bond. At the first appearance, the judge explains the charges and rights, and sets or reviews bond and any protection order.
- Filing of charges. The 10th Judicial District Attorney decides what to file. Charges at this stage can differ from the arrest charges.
- Preliminary hearing (many felonies). The prosecution must show probable cause. It is also a chance to hear the evidence early.
- Discovery and negotiation. The defense receives police reports, video, and lab results, then reviews them for weaknesses before plea talks.
- Motions. Unlawful stops, searches, or statements can be challenged in a motion to suppress.
- Trial or resolution. You have the right to a jury trial, and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Penalties depend on the charge level. Under Colorado's current sentencing scheme, in effect since March 1, 2022, a class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, a class 2 misdemeanor up to 120 days and $750, and a petty offense up to 10 days and $300. Our misdemeanor page and felony page cover the full ranges.
Charges We Defend in Pueblo County
Michael W. Moran represents adults and juveniles in Pueblo County Court, Pueblo County District Court, and Pueblo Municipal Court. Common charges include:
- DUI and DWAI, including stops on I-25 and US-50. See our DUI page.
- Domestic violence, where a protection order usually starts at the first court date. See our domestic violence page.
- Drug charges, from possession to distribution. See our drug crimes page.
- Theft and shoplifting, in either municipal or state court depending on the value and the charging agency.
- Assault, menacing, and weapons charges.
- Warrants and probation violations. See our warrants page.
Working With a Pueblo Criminal Defense Lawyer
Attorney Michael W. Moran has been licensed to practice law in Colorado since 1995 and is a former municipal court judge. He leads every case, and other attorneys he works with assist when a case needs it.
His office is in Colorado Springs, not Pueblo, and he travels to Pueblo Combined Court and Pueblo Municipal Court for hearings. Many early steps, such as reviewing discovery and talking with the prosecutor, can be handled without you making the drive.
A first meeting covers the charges, the evidence, the court your case is in, and the realistic outcomes. No lawyer can promise a particular result, but you will get a clear explanation of your options. Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C. offers free, confidential consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pueblo courthouse for criminal cases?
State criminal cases are heard at Pueblo Combined Court, 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. The phone number is 719-404-8700.
Where is Pueblo Municipal Court?
Pueblo Municipal Court is at 200 S. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. The phone number is 719-562-3810.
Where is the Pueblo County jail now?
Local news reported that all inmates moved in July 2026 to the new Pueblo County detention center on Medal of Honor Boulevard on Pueblo's west side, and that the old Court Street jail closed. Confirm the current address and bond and visiting procedures with the Sheriff's Office.
I was arrested in Pueblo West. Which court will I go to?
Pueblo West is unincorporated, so state charges there go to Pueblo Combined Court at 501 N. Elizabeth Street. There is no Pueblo West municipal court.
Which judicial district is Pueblo in?
Pueblo County is the 10th Judicial District. It is the only county in that district.
Is there a federal courthouse in Pueblo?
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado does not list one. Federal cases from Pueblo are heard in Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, or Durango.
Do I need a Pueblo lawyer if my case is in Pueblo?
No. Any attorney licensed in Colorado can appear in Pueblo courts. What matters is that your lawyer knows how the 10th Judicial District handles cases like yours and can be in court when needed.
Sources
- Pueblo Combined Court (Colorado Judicial Branch)
- 10th Judicial District, Pueblo County (Colorado Judicial Branch)
- Pueblo Municipal Court (City of Pueblo)
- Pueblo Municipal Court procedures (City of Pueblo)
- Law Department (City of Pueblo)
- Pueblo County Sheriff and Pueblo Police contact information (Pueblo County)
- About Pueblo West (Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce)
- 10th Judicial District Attorney (Pueblo County)
- List of Colorado District Attorneys (Colorado Secretary of State)
- All Pueblo County inmates transferred to new detention facility (KKCO, July 2026)
- Pueblo County Sheriff's Office transfers inmates to new facility (KOAA)
- District Court Locations (U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado)
- C.R.S. 13-10-114, Jury trials in municipal court