Court Rules
Judge

Judge Dennis McGuire

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fourth Judicial District Court, Colorado

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Trial Management Certificate
15 pgs
Status Conference Statement
2 pgs
Pretrial Management Certificate
15 pgs
Discovery Status Statement
2 pgs
Joint Trial Management Certificate
15 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

Communication

Email

Clerk, Chambers

d04_courts_div9@judicial.state.co.us
Scheduling
Email
04jdmediation@judicial.state.co.us
Scheduling
Phone
(719) 452-5005
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

(719) 452-5358
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsCertificatesSettlementConferencesLettersJuryTRO/Injunction

Page & Word Limits6 rules

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A Trial Management Certificate may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service, and each party must receive equal space.

The TMC is limited to fifteen (15) pages exclusive of the Header, Signature lines, and Certificate of Service, with each party receiving equal space.

Trial Management Certificate

15 pages

Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each party must file a statement of no more than 2 pages describing the disputed issues and that party's position no later than three days before the status conference.

No later than three days before the status conference, each party shall file a short statement (no more than 2 pages) describing the disputed issues and that party’s position.

Status Conference Statement

2 pages

Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 3
|SecNo Written Discovery Motions
Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Joint Trial Management Certificate is limited to 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service, and each party receives equal space.

The Joint TMC is limited to fifteen (15) pages exclusive of the Header, Signature lines, and Certificate of Service, with each party receiving equal space.

Pretrial Management Certificate

15 pages

Co Elpaso D04:fcaa9e82492971019fd39295 · p. 3
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Joint Trial Management Certificate may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service, and each party must receive equal space.

The TMC is limited to fifteen (15) pages exclusive of the Header, Signature lines, and Certificate of Service, with each party receiving equal space.

Joint Trial Management Certificate

15 pages

Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|Sec4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate
Page Limits

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The Joint TMC is limited to fifteen (15) pages exclusive of the Header, Signature lines, and Certificate of Service, with each party receiving equal space.

Summary: The Joint Trial Management Certificate is limited to 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service.

Trial Management Certificate

15 pages

Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 3
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Page Limits

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

No later ===== PAGE 4 ===== than three days before the status conference, each party shall file a short statement (no more than 2 pages) describing the disputed issues and that party’s position.

Summary: Each party must file a statement of no more than 2 pages describing the disputed discovery issues and that party's position no later than three days before the status conference.

Discovery Status Statement

2 pages

Co Elpaso D04:fcaa9e82492971019fd39295 · p. 3
|SecNo Written Discovery Motions

Document Format Requirements13 rules

FormattingCriminal cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Motions in limine and motions for substantive amendments to charges must be in writing.

Motions in Limine and Motions for Substantive Amendments to Charges pursuant to Crim. P. 7(e) shall be in writing

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each party must bring four hard-copy sets of exhibits to court, including copies for the party, opposing party, witness, and judge.

You are responsible for bringing four sets of your exhibits, in hard copy, to court (1 for you, 1 for the other party, 1 for the witness, and 1 for the Judge).

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Trial Management Certificate must be double-spaced and formatted consistently with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

The TMC shall be double-spaced and formatted consistent with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

Typography
Line SpacingDouble
Co Elpaso D04:fcaa9e82492971019fd39295 · p. 3
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Petitioner's exhibits must be numbered and labeled with numbers, respondent's exhibits with letters, and every exhibit page must be numbered.

Petitioner is to label each exhibit with numbers, Respondent with letters. In addition, each page of each exhibit must be numbered.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Joint Trial Management Certificate must conform to the formatting requirements of C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

The TMC shall be formatted consistent with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|Sec4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each party must bring four hard-copy sets of its exhibits to court.

You are responsible for bringing four sets of your exhibits, in hard copy, to court (1 for you, 1 for the other party, 1 for the witness, and 1 for the Judge).

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Each party must bring four hard-copy sets of exhibits, label them according to party role, and number every exhibit page.

You are responsible for bringing four sets of your exhibits, in hard copy, to court (1 for you, 1 for the other party, 1 for the witness, and 1 for the Judge). Petitioner is to label each exhibit with numbers, Respondent with letters. In addition, each page of each exhibit must be numbered.

Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The Trial Management Certificate must conform to the formatting requirements of C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

The TMC shall be formatted consistent with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The Trial Management Certificate must be double-spaced and formatted consistently with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

The TMC shall be double-spaced and formatted consistent with C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

Typography
Line SpacingDouble
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 3
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Petitioner's exhibits must be numbered and respondent's exhibits lettered, with every exhibit page numbered.

Petitioner is to label each exhibit with numbers, Respondent with letters. In addition, each page of each exhibit must be numbered.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Each party must receive equal space within the Joint Trial Management Certificate.

The TMC is limited to fifteen (15) pages exclusive of the Header, Signature lines, and Certificate of Service, with each party receiving equal space.

Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|Sec4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

A separate judge’s exhibit copy is unnecessary when all exhibits have been electronically filed.

If all exhibits have been electronically filed, a Judge’s copy is not required.

Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

with each party receiving equal space.

Summary: Each party must receive equal space in the Trial Management Certificate.

Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

Document Filing Requirements23 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The party filing the motion must file a Notice to Set within 28 days, setting a pretrial conference and hearing and identifying the mediation date.

No later than 28 days from the date of this Order, the party who filed the Motion shall set the matter for a pretrial conference and hearing by filing a Notice to Set (JDF1123), which shall inform the Court of the mediation date.

Document Type

Notice To Set

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 2
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Any stipulated agreement reached in mediation must be filed with the court.

Any stipulated agreements reached in mediation are to be filed with the Court.

Document Type

Stipulated Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:e96f9eae04565e93c731aa1b · Nov 2025 · p. 2
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every motion must be written and identify the specific relief sought and the specific factual basis for the issue presented.

All motions shall be written to advise the Court of the specific relief sought and the specific factual basis for the issue presented to the Court for determination.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Plea paperwork is required for every plea agreement.

The Court requires plea paperwork for all plea agreements.

Document Type

Plea Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

For a defendant at liberty on bond who will have a later sentencing hearing, written consent of surety must be filed before the jury verdict or entry of the plea.

Where a defendant is at liberty on bond and, following a plea or jury verdict, a sentencing hearing is to be scheduled for a later date, a written consent of surety in which the bondsperson agrees to remain on bond following conviction MUST be filed prior to the return of the jury verdict or entry of the plea.

Document Type

Consent Of Surety

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Trial Management Certificates and a Joint Marital Spreadsheet must be filed at least seven days before the hearing.

Trial Management Certificates (“TMC”) and Joint Marital Spreadsheet shall be filed with the Court no less than 7 days before the hearing date.

Document Type

Trial Management Certificate And Joint Marital Spreadsheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 2
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Any stipulated agreement reached during mediation must be filed with the court.

Any stipulated agreements reached in mediation are to be filed with the Court.

Document Type

Stipulated Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

When neither party is represented, each party must separately file Form JDF 1129 as a Pro Se Pre-Trial Statement.

If neither party is represented by counsel, each party shall separately file a Pro Se Pre-Trial Statement (Form JDF 1129).

Document Type

Pro Se Pre Trial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 2
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The parties must file a list of trial exhibits with the court.

The parties shall both exchange trial exhibits and file a list of the Exhibits with the Court no later than 7 days before the hearing date.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every motion must begin with a certification that the movant conferred in good faith with opposing counsel and any self-represented parties.

As of January 1, 2018, C.R.C.P. 121 §1-15(8) requires that all motions shall, at the beginning, contain a certification that the movant in good faith has conferred with opposing counsel and any self-represented parties about the motion.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 4
|SecDuty to Confer on All Motions (also with Self-Represented Parties)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every motion must begin with a certification that the movant conferred in good faith with opposing counsel and any self-represented parties about the motion.

As of January 1, 2018, C.R.C.P. 121 §1-15(8) requires that all motions shall, at the beginning, contain a certification that the movant in good faith has conferred with opposing counsel and any self-represented parties about the motion.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Co Elpaso D04:fcaa9e82492971019fd39295 · p. 4
|SecDuty to Confer on All Motions (also with Self-Represented Parties)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Any stipulated agreement reached in mediation must be filed with the court.

Any stipulated agreements reached in mediation are to be filed with the Court.

Document Type

Mediation Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 2
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The party filing the motion must file a Notice to Set form by the stated deadline to schedule a pretrial conference and hearing and provide the mediation date.

NOTICE TO SET: No later than 28 days from the date of this Order, the party who filed the Motion shall set the matter for a pretrial conference and hearing by filing a Notice to Set (JDF1123), which shall inform the Court of the mediation date.

Document Type

Notice To Set

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 2
|SecA. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A party seeking a virtual appearance or virtual witness testimony must file Form JDF 1309 under C.R.C.P. 43(i) as soon as the need becomes known.

Any party wishing to appear virtually, or to present the testimony of any witness virtually, must file a motion for absentee testimony (Form JDF 1309) pursuant to C.R.C.P. 43(i) as soon as the need for absentee testimony becomes known.

Document Type

Motion For Absentee Testimony

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Boilerplate motions are strongly discouraged, and each motion must apply the governing law to the case's specific facts.

“Boiler plate” motions are strongly discouraged, and each motion shall include the applicable law as applied to the specific facts of the case at issue.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Proposed jury instructions that deviate from the Colorado Jury Instructions must include supporting statutory or case authority.

Any proposed Instructions that deviate from COLJI shall be accompanied by supporting authority in the form of either statutory or case citation.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:e8c4f4f7c38b0aa165c2a1da · p. 3
|SecExhibits, Witnesses and Instructions
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Defense Counsel must be ready at the time of sentencing with a calculation of any pre-sentence confinement credit that may be awarded.

Summary: At sentencing, defense counsel must be prepared with a calculation of any available presentence confinement credit.

Document Type

Sentencing Memorandum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All proposed jury instructions from the Prosecution and Defense including case specific instructions, affirmative defense instructions, and verdict forms (with the exception of a “Theory of Defense” Instruction), the joint list of witnesses, exhibits (subject to the Supreme Court’s holding in People v. Kilgore, 455 P.3d 746 (Colo. 2020) and an agreed upon statement of the case must be delivered to opposing Counsel and to the Court no later than the Friday prior to the commencement of trial.

Summary: The prosecution and defense must deliver proposed jury instructions, the joint witness list, exhibits, and an agreed statement of the case to opposing counsel and the court no later than the Friday before trial.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:e8c4f4f7c38b0aa165c2a1da · p. 3
|SecExhibits, Witnesses and Instructions
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

If at least one party is represented by counsel, counsel shall file a Joint TMC by this date, including the positions of both parties.

Summary: When at least one party has counsel, counsel must file a Joint Trial Management Certificate stating both parties' positions.

Document Type

Joint Trial Management Certificate

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 2
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

These filings shall set out the disputed issues, that party’s witnesses and exhibits,

Summary: The pretrial filings must identify the disputed issues and the party's witnesses and exhibits.

Document Type

Trial Management Certificates And Pro Se Pre Trial Statements

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:5b2829c15ec597ab866f8a05 · p. 2
|SecTrial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

If neither party is represented by counsel, each party shall separately file a Pro Se Pre-Trial Statement (Form JDF 1129).

Summary: When neither party has counsel, each pro se party must separately file Form JDF 1129 by the pretrial filing deadline.

Document Type

Pro Se Pre Trial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:917bce4f6af2df5f10f8e50c · Nov 2025 · p. 3
|Sec4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

With the exception of newly released appellate opinions, the Parties are dissuaded from citing legal authority for the first time at the Hearing.

Summary: Except for newly released appellate opinions, parties are discouraged from first citing legal authority at the hearing.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

It is appreciated when Counsel submits plea paperwork for the Court’s review prior to the date and time scheduled for the entry of a plea of guilty.

Summary: Counsel are encouraged, though not required by this sentence, to submit plea paperwork for the court's review before the scheduled guilty-plea entry.

Document Type

Plea Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed jury instructions must be electronically filed in an editable format.

THE COURT REQUIRES PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS BE E-FILED IN AN EDITABLE FORMAT.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Exhibits, Witnesses and Instructions

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

After 35 days, the court will review compliance, and the pending motion may be dismissed as abandoned if the required Notice to Set and mediation date were not filed.

The Court will review this matter in 35 days to determine whether the parties have complied with this Order. If a notice to set, including a scheduled mediation date, has not been filed, the pending Motion may be deemed abandoned and dismissed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

A Trial Management Certificate must be filed at least seven days before the hearing.

Trial Management Certificates (“TMC”) shall be filed with the Court no less than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 3 | A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

A party's response to a motion is due within 14 days and must include legal authority.

To the extent a Party wishes to respond to a Motion, they must do so within fourteen(14) days and include legal authority

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

Motions in limine and motions for substantive amendments to charges must be filed at least seven days before the pretrial readiness conference at which they will be heard.

Motions in Limine and Motions for Substantive Amendments to Charges pursuant to Crim. P. 7(e) shall be in writing and shall be filed no later than seven (7) days prior to the Pretrial Readiness Conference at which time they will be heard by the Court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

Unless the court orders otherwise, all substantive motions must be filed within 28 days after arraignment.

Unless otherwise Ordered, all substantive Motions shall be filed no later than 28 days following arraignment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

The exhibit list must be filed with the court no later than seven days before the hearing.

The parties shall both exchange trial exhibits and file a list of the Exhibits with the Court no later than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Exchange of Trial Exhibits

The Trial Management Certificate and Joint Marital Spreadsheet are due no less than seven days before the hearing.

Trial Management Certificates (“TMC”) and Joint Marital Spreadsheet shall be filed with the Court no less than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Trial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)

The parties must exchange trial exhibits and file an exhibit list with the court no later than 7 days before the hearing.

The parties shall both exchange trial exhibits and file a list of the Exhibits with the Court no later than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Exchange of Trial Exhibits

A Trial Management Certificate must be filed with the court at least 7 days before the hearing.

Trial Management Certificates (“TMC”) shall be filed with the Court no less than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Trial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)

A late-filed motion in limine or motion to amend will be considered only if good cause is shown.

Late filed Motion in Limine or Motions to Amend will be addressed only with good cause shown.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

For motions seeking modification of child support or maintenance, the parties must exchange mandatory financial disclosures and file updated sworn financial statements no later than 42 days after service of the motion.

Pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16.2(e), if the Motion includes a request to modify child support or maintenance the parties shall exchange mandatory financial disclosures and file updated Sworn Financial Statements (JDF 1111) no later than 42 days after service of the Motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

Each self-represented party must separately file Form JDF 1129 by the pretrial filing deadline.

If neither party is represented by counsel, each party shall separately file a Pro Se Pre-Trial Statement (Form JDF 1129).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

The responding party must file a short response no later than two business days before the discovery status conference.

The other party shall file a short response no later than two business days before the conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | B. GENERAL ORDERS & PROCEDURES

The requesting party must file a statement of the disputed issues and its position no later than three business days before the discovery status conference.

No later than three business days before the status conference, the party requesting the conference shall file a short statement describing the disputed issues and your position.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | B. GENERAL ORDERS & PROCEDURES

A reply to a motion response is due no later than seven days after the response.

any reply will be due no later than seven(7) days thereafter.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

The discovery status statement is due no later than three days before the status conference.

No later ===== PAGE 4 ===== than three days before the status conference, each party shall file a short statement (no more than 2 pages) describing the disputed issues and that party’s position.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | No Written Discovery Motions

A Joint Trial Management Certificate must be filed at least seven days before the hearing when at least one party is represented by counsel.

Trial Management Certificates (“TMC”) shall be filed with the Court no less than 7 days before the hearing date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | 4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate

The party requesting a discovery status conference must file a short statement describing the disputed issues and its position no later than three business days before the conference.

No later than three business days before the status conference, the party requesting the conference shall file a short statement describing the disputed issues and your position.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 7. Discovery Disputes

The motion for absentee testimony must be filed as soon as virtual appearance or virtual witness testimony becomes necessary.

Any party wishing to appear virtually, or to present the testimony of any witness virtually, must file a motion for absentee testimony (Form JDF 1309) pursuant to C.R.C.P. 43(i) as soon as the need for absentee testimony becomes known.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 6. Motions for Virtual Appearance

The responding party must file a short response no later than two business days before the discovery status conference.

The other party shall file a short response no later than two business days before the conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 7. Discovery Disputes

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Opposing counsel must be copied on all correspondence to the court using counsel's direct email address.

Opposing counsel must be included on all correspondence to the court using their direct e-mail address(es).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

The parties must exchange their trial exhibits with each other.

The parties shall both exchange trial exhibits and file a list of the Exhibits with the Court no later than 7 days before the hearing date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Exchange of Trial Exhibits

The statement and all attachments must be sent to the other side by this date.

This statement and all attachments must also be sent to the other side by this date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 3 | Trial Management Certificate Rule 16.2 (h)

Counsel intending to rely on newly released case law should provide copies to opposing counsel and the court before the hearing begins.

Copies of newly released case law upon which counsel intends to rely should be provided to opposing counsel and the Court prior to the commencement of the Hearing.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

The pretrial statement and all attachments must be sent to the other party by the seven-day pretrial deadline.

This statement and all attachments must also be sent to the other side by this date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

The pretrial statement and all attachments must be sent to the opposing side by the applicable pretrial filing deadline.

This statement and all attachments must also be sent to the other side by this date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | 4. 1 week (7 days) before Hearing – Joint Trial Management Certificate

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A separate hard-copy judge set of exhibits is unnecessary when all exhibits have been electronically filed.

If all exhibits have been electronically filed, a Judge’s copy is not required.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 3 | 5. On the day of the Hearing

Filing Bundling Requirements

Documentary exhibits must be marked and uploaded into the Court Filing System as one submission when possible, with the filing party’s designation.

All documentary Exhibits shall be marked and uploaded into the Court Filing System as a single submission (to the extent possible) with the filing Party’s designation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Exhibits, Witnesses and Instructions

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before filing a motion, the parties or counsel must have an actual good-faith conversation about disputed issues and attempt to resolve them, unless that is impossible.

Parties/ counsel shall have an actual conversation about disputed issues in a good faith attempt to resolve disputes before filing a motion with the Court, unless this just isn’t possible.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 4 | Expectations to Confer in Good Faith

Before filing a motion, parties or counsel must have an actual good-faith conversation about disputed issues unless conferral is impossible.

Parties/ counsel shall have an actual conversation about disputed issues in a good faith attempt to resolve disputes before filing a motion with the Court, unless this just isn’t possible.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Expectations to Confer in Good Faith

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

At a contested motions, preliminary, or revocation hearing, parties must be ready to proceed unless they timely move to continue for good cause.

On the date set for a contested Hearing (Motions, Preliminary or Revocation) the Parties shall be prepared to go forward unless they have filed a timely Motion to Continue establishing good cause for the continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Scheduling

Parties generally must enter a plea by their third appearance, and requests for additional dates are granted only for good cause.

The Parties will generally be expected to enter a plea no later than their third appearance in the Division. Requests for additional dates will be granted only for good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Scheduling

The court will not grant a continuance when a witness appears unexpectedly or fails to appear without proper service of a subpoena.

The Court will not allow for continuances when a witness appears unexpectedly or fails to appear without having been properly served a subpoena.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 6 | General Provisions

At sentencing, the district attorney must be prepared to state the requested restitution amount or establish good cause for an extension.

The District Attorney shall be prepared with the restitution amount being requested or establish good cause for an extension of time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Plea and/or Sentencing

Chambers Communication Rules

If a motion may exceed its allotted hearing time, the moving party must email court staff within seven days after filing to request an additional hearing date.

If a Motion is expected to take longer than the time allotted for the Motions Hearing, it is the moving Party’s obligation to contact Court Staff via e-mail within seven(7) days following the filing of the Motion at: D04_Courts_Div9@judicial.state.co.us to request to schedule an additional Hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | Motions

Pro se settings must be arranged by telephone with Division 9 Judicial Assistants.

Pro-se settings are by telephone by calling Division 9 Judicial Assistants at (719) 452-5358.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | General Division Procedures

Parties should email the Division 9 court address to confirm dates and avoid requests to amend notices related to the summer holiday schedule.

To avoid multiple requests to amend notices due to the summer holiday schedule, please email D04_Courts_Div9@judicial.state.co.us to confirm dates.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | General Division Procedures

The petitioner must schedule mediation with the Office of Dispute Resolution by telephone within 21 days after the order.

Within 21 days from the date of this Order, the party who filed the Petition shall schedule mediation by calling the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) at (719) 452-5005 or 04JDMediation@judicial.state.co.us.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 1 | MEDIATION

A party unable to resolve a discovery dispute may contact the court clerk to arrange a forthwith status conference.

If you are truly unable to reach an agreement, you may contact the Court clerk to set a forthwith status conference to resolve the issue.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | B. GENERAL ORDERS & PROCEDURES

The petitioning party may schedule mediation within 21 days after the order by calling the Office of Dispute Resolution or using the listed email address.

Within 21 days from the date of this Order, the party who filed the Petition shall schedule mediation by calling the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) at (719) 452-5005 or 04JDMediation@judicial.state.co.us.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 2 | Mediation

The petitioning party must schedule mediation by calling the Office of Dispute Resolution within 21 days after the order.

Within 21 days from the date of this Order, the party who filed the Petition shall schedule mediation by calling the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) at (719) 452-5005

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 2 | Mediation

After making meaningful efforts to resolve a discovery dispute, a party may contact the court clerk to set a forthwith status conference.

If you are truly unable to reach an agreement, you may contact the Court clerk to set a forthwith status conference to resolve the issue.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 7. Discovery Disputes

When both parties are represented by counsel, the court will arrange the setting by email and contact the parties on the setting date.

If both parties are represented by counsel, the setting will be done via email and parties will be contacted by court staff on setting date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | General Division Procedures

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 128 rules apply across Fourth Judicial District Court, Colorado. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

E-Filing

All 43
  • Applies to
    Fingerprint identification card

    A fingerprint identification card may never be filed electronically in any case.

  • Applies to
    Exhibits

    Attorneys must upload documentary exhibits to CCE in their original format, preferably in grayscale, before or within 21 days after a hearing or trial.

  • Applies to
    Exhibits

    Court staff must scan and upload pro se party exhibits into the jPOD system.

Filing Requirements

All 35
  • Applies to
    Jury instructions

    Nonstandard proposed instructions must omit supporting authority on the instruction itself, while counsel must provide a copy of the supporting authority for the Court and opposing counsel to review.

  • Applies to
    Affidavit re mediation requirements

    For a landlord or agent owning five or fewer single-family rental homes and no more than five total rental units, the affidavit must attest familiarity with the statute and state that mandatory mediation is not required.

  • Applies to
    Affidavit re mediation requirements

    For a landlord or agent owning more than five single-family rental homes or more than five total rental units, the affidavit must state that the residential tenant's household does not receive specified public benefits, did not disclose receiving them after written inquiry, or both, and that mandatory mediation is not required.

Filing Timing

All 21
  • Parties must file all motions, including motions in limine, within 35 days after the jury trial is scheduled.

  • A motion hearing must occur at least 30 days before trial, and the moving party must initiate scheduling the hearing.

  • The defendant must provide and file the specified defense disclosures no later than 20 days before trial.

Formatting

All 12
  • A party appearing for trial in person must bring three copies of its exhibits.

  • Plaintiffs must number their trial exhibits beginning with 1, and defendants must label their trial exhibits beginning with A.

  • Format
    PAPER

    The court accepts only original paper copies of the fingerprint card, photographs, and signed compliance with the Fingerprint Order.

About Judge Dennis McGuire

District Court Judge for the 4th Judicial District, Division 9, El Paso County.

- Courtroom: Division 09 Room S506 - Courthouse: El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S Tejon St Colorado Springs, CO 80903 United States - Phone: 719-452-5358 - Email: D04_Courts_Div9@judicial.state.co.us

Common questions about Judge Dennis McGuire's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Dennis McGuire?

A separate hard-copy judge set of exhibits is unnecessary when all exhibits have been electronically filed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 5. On the day of the Hearing

Does Judge Dennis McGuire require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Dennis McGuire's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Before filing a motion, parties or counsel must have an actual good-faith conversation about disputed issues unless conferral is impossible.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Expectations to Confer in Good Faith

What page or word limits apply to trial management certificate before Judge Dennis McGuire?

Judge Dennis McGuire's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Excludes signature blocks and certificates. A Trial Management Certificate may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service, and each party must receive equal space.

View ruleSource: page 3, section A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

What page or word limits apply to status conference statement before Judge Dennis McGuire?

Judge Dennis McGuire's rule states these limits: 2 pages. Each party must file a statement of no more than 2 pages describing the disputed issues and that party's position no later than three days before the status conference.

View ruleSource: page 3, section No Written Discovery Motions

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Dennis McGuire?

Judge Dennis McGuire's formatting rule includes file format paper, four hard-copy sets of exhibits must be brought to court, and one set for the party, one for the other party, one for the witness, and one for the judge. Each party must bring four hard-copy sets of exhibits to court, including copies for the party, opposing party, witness, and judge.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exchange of Trial Exhibits

What must be included with stipulated agreement filings before Judge Dennis McGuire?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Any stipulated agreement reached in mediation must be filed with the court.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

What must be included with notice to set filings before Judge Dennis McGuire?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The party filing the motion must file a Notice to Set within 28 days, setting a pretrial conference and hearing and identifying the mediation date.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

How may parties contact Judge Dennis McGuire's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Dennis McGuire's clerk. The rule lists email D04_Courts_Div9@judicial.state.co.us. If a motion may exceed its allotted hearing time, the moving party must email court staff within seven days after filing to request an additional hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Dennis McGuire?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Parties generally must enter a plea by their third appearance, and requests for additional dates are granted only for good cause.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling

Does Judge Dennis McGuire require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Dennis McGuire requires bundling for covered papers. Documentary exhibits must be marked and uploaded into the Court Filing System as one submission when possible, with the filing party’s designation.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exhibits, Witnesses and Instructions

Is electronic filing required before Judge Dennis McGuire?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed jury instructions must be electronically filed in an editable format.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exhibits, Witnesses and Instructions

What filing deadlines does Judge Dennis McGuire set?

After 35 days, the court will review compliance, and the pending motion may be dismissed as abandoned if the required Notice to Set and mediation date were not filed.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION

What rule applies to service for trial management certificate or pro se pre trial statement before Judge Dennis McGuire?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: before hearing. The pretrial statement and all attachments must be sent to the other party by the seven-day pretrial deadline.

View ruleSource: page 3, section A. PROCESS FOR RESOLVING THE MOTION
Complete rules summary for Judge Dennis McGuire

Any stipulated agreement reached in mediation must be filed with the court.

The party filing the motion must file a Notice to Set within 28 days, setting a pretrial conference and hearing and identifying the mediation date.

After 35 days, the court will review compliance, and the pending motion may be dismissed as abandoned if the required Notice to Set and mediation date were not filed.

For motions seeking modification of child support or maintenance, the parties must exchange mandatory financial disclosures and file updated sworn financial statements no later than 42 days after service of the motion.

A Trial Management Certificate must be filed at least seven days before the hearing.

Each self-represented party must separately file Form JDF 1129 by the pretrial filing deadline.

The pretrial statement and all attachments must be sent to the other party by the seven-day pretrial deadline.

A Trial Management Certificate may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the header, signature lines, and certificate of service, and each party must receive equal space.

Each party must receive equal space in the Trial Management Certificate.

The Trial Management Certificate must conform to the formatting requirements of C.R.C.P. 10(d)(2).

Each party must bring four hard-copy sets of exhibits, label them according to party role, and number every exhibit page.

A separate judge’s exhibit copy is unnecessary when all exhibits have been electronically filed.

A party unable to resolve a discovery dispute may contact the court clerk to arrange a forthwith status conference.

The requesting party must file a statement of the disputed issues and its position no later than three business days before the discovery status conference.

The responding party must file a short response no later than two business days before the discovery status conference.

Parties generally must enter a plea by their third appearance, and requests for additional dates are granted only for good cause.

At a contested motions, preliminary, or revocation hearing, parties must be ready to proceed unless they timely move to continue for good cause.

Every motion must be written and identify the specific relief sought and the specific factual basis for the issue presented.

A reply to a motion response is due no later than seven days after the response.

Boilerplate motions are strongly discouraged, and each motion must apply the governing law to the case's specific facts.

Except for newly released appellate opinions, parties are discouraged from first citing legal authority at the hearing.

Counsel intending to rely on newly released case law should provide copies to opposing counsel and the court before the hearing begins.

Unless the court orders otherwise, all substantive motions must be filed within 28 days after arraignment.

A party's response to a motion is due within 14 days and must include legal authority.

Counsel are encouraged, though not required by this sentence, to submit plea paperwork for the court's review before the scheduled guilty-plea entry.

If a motion may exceed its allotted hearing time, the moving party must email court staff within seven days after filing to request an additional hearing date.

Opposing counsel must be copied on all correspondence to the court using counsel's direct email address.

Motions in limine and motions for substantive amendments to charges must be in writing.

Motions in limine and motions for substantive amendments to charges must be filed at least seven days before the pretrial readiness conference at which they will be heard.

A late-filed motion in limine or motion to amend will be considered only if good cause is shown.

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