Court Rules
Judge

Judge Laura N. Findorff

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Fourth Judicial District Court, Colorado

Communication

Phone

Chambers

719-452-5244
Scheduling
Email
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingConferencesExhibitsJuryEvidence/WitnessesRedactions

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCriminal cases

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

All plea paperwork must be one-sided.

All plea paperwork is to be one sided.

Document Filing Requirements10 rules

Filing Requirements

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

If parties do not contact the court on the setting day, they must file a new notice to set.

If parties fail to call/email the Court on the day of the setting, a new notice to set must be filed.

Document Type

Notice To Set

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Defense theory-of-the-case instructions must be provided to the prosecution no later than the close of the prosecution’s case in chief.

Theory of the defense instructions shall be provided to the prosecution no later than the close of the People’s case in chief.

Document Type

Theory Of Defense Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

The People must deliver the proposed jury instructions, joint witness list, exhibits, and supplemental jury questionnaires to the Division and opposing counsel by noon on the Friday before trial.

All of the People’s proposed jury instructions, including case specific instructions, the joint list of witnesses, exhibits, and supplemental jury questionnaires shall be delivered to the Division and a copy provided to opposing counsel by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to trial.

Document Type

Jury Preparation Materials

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Counsel must confer about redacting audio and video exhibits before trial to minimize editing delays.

Counsel are ordered to confer about redactions to audio/video exhibits prior to trial so as to minimize delays due to the editing process.

Document Type

Audio Video Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

At arraignment, the parties must notify the Court if they believe a criminal case may take more than two weeks to try.

The Court alternates its criminal weeks with its domestic weeks. The parties must advise the Court at the time of arraignment if they believe the case has the possibility of going more than two weeks.

Document Type

Case Duration Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Once the Court Clerk has given dates to the filing party they must then confer with the other side and file a notice.

Summary: After obtaining dates from the clerk, the filing party must confer with the other side and file a notice.

Document Type

Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

File the stipulated Case Management Order with the Court.

Summary: The parties must file a stipulated Case Management Order when requesting vacatur of the case management conference.

Document Type

Stipulated Case Management Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:b863b14cbad040239ece5079
|SecCIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
Filing Requirements

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

Clearly and boldly state at the top of the stipulated CMO that they have agreed to vacate the Case Management Conference.

Summary: A stipulated Case Management Order used to vacate the conference must clearly and boldly state at the top that the parties have agreed to vacate it.

Document Type

Stipulated Case Management Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:b863b14cbad040239ece5079
|SecCIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

All plea agreements (to include deferred sentencing agreements) shall be tendered to the Court in writing and include the written rights advisement, all terms of the agreement, and shall include all relevant elements and definitions for the charge to which the Defendant is pleading guilty per the plea agreement.

Summary: Plea agreements must be submitted in writing and include the written rights advisement, all agreement terms, and the relevant elements and definitions for the charge.

Document Type

Plea Agreement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

If a supplemental questionnaire is requested, it shall be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel prior to pre-trial readiness.

Summary: If requested, any supplemental jury questionnaire must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel before the pretrial readiness conference.

Document Type

Supplemental Jury Questionnaire

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Co Elpaso D04:e999e88e0570830e52461860 · p. 4
|SecJURY SELECTION, OPENING AND CLOSING

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

When possible, unsigned plea copies should be submitted through E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

When possible, unsigned copies of such pleas shall be provided to the Court via E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

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

Page 2 | PLEA HEARINGS

Substantive motions in limine and responses must be emailed to the Division and electronically filed.

Such documents shall be emailed to the division (D04_Courts_Div12@judicial.state.co.us) and e-filed.

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

Page 3 | JURY TRIALS

The People’s jury-preparation documents must be emailed to the Division and electronically filed.

Such documents shall be emailed to the division (D04_Courts_Div12@judicial.state.co.us) and e-filed.

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

Page 3 | JURY TRIALS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The attorney who set a discovery status conference must submit a short notice of disputed issues no later than three business days beforehand, with a small number of relevant documents optionally attached.

No later than 3 business days before the status conference, the attorney who set the conference shall submit a short notice describing the disputed issues, to which they may attach a small number of relevant documents.

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

Page 1 | CIVIL

The clerk will not provide proceeding dates without a prior notice to set filed at least seven days before the setting date.

The clerk will not give dates for any court proceedings without prior notice. A notice to set must be filed at least 7 days prior to the setting date.

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

Page 1 | CIVIL

Written motions must be filed no later than 10 days before the hearing.

Written motions must be filed no later than 10 days before the hearing date.

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

Page 2 | MOTIONS

If no motions hearing has been set, the moving party must schedule it no later than 30 days before trial.

If a motions hearing has not been set, the moving party shall set the matter for hearing no later than 30 days before trial.

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

Page 2 | MOTIONS

All substantive motions must be filed within 45 days after arraignment.

All substantive motions shall be filed no later than 45 days after arraignment.

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

Page 2 | MOTIONS

Plea agreements must be entered and accepted by the last docket day before trial, and ordinarily will not be accepted on the trial day absent extraordinary circumstances.

All plea agreements must be entered by the defendant and accepted by the Court no later than the last docket day scheduled before trial. ABSENT EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, the Court will not accept plea agreements on the day of trial.

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

Page 3 | PLEA HEARINGS

The prosecution’s jury-preparation materials are due to the Division and opposing counsel by noon on the Friday before trial.

All of the People’s proposed jury instructions, including case specific instructions, the joint list of witnesses, exhibits, and supplemental jury questionnaires shall be delivered to the Division and a copy provided to opposing counsel by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to trial.

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

Page 3 | JURY TRIALS

Substantive motions in limine must be filed in writing on the date of the pretrial readiness conference.

Substantive motions in limine must be filed in writing on the date of the pre-trial readiness conference.

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

Page 3 | JURY TRIALS

Responses the Court will consider must be filed by noon on the Friday before trial.

Any responses to be considered by the Court must be filed no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to trial.

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

Page 3 | JURY TRIALS

When possible, unsigned plea copies should be submitted through E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

When possible, unsigned copies of such pleas shall be provided to the Court via E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

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

Page 2 | PLEA HEARINGS

Civil settings require seven days' notice.

Civil settings are held Tuesdays at 8:30 am (with a 7-Day notice).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | CIVIL

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

No later than 2 business days before the status conference, the other attorney shall submit a short response.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | CIVIL

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A motion to reduce bond will be heard only after proper notice to the District Attorney.

Motions to reduce bond will be heard only after proper notice has been provided to the District Attorney.

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

Page 2 | MOTIONS CONCERNING BOND

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Absent extraordinary circumstances, continuance motions will not be accepted on the trial day and must be addressed by the pretrial readiness hearing or criminal docket.

ABSENT EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, the Court will not accept joint motions to continue or grant continuances at the request of either party on the day of trial. Any motion seeking a continuance must be addressed no later than the readiness hearing or criminal docket before trial.

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

Page 4 | MISCELLANEOUS

Chambers Communication Rules

Parties may contact Division 12 when a fully briefed motion has been pending for more than 36 days.

If a fully briefed motion is pending for more than 36 days, the parties may contact Division 12 to bring it to the attention of the division 12 judicial assistants.

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

Page 1 | Ruling on Motions

After the case management conference is vacated, the plaintiff's attorney must email court staff to obtain trial dates.

If the Case Management Conference is vacated, the plaintiff’s attorney must email court staff to obtain trial dates.

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

Page 1 | CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES

If Division 12 hearings are canceled because of a courthouse closure, parties must call the next day to leave a message requesting a reset.

If the courthouse is closed due to weather or any other reason Division 12 will not be conducting hearings and parties are to call the next day to leave a message to be reset.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Courtroom Info; Docket Mix; WebEx Information; Location(s)

Parties must contact Division 12 by its main telephone line or email to address civil settings.

Civil settings are held Tuesdays at 8:30 am (with a 7-Day notice). Parties are to contact the division’s main line 719-452-5244 or email D04_Courts_Div12@judicial.state.co.us

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | CIVIL

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 Laura N. Findorff

District Court Judge for the 4th Judicial District, Division 12, El Paso County.

- Courtroom: Division 12 Room S502 - Courthouse: El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S Tejon St Colorado Springs, CO 80903 United States - Phone: 719-452-5244 - Email: D04_Courts_Div12@judicial.state.co.us

Common questions about Judge Laura N. Findorff's rules

What must be included with notice to set filings before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If parties do not contact the court on the setting day, they must file a new notice to set.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CIVIL

What must be included with notice filings before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. After obtaining dates from the clerk, the filing party must confer with the other side and file a notice.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CIVIL

How may parties contact Judge Laura N. Findorff's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Laura N. Findorff's chambers. If Division 12 hearings are canceled because of a courthouse closure, parties must call the next day to leave a message requesting a reset.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Courtroom Info; Docket Mix; WebEx Information; Location(s)

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Absent extraordinary circumstances, continuance motions will not be accepted on the trial day and must be addressed by the pretrial readiness hearing or criminal docket.

View ruleSource: page 4, section MISCELLANEOUS

Is electronic filing required before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The People’s jury-preparation documents must be emailed to the Division and electronically filed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section JURY TRIALS

What filing deadlines apply to notice to set filings before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

Civil settings require seven days' notice.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CIVIL

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Laura N. Findorff?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. A motion to reduce bond will be heard only after proper notice to the District Attorney.

View ruleSource: page 2, section MOTIONS CONCERNING BOND
Complete rules summary for Judge Laura N. Findorff

If Division 12 hearings are canceled because of a courthouse closure, parties must call the next day to leave a message requesting a reset.

Parties may contact Division 12 when a fully briefed motion has been pending for more than 36 days.

Parties must contact Division 12 by its main telephone line or email to address civil settings.

Civil settings require seven days' notice.

If parties do not contact the court on the setting day, they must file a new notice to set.

After obtaining dates from the clerk, the filing party must confer with the other side and file a notice.

The clerk will not provide proceeding dates without a prior notice to set filed at least seven days before the setting date.

The attorney who set a discovery status conference must submit a short notice of disputed issues no later than three business days beforehand, with a small number of relevant documents optionally attached.

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

The parties must file a stipulated Case Management Order when requesting vacatur of the case management conference.

A stipulated Case Management Order used to vacate the conference must clearly and boldly state at the top that the parties have agreed to vacate it.

After the case management conference is vacated, the plaintiff's attorney must email court staff to obtain trial dates.

The People must deliver the proposed jury instructions, joint witness list, exhibits, and supplemental jury questionnaires to the Division and opposing counsel by noon on the Friday before trial.

All substantive motions must be filed within 45 days after arraignment.

If no motions hearing has been set, the moving party must schedule it no later than 30 days before trial.

Written motions must be filed no later than 10 days before the hearing.

A motion to reduce bond will be heard only after proper notice to the District Attorney.

Plea agreements must be submitted in writing and include the written rights advisement, all agreement terms, and the relevant elements and definitions for the charge.

All plea paperwork must be one-sided.

When possible, unsigned plea copies should be submitted through E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

When possible, unsigned plea copies should be submitted through E-filing at least two days before the disposition date.

Plea agreements must be entered and accepted by the last docket day before trial, and ordinarily will not be accepted on the trial day absent extraordinary circumstances.

The prosecution’s jury-preparation materials are due to the Division and opposing counsel by noon on the Friday before trial.

The People’s jury-preparation documents must be emailed to the Division and electronically filed.

Counsel must confer about redacting audio and video exhibits before trial to minimize editing delays.

Defense theory-of-the-case instructions must be provided to the prosecution no later than the close of the prosecution’s case in chief.

Substantive motions in limine must be filed in writing on the date of the pretrial readiness conference.

Responses the Court will consider must be filed by noon on the Friday before trial.

Substantive motions in limine and responses must be emailed to the Division and electronically filed.

At arraignment, the parties must notify the Court if they believe a criminal case may take more than two weeks to try.

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