On March 16, 2020, Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court Nathan B. Coats issued an Order discussing how Colorado State Courts would be operated in light of COVID-19. Chief Justice Coats specifically: (1) suspended all jury trials through April 3, 2020, with the exception of criminal trials facing imminent speedy trial deadlines; and (2) provided a list of certain emergency actions that would not be suspended (petitions for civil protection orders, emergency restrictions of parenting time, petitions for appointment of emergency guardians and conservators, etc.).
To the extent that the Courts have cases that are not designated essential as outlined above or explicitly restricted from proceeding forward, under this Order, Colorado State Courts have the discretion to choose whether or not eviction proceedings should proceed forward on or not.
The suspension of eviction proceedings have been discussed publicly in Colorado. Governor Jared Polis asked landlords, banks, and utility services to be lenient for nonpayment of rent or utilities Coloradans as many are dealing with minimal paid time off, layoffs, and unemployment during this pandemic. Similarly, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser urged a statewide pause on eviction proceedings in light of COVID-19 arguing that a continuation of eviction proceedings would only exacerbate the public health and economic crisis. To date, the following counties have temporarily suspended eviction proceedings: Denver, Mesa, Weld, Jefferson, and Boulder.
The attorneys at Pearson & Paris, P.C. strive to represent clients’ best interests, while also promoting and encouraging public safety. If you have a landlord tenant issue, contact our firm to determine the best approach during this difficult time.
