Since 1979, Kurtz & Peckham, PC has provided compassionate, responsive, and aggressive representation to individuals facing criminal charges.

We have extensive experience with criminal law and defending the rights of people arrested and accused of criminal offenses. Our firm’s defense of criminal matters includes all types of cases, ranging from minor infractions and misdemeanors to the felony charges. We handle cases such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, domestic violence, child abuse, restraining orders, assaults, sexual offenses, juvenile delinquency, drug possession, theft, administrative violations, DMV hearings, and post-conviction challenges.

The attorneys at Kurtz & Peckham, PC are committed to the defense of persons accused of crimes. We are always on the side of the defendant. Our attorneys have extensive court experience as well as sharp negotiating skills, crucial in persuading district attorneys, judges, and juries to find in favor of our clients.

As a small law firm, Kurtz & Peckham, PC provides close personal attention to our client’s needs. We have a dedicated, well-trained staff of paralegals and legal assistants who help to ensure that you receive up to date information concerning the status of your case, changes in court scheduling, and payments.

Kurtz & Peckham, PC provides representation for the following matters related to Juvenile Law:

• Defending Juveniles in Delinquency Proceedings
  (including detention hearings, pre-trial matters, trial representation, sentencing, and review hearings)
• Expungement of Juvenile Records
• School Disciplinary Proceedings
• Providing Effective Representation for Young People
  Children, like anyone brought before the justice system, need the active assistance of effectively trained, experienced counsel.

The juvenile system is more than a legal system. It is social services, school systems, residential placements, treatment providers, the guardians ad litem, and probation departments all wrapped into one. Through our experience with various courts, agencies, and prosecutors’ offices, Kurtz & Peckham can help children and their families navigate the system, head off potential problems, and get the services they need.

Kurtz & Peckham, PC is well-suited to work with the unique problems of adolescent defendants. Throughout our 38+ year history, we have worked with children in the context of the juvenile justice system and family courts throughout the Denver metro area, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties.

Young people need, and are entitled to, effective legal representation to ensure that they are not unnecessarily detained, improperly transferred to adult criminal court, or inappropriately committed to placement outside the home.

In juvenile court, preparing for dispositional hearings is often the most critical stage of the representation. Who the child is, why he or she got in trouble, what treatment he or she may need, and what treatment is available are issues that need to be fully explored and presented.                                 Kurtz & Peckham, PC strives to conduct these inquiries, develop sentencing alternatives, and present a complete picture of the child to the court.

The juvenile justice system was originally designed to be “child-centered” — to integrate children into society and protect the public by providing an individualized and appropriate mix of treatment and discipline.

However, the system increasingly resembles the adult criminal justice system. Certain “crimes of violence” and sex offenses have important long-term consequences that must be considered. If the charges against a minor are sustained, he or she needs effective representation to ensure that the court’s order is fair and appropriate.

At Kurtz & Peckham, PC we take the time to communicate with child clients and their parents or guardians. Many of our clients come from different cultures, have emotional problems, or are distrustful of adults. We try hard to know who the child is, what she or he wants, and what she or he needs. We strive to explain, in a way that he or she will understand, what the options are and what is going on in court. This takes time, patience, skill, and a keen interest in children.

What is a municipal ordinance?
Many cities and towns in Colorado have passed a Municipal Code, which contains ordinances that are applicable specifically within that city or town. An ordinance is a statute or regulation. It can have the same effect on you as a state law.

Municipal Codes can govern any from building codes and zoning to traffic regulation. Criminal offenses are also spelled out in the Municipal Code.

Where can I find the town’s Municipal Code?
For a copy of your city or town’s Code, check out the searchable online library at: www.municode.com. If your city or town is not listed there, you can make copies of the code provisions at your local City or Town Hall (see the Clerk).

What level of crime is a municipal charge?
In the criminal justice system, there are at least four types of crimes: 1) petty offenses, 2) municipal offenses, 3) misdemeanors, and 4) felonies.

A municipal offense is generally considered less serious than a misdemeanor or felony.

However, convictions for municipal violations do show up on a criminal background check. Therefore, they can negatively affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, security clearances, and housing.

Why am I being charged in municipal court?
There is some overlap between state laws and municipal ordinances. Arresting officers often have discretion whether to file your charges with the City courts (enforce municipal ordinance violations) or the County courts (enforce state law).

Various factors will decide whether the city will prosecute: local policy, the seriousness of the offense, the law enforcement agency involved, whether you have a criminal record.

Can I go to jail for a municipal offense?
Yes. If you are found guilty of a municipal ordinance violation, you may face a maximum jail sentence of one year. Other possible penalties are: probation, community service, treatment classes, fines and costs. Some municipal courts cannot impose jail for juveniles; it depends on the law of the city and county.

Municipal Ordinance Defense for Colorado

What are some common Municipal Ordinance Violations?

• Harassment, assault, and domestic violence
• Resisting arrest, interference, disobedience to lawful orders
• Disturbing the peace
• Marijuana and alcohol cases
• Theft, shoplifting, trespass
• Damage to property, graffiti
• Animal care and control cases
• Probation violations
• How can we help?

Kurtz & Peckham, PC provides affordable, high quality representation to persons charged with municipal offenses. Kurtz & Peckham, PC has the experience and knowledge necessary to advise you of your options, challenge the City’s case, and prepare a vigorous defense.

Where have we practiced?

We have successfully handled juvenile and adult municipal violations in:

• Arvada
• Aurora
• Boulder
• Broomfield
• Cherry Hills Village
• Commerce City
• Denver
• Englewood
• Federal Heights
• Glendale
• Golden
• Greenwood Village
• Lafayette
• Lakewood
• Littleton
• Longmont
• Northglenn
• Thornton
• Westminster
• Wheat Ridge

Plus many others!!

Experience in assisting protected and restrained persons
Kurtz & Peckham, PC represents parties on either side of a civil restraining order case in order to ensure that the court hears all the relevant evidence and protect the rights of our clients.

Our clients include:

• victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and elderly abuse
• persons against whom a restraining order is unjustly sought by neighbors, co-workers, family members, and former partners.

Don’t let the expedited process for protective orders catch you by surprise
Colorado’s county courts may issue protective orders against perpetrators of various forms of abuse. See Colo.Rev.Stat. § 13-14-102.

Temporary Restraining Orders (also called “TRO”s) are issued speedily in most situations where an individual has been physically abused or fears an imminent threat of harm.

Do not go to your restraining order hearing unprepared!
Whether you are seeking a restraining order or defending yourself against one, you have the right to a full evidentiary hearing in the county court, including cross-examination and the right to compel the attendance of witnesses by subpoena.
We can effectively challenge the credibility of witnesses, admit documents into evidence, and argue your case persuasively.

Effects of a Permanent Restraining Order
A restraining order can be a valuable tool for victims of abuse or harassment, especially when combined with other community resources.

A restraining order:

• sets clear boundaries
• puts the perpetrator on notice that contact or certain forms of behavior are not acceptable
• puts law enforcement and courts on notice about possible patterns or history of behavior.
• If the court makes the TRO permanent, it can have a serious impact upon a Restrained Party’s opportunities for employment and other areas of life.

All permanent protection orders are entered into a computerized central registry maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

A violation of a restraining order is a Class 2 misdemeanor that could result in jail and/or a fine. See Colo.Rev.Stat. § 18-6-803.5(2)(a).

Using Alternative Dispute Resolution for PRO’s
The issuance of a Permanent Restraining Order against a party is not always an ideal solution for all parties seeking protection.

Our clients have come to us seeking other ways to get an assurance from another party that contact or communication will not continue. This goal can be achieved through a variety of means.

Let us represent you in reaching a compromise, if that is your goal. We are experienced at communicating with opposing parties and their counsel, in a considerate and professional manner.

Whether you are in need of a restraining order or are threatened with one, please feel free to call         Kurtz & Peckham, PC at 303.893.3045 or email our office at  to schedule a complimentary one half hour initial consultation with an experienced attorney.