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Municipal Court


The Honorable Judge John Stenger is the Monte Vista Municipal Court Judge.


The Municipal Court shall have original jurisdiction of all cases arising under the provisions of this Code and the City's ordinances, with full power to punish violators by imposing such fines and penalties as are prescribed in this Code or by ordinance.


The municipal court handles citations issued by the Monte Vista Police Department for traffic, parking, and ordinance violations. Monte Vista Municipal Court is a court of record with court sessions held on the first Thursday of each month. 


Citations that are issued by the Colorado State Patrol or Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Department are handled by the Combined Court System (Rio Grande County and District Court). To contact the combined courts, please call (719)-657-3394.

Municipal Code Violations 

The City of Monte Vista Municipal Court has authority over violations of the City of Monte Vista Home Rule Charter and Code. 


Some charges require an appearance in Court, while others may be resolved by simply mailing in a fine. City ordinances, Court rules, and Colorado State Statutes govern Court proceedings. 


Municipal Court employees are not allowed to give legal advice, but are happy to answer procedural questions.


Misdemeanor & Traffic Offenses 

The City of Monte Vista Municipal Court is a court of record that hears misdemeanor and traffic offenses of alleged violations of City of Monte Vista ordinances.



Making a Plea


You may plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty when appearing in court. If you plead guilty or no contest, you may explain to the judge what happened. In most cases, the judge will impose a sentence at the first appearance. 


If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for a trial to the Court. Some charges are eligible for a trial to a jury. A written request and payment of a $25 jury fee must be made within 20 days of the not-guilty plea.

Directions to Court


The City of Monte Vista Municipal Court is located at 95 West 1st Ave, Monte Vista, CO. 81144, Entrance is located on the West side of the building,  

How Do I Pay My Fine? 


Payment of all fines, costs, fees, and restitution is due and payable in full immediately upon a plea of guilty or a finding of guilty. 

If you wish to pay a fine before your scheduled court date, you may do so in most cases. Many cases are payable in advance of court and, if paid, do not require a court appearance. 

By paying the fine, you are pleading guilty to the charged offense. Based upon the payment, a conviction would be entered. If the charge is a violation of the Model Traffic Code, a report of the conviction would be made to the Colorado Motor Vehicle Division and points would be assessed on your driver's history. The number of points for each offense should be indicated on the summons. 

If the summons states an amount for the fine and surcharge, payments in advance can be made by mail (by check or money order) or in person at the Municipal Court window during business hours or online through the City of Monte Vista web

How Do I Send a Payment? 


Checks or money orders should be made payable to the City of Monte Vista Municipal Court. Payments should be accompanied by the blue copy of the summons. Mail your payment to:

City of Monte Vista
Municipal Courts
95 West 1st.
Monte Vista, CO. 81144

The Court will accept payment up until the close of business of the day prior to your court hearing. The Court also accepts payments after hours via the drop box located at the main entrance to City Hall or on line through xpress bill pay. If you wish to make payment on the day of court, $50 in court costs will be added to the amount on the face of the summons. 

If the summons does not state an amount for a fine, payment in advance of court is not permitted. A court appearance by the defendant is then necessary. 

Collections


Fines & Court Cost Payments 

Fines and costs must be paid as soon as the defendant has appeared in Court. (Unless otherwise discussed with the Judge) 

If the defendant is unable to pay on the court date and other arrangements were not made with the Judge, they must speak with the Court Clerk and will then a payment plan will be set up.
The balance of the fines and costs are due the day of court. If this is not paid, a $25 stay of execution fee will be added to the case for the payment plan to be put into place.

Pay a Ticket / Fine

Municipal Court Quick Links

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