C.R.C.P. 407 (County Court)

(a) Definitions.

(1) Contempt. Disorderly or disruptive behavior, a breach of the peace, boisterous

conduct or violent disturbance toward the court, or conduct that unreasonably interrupts the

due course of judicial proceedings; behavior that obstructs the administration of justice;

disobedience or resistance by any person to or interference with any lawful writ, process,

or order of the court; or any other act or omission designated as contempt by the statutes

or these rules.

(2) Direct Contempt. Contempt that the court has seen or heard and is so extreme that

no warning is necessary or that has been repeated despite the court’s warning to desist.

(3) Indirect Contempt. Contempt that occurs out of the direct sight or hearing of the

court.

(4) Punitive Sanctions for Contempt. Punishment by unconditional fine, fixed sentence of imprisonment, or both, for conduct that is found to be offensive to the authority

and dignity of the court.

(5) Remedial Sanctions for Contempt. Sanctions imposed to force compliance with

a lawful order or to compel performance of an act within the person’s power or present

ability to perform.

(6) Court. For purposes of this rule, ‘‘court’’ means any judge, magistrate, commissioner, referee, or a master while performing official duties.

(b) Direct Contempt Proceedings. When a direct contempt is committed, it may be

punished summarily. In such case an order shall be made on the record or in writing

reciting the facts constituting the contempt, including a description of the person’s conduct,

a finding that the conduct was so extreme that no warning was necessary or the person’s

conduct was repeated after the court’s warning to desist, and a finding that the conduct is

offensive to the authority and dignity of the court. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, the

person shall have the right to make a statement in mitigation.

(c) Indirect Contempt Proceedings. When it appears to the court by motion supported by affidavit that indirect contempt has been committed, the court may ex parte

order a citation to issue to the person so charged to appear and show cause at a date, time

and place designated why the person should not be punished. The citation and a copy of

the motion, affidavit and order shall be served directly upon such person at least 21 days

before the time designated for the person to appear. If such person fails to appear at the

time so designated, and it is evident to the court that the person was properly served with

copies of the motion, affidavit, order, and citation, a warrant for the person’s arrest may

issue to the sheriff. The warrant shall fix the date, time and place for the production of the

person in court. The court shall state on the warrant the amount and kind of bond required.

The person shall be discharged upon delivery to and approval by the sheriff or clerk of the

bond directing the person to appear at the date, time and place designated in the warrant,

and at any time to which the hearing may be continued, or pay the sum specified. If the

person fails to appear at the time designated in the warrant, or at any time to which the

hearing may be continued, the bond may be forfeited upon proper notice of hearing to the

surety, if any, and to the extent of the damages suffered because of the contempt, the bond

may be paid to the aggrieved party. If the person fails to make bond, the sheriff shall keep

the person in custody subject to the order of the court.

(d) Trial and Punishment. (1) Punitive Sanctions. In an indirect contempt proceeding where punitive sanctions may be imposed, the court may appoint special counsel

to prosecute the contempt action. If the judge initiates the contempt proceedings, the

person shall be advised of the right to have the action heard by another judge. At the first

appearance, the person shall be advised of the right to be represented by an attorney and,

if indigent and if a jail sentence is contemplated, the court will appoint counsel. The

maximum jail sentence shall not exceed six months unless the person has been advised of

the right to a jury trial. The person shall also be advised of the right to plead either guilty

or not guilty to the charges, the presumption of innocence, the right to require proof of the

charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the right to present witnesses and evidence, the right to

cross-examine all adverse witnesses, the right to have subpoenas issued to compel attendance of witnesses at trial, the right to remain silent, the right to testify at trial, and the

right to appeal any adverse decision. The court may impose a fine or imprisonment or both

if the court expressly finds that the person’s conduct was offensive to the authority and

dignity of the court. The person shall have the right to make a statement in mitigation prior

to the imposition of sentence.

(2) Remedial Sanctions. In a contempt proceeding where remedial sanctions may be

imposed, the court shall hear and consider the evidence for and against the person charged

and it may find the person in contempt and order sanctions. The court shall enter an order

in writing or on the record describing the means by which the person may purge the

contempt and the sanctions that will be in effect until the contempt is purged. In all cases

of indirect contempt where remedial sanctions are sought, the nature of the sanctions and

remedies that may be imposed shall be described in the motion or citation. Costs and

reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with the contempt proceeding may be assessed in

the discretion of the court. If the contempt consists of the failure to perform an act in the

power of the person to perform and the court finds the person has the present ability to

perform the act so ordered, the person may be fined or imprisoned until its performance.

(e) Limitations. The court shall not suspend any part of a punitive sanction based

upon the performance or non-performance of any future acts. The court may reconsider

any punitive sanction. Probation shall not be permitted as a condition of any punitive

sanction. Remedial and punitive sanctions may be combined by the court, provided

appropriate procedures are followed relative to each type of sanction and findings are made

to support the adjudication of both types of sanctions.

(f) Appeal. For the purposes of appeal, an order deciding the issue of contempt and

sanctions shall be final.