CO · rules
C.R.C.P. 242.40
Contempt During Proceeding
(a) Applicability. If, during a proceeding under this rule, a person knowingly obstructs
an investigation, fails to comply with a subpoena, refuses to answer a proper question
when testifying, or disrupts through misbehavior the Hearing Board or the Presiding
Disciplinary Judge in the performance of authorized duties, the person may be held in
contempt and sanctioned. Authority conferred under this section 242.40 is in addition to
any other authority to issue sanctions. C.R.C.P. 107 does not govern contempt proceedings
under this section.
(b) Procedure for Direct Contempt. If a person commits contemptuous conduct that the
Presiding Disciplinary Judge sees or hears and that is so extreme no warning is necessary,
or that has been repeated despite a warning to desist, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge may
summarily punish the conduct by imposing reasonable sanctions, including a fine. In such
a case, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge will enter an order on the record reciting the facts
constituting the contempt, including a description of the conduct, and finding that the
conduct is offensive to the authority and dignity of the tribunal. Before the Presiding
Disciplinary Judge imposes sanctions, the person held in contempt has the right to respond
to the charge of contempt, including making a statement in mitigation.
(c) Procedure for Indirect Contempt.
(1) Motion. A party may file with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge a motion for an
order to show cause alleging that a person has, outside of the direct sight or hearing of the
Hearing Board or Presiding Disciplinary Judge, as applicable, engaged in any of the
conduct identified in subsection (a) above. The party must also serve the motion on the
person alleged to be in contempt.
(2) Order to Show Cause. The Presiding Disciplinary Judge may enter an order to
show cause directing the person alleged to be in contempt to appear at a specified time and
place and to show cause why the person should not be held in contempt.
(3) Determination. If the Presiding Disciplinary Judge finds that the person has
engaged in any of the conduct described in subsection (a) above, the Presiding Disciplinary
Judge may hold the person in contempt and impose reasonable sanctions. The Presiding
Disciplinary Judge also may order costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.
(d) Independent Charges. An allegation or a finding of contempt does not preclude the
Regulation Counsel from filing independent disciplinary charges based on the same
underlying conduct.
(e) Referral to Other Court. Nothing herein precludes the Regulation Counsel from
referring a matter to another court of competent jurisdiction to commence other proceedings or to address other appropriate sanctions or remedies.
(f) Appeal. For the purposes of appeal, an order deciding the issue of contempt and
sanctions is final.
History
Source: Entire rule added and adopted May 20, 2021, effective for cases filed with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge or the Supreme Court on or after July 1, 2021, and, as to all other matters covered by these rules, effective July 1, 2021. Part XI. Information, Expungement, and General Provisions
Provenance
- Source
- content.leg.colorado.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-15
- Edition
- 2026-09-15
- Content hash
1b32d993ad303f9222a67a50d2712251fe3a9bea6b2f19d4218a89d1ed0efb3b
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