Colorado

Civil Procedure

Rule 18 – Statement of Charges, Notice and Pleadings in Formal Proceedings

(a) Commencement of Formal Proceedings, Statement of Charges, and Notice. Special counsel shall commence formal proceedings in the name of the People of the State of Colorado by serving a statement of charges together with a notice of formal charges on the Judge. The case shall be captioned “In re the Matter of the People of the State of Colorado, Complainant, and Judge [name], Respondent.”

(1) The statement of charges shall state in ordinary and concise language the grounds for the charges with specific reference to the alleged misconduct and applicable Canons, Canon Rules, or Colo. RJD. The notice shall advise the Judge of his or her right to file an answer to the statement of charges, which shall include a response to each allegation together with applicable affirmative defenses or mitigation factors.
(2) Pleadings in formal proceedings shall follow the general format for civil pleadings. The statement of charges, notice of formal charges, the originals of all pleadings, and the orders of the special masters shall be filed in the office of the executive director, who shall maintain the record of proceedings.
(b) Role of Special Counsel in Formal Proceedings. At all times during formal proceedings, special counsel shall represent the People and shall inform the Commission periodically concerning the status of the proceedings.

C.R.C.P. 18