News from the 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

Guest Contributor — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:18:13 +0000

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Immigrant Rights in Boulder County

Boulder County is committed to making sure everyone in our community, no matter where they’re from or what their immigration status is, feels safe accessing the justice system. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office has worked hard to create policies and programs that support and protect immigrants, ensuring they have the resources and protections they need to live and thrive here.

Immigrant Rights in the Courthouse

Colorado law protects immigrants from being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at courthouses unless ICE has a judicial warrant. This means you can go to court, participate in legal proceedings, or seek help without worrying about immigration enforcement. In addition, state agencies and the Probation Department cannot ask about or share your immigration status with ICE unless the law specifically requires it.

The District Attorney’s Office takes these protections seriously. We don’t seek information about immigration status, and we work to make sure court proceedings are fair for everyone. If you’re concerned about safety, we can adjust court dates or help you navigate the process, so you can feel secure.

Our Community Protection Division (CPD) is here to help. We offer education, outreach, and solutions to consumer issues like wage theft or fraud. If you’ve been taken advantage of or are struggling with a dispute, CPD can step in to advocate for your rights. Our goal is to prevent harm before it happens and resolve problems quickly and fairly.

Boulder County is home to several organizations that work alongside us to support immigrants in our community:

Local Community Groups: El Comité de Longmont, Intercambio, and AMISTAD Immigrant Center help build connections and self-sufficiency for immigrants and refugees.
Legal Help: The Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County provides free or low-cost legal support, offering guidance in both English and Spanish to help you navigate immigration challenges.
Resources: Resources are available to teach you about your rights as a community member or preparing for emergencies involving your family: Boulder County Immigrant Resources | Recursos Para Inmigrates

Standing for Justice

We know trust is the foundation of a strong community and the criminal justice system. That’s why we strive to treat everyone with dignity and fairness, regardless of their immigration status. We also recognize that criminal charges can sometimes have unexpected consequences for immigrants. When resolving cases, our prosecutors take these factors into account to reach just outcomes.

Our message is simple: Boulder County’s justice system is here for you. Whether you’re a victim, a witness, or someone seeking help, we want you to feel safe coming forward. Together, we can build a community where everyone belongs and is treated with respect.

If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Related Resources

Spotlight on the Community

Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty Sworn in to Second Term

On January 14, 2025, Michael Dougherty along with Assistant DA Ken Kupfner, Unit and Division Chiefs of the DA’s Office, and all Deputy District Attorney’s were sworn in by Judge Salomone.

Assistant Chief Investigator Merkle Presents at National Meeting for Abuse in Later Life Grantees

Assistant Chief Investigator Christopher Merkle presented on “Dynamics of Elder Abuse” on a multidisciplinary team of NCALL (National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life) which included Lisamarie Bristol, a former Senior Assistant DA in Georgia, LaTrice Buck, a professional in the field of trauma and substance use, Ricker Hamilton, former Commissioner of the Main Department of Health and Human Services.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty at Silver Creek High School

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty visited with Silver Creek High School students in Longmont to talk about U.S. Government, the justice system, and how important it is to find a job that you love. [SEE LINKEDIN POST]

JCALL Serves Up New Videos about Abuse in Later Life

The Justice Coalition for Abuse in Later Life (JCALL) created videos and resource materials to provide the community information on abuse in later life and how to get more information and support. [VISIT WEBSITE]

Burns Night Dinner for Domestic Violence

“The Rotary Club of Niwot is hosting the Burns Night Dinner for Domestic Violence, to raise funds for Safehouse and Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at The Fox Hill Club in Longmont.

The Rotary dinner honors the legacy of Steven Craig, a beloved member of the community who tragically lost his life to domestic violence. Craig, a proud Scot, had dedicated himself to making a tangible difference in the lives of many through his involvement with the Rotary Club. Craig’s untimely death left a profound void in the community.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty will deliver a keynote address, providing an overview of domestic violence in Boulder County.” [READ THE LHVC ARTICLE]

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