Colorado’s court system is divided into two broad categories of cases: civil and criminal. Civil litigation is a dispute between two or more parties seeking money damages, an injunction, or another court-ordered remedy — as opposed to a criminal prosecution brought by the government to punish an individual. Harper Law Firm has over 30 years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in Colorado civil trials, and has handled matters through trial and, where necessary, appeal.
What civil litigation covers
Civil litigation covers a broad range of disputes, including:
- Breach of contract
- Collection of debts and enforcement of judgments
- Property and boundary disputes
- Disputes between individuals or businesses
- Defense of civil lawsuits filed against our clients
How a civil case typically unfolds
Most civil cases move through several stages: filing the pleadings, discovery (exchanging evidence and information), pre-trial motions, trial (if the case doesn’t settle), and, if appropriate, appeal. The large majority of civil cases settle before trial, and discovery — not trial itself — is usually the longest and most labor-intensive part of the process.
Alternatives to trial
Not every dispute needs to go to trial. Mediation and arbitration (collectively known as alternative dispute resolution, or ADR) allow parties to resolve a dispute informally with the help of a neutral third party, often faster and at lower cost than full litigation. Harper Law Firm can advise you on whether mediation, arbitration, or trial is the right path for your case.
Appeals
If a trial court’s decision is legally incorrect, the losing party may have the right to appeal to a higher court. Appeals are governed by strict deadlines and procedural rules, and generally do not involve a new trial — the appellate court reviews the existing record for legal error rather than re-hearing evidence.
How we can help
Harper Law Firm represents clients through every stage of civil litigation — from the initial complaint through trial and, where warranted, appeal — in county and district courts throughout Colorado’s 64 counties.