Arapahoe County Courthouse Guide: Centennial

Arapahoe County’s Main Criminal Courthouse

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Arapahoe County—including Centennial, Aurora, Greenwood Village, or an unincorporated area—your case will likely be at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial.

Arapahoe County Justice Center

Address:
7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112

Parking & Entrance:

  • Large free parking lots around the building
  • Enter through the main doors on the west side; security screening required
  • Arrive early to allow time for lines at security

What Cases Are Heard Here?

  • All state-law felony and misdemeanor criminal cases from Centennial, Aurora (Arapahoe portion), Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Foxfield, and unincorporated Arapahoe County
  • Most probation violation matters
  • Domestic violence and DUI cases charged under state law

Prosecutor:
Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office (18th Judicial District)

What to Expect at Your Court Date

  • Where to Go:
    The courthouse is next to the Bronco’s practice facilities. There is free parking available. The entrance connects two buildings: turn left to go to the courtrooms.
  • Security Screening:
    Members of the public (that’s you) take the left line. Listen to the security personnel as the procedure for what to put in the bins changes often.
  • Courtroom Assignment:
    Check TV monitors next to the elevators for where to go. Your summons should also list your courtroom, but assignments can change.
  • Dress Code:
    It shouldn’t matter what you wear to court, but to some judges it does. No hats or inappropriate attire.
  • Arrival Time:
    Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early, especially for your first appearance when you need time to find your courtroom. Late arrivals may result in a warrant.

Common Cases & What’s Unique About Arapahoe County

Domestic Violence

  • Judges may impose strict bond or supervision terms. Some judges in this county have an unwritten policy that protection orders cannot be modified until 30 days have passed.
  • No-contact orders are typical—even for first offenses.
  • The court expects defendants to enroll in pretrial services quickly, and it uses GPS devices often.

DUI & DWAI

  • Judges here are strict on DUI offenders.
  • Expect strict pre-trial conditions including monitored sobriety while your court case is pending.

Warrants

  • The Arapahoe Sheriff’s Department routinely requests warrants instead of letting people know that they have been charged with a crime. Even worse: they don’t have an online warrant-check system. If you think you may have a warrant, call us.
  • Judges here often refuse to quash a warrant for arrest. There are options to turn yourself in that minimize your time spent in jail waiting for your court date.

FAQs About the Justice Center

Which cities send cases to this court?
Centennial, most of Aurora (Arapahoe County side), Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Foxfield, and unincorporated areas.

Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, but everyone must go through security. Minors should be accompanied by an adult.

Where do I check in?
Go to the security line, then check the monitors or the information desk for your courtroom. Go into the courtroom and look for a sign-in sheet or a person you can check-in with.

Path Forward Legal: Local Experience Matters

Our attorneys have defended many clients at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. We have experience with the judges, DAs, and what strategies work best here.

Facing charges at the Justice Center? Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.

Not your court? Municipal Courts in Arapahoe County

Some city-level violations, misdemeanors, and traffic charges are handled in city courts instead of county court. Here are the main municipal courts in Arapahoe County:

Aurora Municipal Court

(Court website) Covers city ordinance violations and city-level traffic in all Aurora neighborhoods (Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas portions).

Englewood Municipal Court

(Court Website) Handles city code and traffic violations in Englewood.

Littleton Municipal Court

(Court Website) Handles city code and most traffic violations within Littleton city limits (note: Littleton spans Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties; state law violations go to county court in the appropriate county).

Greenwood Village Municipal Court

(Court Website) For city code and traffic violations in Greenwood Village.

Centennial does not have a municipal court. All Centennial cases are handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial.