Douglas County Courthouse Guide: Castle Rock, Colorado

Essential Information for Defendants and Families

Are you scheduled for a court appearance at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock for a criminal case?

Navigating the courthouse for the first time can feel daunting, but understanding the layout and key facilities can help ease your nerves and make your visit smoother.

Written by our attorney Kathryn Sheely, who lives in Douglas County, this guide is designed to provide you with the essential information you need to feel prepared.

1. Getting to the Douglas County Courthouse Entrance

• Address: 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109.
• Parking: Free parking is available in the lot outside the courthouse. Arrive early, as the main parking lot can fill up on busy mornings.
• Public Transport: Unfortunately, there is none.
• Entrance: After parking, head toward the main doors where you’ll pass through security screening.

2. Basic Layout of the Courthouse

The courthouse has two floors, and criminal cases are typically heard in both County Court (on the ground floor) and District Court (on the second floor).

• Ground Floor: Includes County Court, the Clerk’s Office, Probation, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Jail.
• Second Floor: Home to District Court and additional courtrooms.

3. How Room Numbers Work

• Douglas County uses the division number or letter to identify courtrooms. Numbered divisions are on the second floor while lettered divisions are on the ground floor.
• The courtroom numbers or letters are displayed above the entrance doors to each courtroom and on a display board on one side of the doors.

4. Directions Inside the Courthouse

• After Security: Upon clearing security, go straight through the glass doors during business hours. There is a (usually unmanned) information desk in front of the stairs.
• FAC (First Appearance Center): The FAC looks like a lobby and is located across from the café, past the stairs and left around the corner from the entrance on the ground floor.
• County Courtrooms: Continue going straight after entering and go to the left of the stairs. Turn left to find County Courtrooms down the long hallway. You will pass FAC on the left and the clerk’s offices on the right before coming to the courtrooms on the left of the hallway. There are more courtrooms around the corner – turn left past the second set of stairs and keep going around the corner until you see the rest of the courtrooms.
• District Court: As of this writing, criminal district courtrooms are 1, 4, and 5, located on the second floor. Division 1 is the first courtroom if you take the first set of stairs from the entrance. Division 4 is the last courtroom along that hall, and 5 is around the corner at the end of the hall.

5. Restrooms

• Ground Floor: Restrooms are located near the main entrance, past security. Most people use the ones near FAC, but there is another set at the end of the hallway, around the corner.
• Second Floor: Restrooms are situated at the entrance to the hallway to the left at the top of the stairs. Another set of restrooms is at the end of the hallway, turn left around the corner and look on the right.

6. Elevators

• The largest bay of elevators is found by going right past the stairs at the entrance. The elevator is past the Sheriff’s Office.
• Another elevator (which is frequently out of order) is found across from Division D on the ground floor, going to Division 5 on the second floor. Go left past the stairs, down the main hallway and turn left at the end of the hall. Go right around the corner, and the elevator is immediately on the right.

7. Key Resources and Facilities Inside the Courthouse

• Clerk’s Office (Ground Floor): Located on the ground floor. Take a left past the stairs, pass FAC on the right. The line of for the windows of the Clerk’s office is on the right.
• Café: Open 8 AM to 1:30 PM, serving breakfast sandwiches, snacks, and lunch options.
• Probation: The main office for probation is on the ground floor. Turn to the hallway at the left of the stairs. The entrance is the last door on the right.
• Pre-trial Services: In the basement. The stairs can be accessed from the ground floor across from Division D.
• Fingerprinting: In the Sheriff’s Office to the right of the stairs. Go through both sets of doors to the waiting area. You can check in using the touch-screen that is to the right of the windows.
• Jail: Go through the first set of doors at the Sheriff’s Office to the right of the stairs. In that small vestibule there is a window to the control room on the right. You can talk to the guard there or go through the door on the right to the jail lobby area.

8. Tips for Navigating the Douglas County Courthouse

• Arrive Early: Security screening and parking can take time. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appearance.
• Check Your Courtroom: Confirm your courtroom number on your summons or check the monitors which are located in numerous places in the hallways. The first set of monitors you will find are behind the main stairs you see upon entering
• Security Screening: Avoid bringing prohibited items like sharp objects or torch lighters. Plastic water bottles are allowed. As of this writing, metal water bottles are also allowed. For attorneys: this is one of the few courthouses that does not have a separate attorney line.
• Keep Going: Most people who can’t find their courtroom haven’t walked far enough down the hallway.

9. Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I find my courtroom?
  Courtroom assignments are listed on your summons or the monitors near the entrance.
• Can I bring my cell phone?
  Yes, but phones must be silenced in the courtroom.
• Where should I park?
  Use the free parking lot outside the courthouse.
• Are there nearby hotels?
  There are several hotels within a short drive or a moderate walk.
• Is there Public Transportation?
  No. Castle Rock does not have public transportation. It is also not part of RTD. The outlets do not have private bus service or a Bustang stop anymore.

10. (New for 2025) What Judicial District is Douglas County In?

Starting on January 14, 2025, Douglas County will be part of the newly created 23rd Judicial District. Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties are splitting from Arapahoe County to create the first new judicial district since 1965. Arapahoe will remain the 18th Judicial District. More information can be found here.

Need Legal Help in Douglas County?

Whether you were arrested in Parker, cited in Lone Tree, or charged in Larkspur, facing criminal charges in Douglas County can be a life-altering experience. The stakes are high, and the legal process is often confusing and intimidating. Whether you’re navigating misdemeanor charges in County Court or more serious felony charges in District Court, having an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney by your side is crucial.

At Path Forward Legal, we focus exclusively on criminal defense, dedicating our practice to protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes. We understand the local court system, the judges, and the prosecutors here in Douglas County, and we use that knowledge to develop tailored defense strategies that achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.