Legal Help in Boulder
Free and low-cost legal resources — tickets, eviction, criminal charges, and civil matters. You have rights, and there are people here to help you use them.
What Kind of Ticket or Charge Do You Have?
| Ticket Color | Court Type | Where to Go |
|---|---|---|
| YELLOW | Municipal (City of Boulder) | Boulder Municipal Court — Penfield Tate II Building, 1777 Broadway |
| BLUE or WHITE | State / County | Boulder County Justice Center — 1777 6th St |
Boulder Community Court ("Deacon's Closet")
This is a voluntary "court on the move" designed to help, not arrest. If you participate in their programs — housing, ID help, community service — your tickets may be dismissed entirely. Show up and talk to them. The worst they can say is no.
Colorado Legal Services — Boulder Office
Free legal help for low-income residents and seniors (60+). One of the most important resources in Boulder for civil legal matters.
- Housing / EvictionEviction defense, landlord disputes, habitability issues
- Social SecurityDisability (SSDI/SSI) appeals and denials
- Domestic violenceProtective orders and related legal help
- Public benefitsSNAP, Medicaid, and other benefit denials
- Seniors (60+)Priority intake for all case types
Boulder County Bar Association — Virtual Legal Clinic
A Virtual Legal Clinic where you get brief, free advice from a licensed attorney. Covers a wide range of civil matters. You need to sign up online first — check their website for the current schedule and registration link.
Bridge to Justice
Specifically designed for people who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but not enough to hire a private attorney. Strong focus on eviction defense. If Colorado Legal Services turned you down due to income, call Bridge to Justice next.
CU Boulder Student Law Clinics
Law students supervised by licensed attorneys handle real cases at no or low cost. Good option when other resources are full or don't cover your issue type.
- Criminal defenseState-level criminal matters
- Civil practiceGeneral civil legal issues
- Family lawDivorce, custody, and related matters
Colorado State Public Defender — Boulder Office
If you are facing state or county criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, you have a constitutional right to a court-appointed attorney. You must apply through this office. Do this as early as possible — before your first court date if you can.
Federal Issues & Civil Rights
For federal-level matters, different resources apply:
- ImmigrationColorado Legal Services has specialized units for agricultural workers and crime victim visas (T/U visas)
- Civil rightsColorado Legal Services federal litigation unit — patterns of discrimination, civil rights violations
- Federal Pro Se ClinicU.S. District Court for Colorado (Denver) has a free self-represented litigant clinic for guidance on federal cases
- Federal criminal chargesA federal public defender is appointed by the court — ask the judge at your first appearance
| Your Situation | Best First Call |
|---|---|
| Yellow municipal ticket (camping, parking, trespass) | Community Court — Thursdays 9:30 AM, 1777 Broadway West Patio |
| Eviction notice or landlord dispute | Colorado Legal Services: 303-449-7575 · or Bridge to Justice: 303-443-1038 |
| State/county criminal charge, can't afford a lawyer | Public Defender: 303-444-2322 — apply before your court date |
| Quick legal question, don't know where to start | Boulder County Bar Virtual Clinic — sign up at boulder-bar.org |
| Social Security disability denial | Colorado Legal Services: 303-449-7575 |
| Family law (divorce, custody) | CU Boulder Law Clinic: 303-492-8126 |
| Income too high for free aid, too low for a lawyer | Bridge to Justice: 303-443-1038 |
| Immigration or federal civil rights issue | Colorado Legal Services: 303-449-7575 (ask for the federal unit) |