Colorado Law Reference

Plain-English explanations of the Colorado Revised Statutes provisions most relevant to dependency proceedings — what each statute means, and what it does not mean.

C.R.S. § 19-3-202

What your court-appointed attorney can and can't do

Colorado Revised Statutes

What the statute says

A court-appointed attorney represents you under the rules of professional conduct: they must advocate for your stated interests and legal rights, communicate with you, explain your options, and cannot act against you. But they cannot manufacture defenses, ignore court orders, or continue representing you after the case ends or a conflict arises.

What it means in plain English

Your appointed attorney is your lawyer, not the court's or the agency's. You can expect communication, preparation, and advocacy — and you can raise concerns or ask the court for substitute counsel if there is a real conflict.

What it does NOT mean

Being appointed does not mean the attorney works for free in every future matter, or that they can do anything you demand. They must also follow the law and ethical rules, and they cannot make the case disappear without a legal basis.

Questions to ask

•Have I met with my attorney and shared my evidence?
•Does my attorney know my goals for the case?
•Is there a conflict that would justify substitute counsel?

Documents to preserve

•Attorney's contact info and bar number
•Meeting notes
•Any conflicts or concerns raised in writing

Common mistakes

✕Not meeting your attorney before hearings
✕Assuming appointed means 'less of a lawyer'
✕Withholding facts that could help you

Related statutes

C.R.S. § 19-3-202 — Counsel and jury trial
C.R.S. § 19-3-202 — Advisement of rights
C.R.S. § 19-3-505 — Hearings

Confirm current text at the official Colorado source. Educational summary, not legal advice.

Myth Debunker

“I can secretly record conversations without checking the law.”

Colorado is a one-party consent state for recording, meaning one party to the conversation may generally consent. But rules differ by situation and across states — confirm the applicable law before recording, and never record where you have no right.

“If CPS comes to my house, I automatically have to let them in.”

A request to enter is not a court order. Unless they have a court order or exigent circumstances, entry is generally voluntary. Ask whether they are acting under an order.

“If I cooperate with everything, they can't take my child.”

Cooperation is generally wise, but it does not guarantee any outcome. The decision to remove is governed by law and the court, not by your level of cooperation alone.

“If they say it's voluntary, I have to do it.”

Voluntary means you have a choice. You may decline or ask for time to consult an attorney before agreeing.

“Anything I tell CPS can't be used against me.”

Statements to a caseworker can become part of the record. Tell the truth, but understand it may be used in proceedings.

“A caseworker's statement is automatically a court order.”

A caseworker does not become a judge because they are investigating you. A request is not an order.

“If CPS says it's an emergency, it automatically makes it a legal emergency.”

Emergency authority has specific legal requirements and court review. The label 'emergency' does not by itself satisfy the law.

“I should fight with the caseworker to prove I'm innocent.”

Do not argue or threaten. Present your evidence through the court and your attorney. Calm documentation is stronger than confrontation.

“I should delete embarrassing texts or messages.”

Do not destroy, delete, alter, or hide evidence. That can seriously harm your case. Preserve everything.

“I should coach my children before they talk to CPS.”

Do not coach your children. Tell the truth; don't guess; don't tell your child what to say. Coaching can be detected and used against you.

Colorado legislature (official statutes)