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JDF 1935

i Opening Brief Instructions (Felony Criminal)

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective December 1, 2025

This form provides instructions for writing an Opening Brief, which is a written document used to make arguments for an appeal. It guides the filer on what the brief must include, such as the issues being appealed and the arguments supporting those issues.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This form is used when a person is appealing a decision made by a District Court in a felony criminal case.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is the purpose of this Opening Brief?
The purpose is to make written arguments for the appeal by explaining what the District Court did wrong and telling the Court of Appeals what action is needed to fix the case.
What is the deadline for submitting this brief?
The Brief is due within 42 days after the Record is certified.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect December 1, 2025.

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