Fight a Denver parking ticket when you already paid
You were cited for a meter violation under D.R.M.C. § 54-514(a) (or improper use of a metered space under § 54-513), but you actually paid for parking at that meter or space for the cited time, and can show a receipt or app record proving it.
the statement
Copy, customize, submit.
Statement I will present at my Final Hearing Denver County Court — Final Hearing on a Parking Citation Re: Citation No. [CITATION NUMBER] Plate: [PLATE] ([STATE]) Date/Time: [DATE], [TIME] Location cited: [LOCATION] I dispute this citation and ask the judicial officer to find it invalid. On [DATE], I paid for parking at [LOCATION] through [PAYMENT METHOD — meter coin/card, mobile parking-payment app, or other]. My receipt shows payment covering [PAYMENT PERIOD START]–[PAYMENT PERIOD END], which includes [TIME], the time this citation states the violation was observed. I had valid, paid-for parking at the location and time cited. Under D.R.M.C. § 54-514(a), it is unlawful to use a metered space without depositing the required payment — but the City bears the burden of proving the validity of this citation at this Final Hearing. Because I have proof I actually paid for the cited time and location, the City cannot show that element of the violation was met. I ask that this citation be found invalid on that basis. Attached: [payment receipt (meter printout, app screenshot, or emailed receipt) showing the meter/zone number, date, and time of purchase; photos of the meter/pay-station number matched against the receipt; and app transaction history if paid via a mobile app]. Respectfully, [YOUR NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
This template is for informational use only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Square-bracketed placeholders must be replaced with your specific facts. Rules and deadlines can change; if your situation is urgent, complicated, or high-stakes, email info@imfrustrated.org for a free conversation with a volunteer attorney before you send it.
how to submit it
A few things before you send.
- 1Note your citation's issue date and case/summons number, and figure out which window you're in: 0–20 calendar days old (eligible for a Final Hearing), 21–120 days old (Final Hearing no longer available, but you can file a general motion with Denver County Court), or over 120 days old (a default judgment has already been entered against you).
- 2If your citation is 20 calendar days old or less, go in person to Denver County Court, 1437 Bannock St., Room 140, Denver, CO 80202 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) to schedule a Final Hearing. There is currently no online or mail option to request the hearing — you must appear in person to schedule it.
- 3Gather your evidence before the hearing date: photos, receipts, repair/maintenance records, registration or sale documents, or anything else supporting your specific defense, since Denver's Final Hearing does not accept new evidence submitted only by mail or online in place of your appearance.
- 4Attend the scheduled Final Hearing before a Denver County Court judicial officer. The City has the burden to prove the validity of the citation, and you may present your defense and evidence at that time.
- 5If the judicial officer finds the citation valid, or if you fail to appear, a judgment enters against you for the fine amount plus $26.00 in court costs, and that amount is generally due immediately following the hearing.
- 6If your citation is between 21 and 120 days old, you're no longer eligible for a Final Hearing, but you may file a general motion with Denver County Court asking for judicial review of the citation.
- 7If your citation is over 120 days old, a default judgment has already been entered against you for the fine plus any late fees; you may file a motion with Denver County Court asking the judge to set aside that default judgment, explaining your good reason for not paying or disputing within the 120-day window.
- 8Call the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988 (regular business hours) with questions about a specific citation before your hearing date.
bring receipts
Attach this evidence.
- ✓A valid payment receipt (meter printout, app screenshot, or emailed receipt) showing the meter/zone number, date, and time of purchase covering the cited time
- ✓Photos of the meter/pay-station number at your parking spot, matched against the receipt
- ✓Your app transaction history, if you paid via a mobile parking-payment app
what Denver rules say
The rule this rests on.
D.R.M.C. § 54-514(a) — Meter violation (deposit of required payment)
D.R.M.C. § 54-514(a) makes it unlawful to use a metered space 'without depositing... the number of coins required' or completing an equivalent approved payment for the time used. If you have proof you actually paid for the cited time and location, that is a direct, factual defense to whether that element of the violation was met — present it at the Final Hearing, where the City otherwise bears the burden of proving the citation's validity.
if this doesn’t work
Your next move.
If the judicial officer finds the citation valid, or if you fail to appear, a judgment enters against you for the fine amount plus $26.00 in court costs, generally due immediately. If your citation is between 21 and 120 days old, you're no longer eligible for a Final Hearing, but you may file a general motion with Denver County Court asking for judicial review of the citation. If your citation is over 120 days old, a default judgment has already been entered against you for the fine plus any late fees; you may file a motion with Denver County Court asking the judge to set aside that default judgment for good cause.
questions people ask
FAQ.
What if my receipt shows a different meter number than the one cited?
Bring a photo of the actual meter/pay-station number at your parking spot alongside your receipt, so the judicial officer can confirm the numbers match despite any discrepancy on the citation itself.
Does an app payment receipt work the same as a meter printout?
Yes. A screenshot of your mobile parking-payment app transaction history showing the location, date, and time of purchase is treated the same as a meter-printed receipt.
Can I email this receipt to the court instead of appearing?
No. Denver has no online or mail option for disputing a citation — you must bring the receipt in person to the scheduled Final Hearing and present it directly to the judicial officer.
Nervous about sending it yourself?
we’ll read it over with you.
Email the situation and a volunteer attorney will respond. No commitment, no invoice, no judgment — just an honest second pair of eyes from someone who actually understands the law.
info@imfrustrated.org