District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin is pleased to announce the first-ever Eighth Judicial District Spring Citizen’s Academy. This free, four-week academy will be held on consecutive Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 29 to April 21, 2022. Each of the eight classes explores the role of various departments within the office. The academy will give citizens an in-depth look at what happens from the time someone is a1Tested all the way through trial and sentencing.
Citizen Academy
Attendees will explore the different functions of the specialized units within the District Attorney’s Office, including the Special Victims Unit, Investigations Unit, Victim & Witness Advocates Unit, Economic Crimes Unit, Complex Case Unit, Crime Scene Investigations, County Court, District Comi, and Specialty Programs.
Among many topics, citizens will also have the chance to learn about how charging decisions are made; the teamwork required to build cases and prosecute crimes; the considerations involved in plea negotiations; the supplies and services available to crime victims; the alternative to incarceration programs available in our district; our Critical Incident Response Team processes; and the intricacies of a jury trial through the experience of a mock trial and trial preparation.
Limited spaces are available. Preference will be given to applicants who live in the Eighth Judicial District (Larimer and Jackson Counties). Participants must be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and pass a criminal background check to be considered for attendance. Members of the media are welcome to apply. To apply, complete the online application at: https://larimer.org/da/community-relations.
The deadline for applications is March 11, 2022. Once the academy is full, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Attendees will be notified of their acceptance into the academy no later than March 18, 2022.
Questions may be emailed to 8thdist-da@co.larimer.co.us.