Quick answer: Colorado criminal court calendars use abbreviations such as FAPP, PTC, PTRD, and JT, but the exact label and purpose can vary by court, county, division, and case type. Your written notice and your attorney’s instructions control. If you are unsure what a setting means, confirm it before the court date rather than assuming it can be missed.
Criminal cases move through several stages, and the shorthand used on a docket can make an already stressful process harder to follow. The explanations below are a practical starting point—not a substitute for advice about your specific case.
Common Colorado criminal-court abbreviations
FAPP: First appearance
FAPP commonly means first appearance. At an initial appearance, the court may address the nature of the charges, the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, bond, and other basic rights. Colorado Rule of Criminal Procedure 5 describes required advisements in felony proceedings. The judge at this hearing is not necessarily the judge who will handle every later stage of the case.
PTC: Pretrial conference
PTC commonly means pretrial conference. It is generally a status setting before trial. Depending on the case and court, the parties may discuss discovery, pending motions, plea negotiations, scheduling, or whether the case is ready to move forward. A PTC does not automatically mean that a plea must be entered or that the case will be resolved that day.
PTRD: Pretrial readiness
PTRD often means pretrial readiness. This setting usually occurs after a trial date has been selected. The court may ask whether the parties are prepared, whether witnesses have been arranged, whether evidentiary or scheduling issues remain, and whether the trial date should stay in place. Local practice varies.
JT: Jury trial
JT commonly means jury trial. A trial setting may involve jury selection, witness testimony, exhibits, legal arguments, jury instructions, deliberation, and a verdict. A case listed for jury trial may still be continued or resolved before a jury is sworn, depending on court orders and the circumstances.
Other terms you may see
- Arraignment: A court proceeding at which the charge is addressed and a plea may be entered.
- Preliminary hearing: In qualifying felony cases, a hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to believe the charged offense was committed by the defendant. Eligibility and deadlines depend on the charge and custody status.
- Disposition or dispositional hearing: A setting focused on case evaluation, negotiations, or a possible resolution.
- Motions hearing: A hearing on a legal or evidentiary issue raised by one of the parties.
- Sentencing: The proceeding at which the court imposes a sentence after a conviction or guilty plea.
What should you do when you receive a court notice?
- Read the entire notice, including the date, time, courtroom, and appearance instructions.
- Do not rely only on an abbreviation or an old calendar entry.
- Check with your attorney before contacting the court about a represented case.
- Ask immediately if you are unsure whether the appearance is in person or remote.
- Do not miss a setting because you believe it is only a “check-in.” Missing court can create additional consequences.
Official Colorado resources
- Colorado Rule of Criminal Procedure 5: Preliminary Proceedings
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Rules of Criminal Procedure
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Court procedures and docket labels can change, and the facts of each case matter.
Talk with a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney
Maher & Maher Law represents people facing criminal charges in Colorado. For advice about your charge, upcoming court date, and defense options, review our criminal defense services or request a consultation.