The 8th Judicial District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin is pleased to announce the dates for the second annual Citizens Academy. 

The free, four-week academy will be held on consecutive Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 28th to April 20th, 2023 through the Larimer and Jackson Counties District Attorney’s Office in Fort Collins. 

The Citizens Academy promotes transparency and public understanding of what happens from the time someone is arrested all the way through trial and conviction.  Each of the eight classes explores the roles of various departments within the office, culminating in a mock trial in the final session.

In 2022, 23 citizens attended the first 8th Judicial DA Citizens Academy with overwhelmingly positive reception. “It is a unique opportunity both for people to learn more about the work we do and for us to engage in meaningful conversations with citizens,” says DA McLaughlin. “That’s why I look forward to welcoming a second class of community members and to continue the program.”

Attendees will meet and learn from the specialized departments 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 Court, and Specialty Programs. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how charging decisions are made, the teamwork required to build and prosecute cases, considerations involved in plea negotiations, the support and services provided to victims of crime, the Critical Incident Response Team process, and alternative to incarceration programs like diversion and restorative justice initiatives.

Limited spaces are available. Preference will be given to applicants who live in the 8th Judicial District and are first-time attendees. Participants must be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and complete a criminal background check to be considered for acceptance. 

Applications are due by Wednesday, March 8. Applications may be completed online or delivered or mailed to the following address: 

8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
201 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Attn: Brianna Jones