Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse (D. Colo.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: After security, cell phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets and PDAs may be brought into any public area. They may not be used to take photos or make audio/video recordings in public areas, courtrooms or chambers without the judge's permission. Devices used mainly as cameras or recorders are banned unless a judge authorizes them. Recording-capable smart glasses are banned, and security may x-ray eyeglasses. Security may seize and search a device and delete unauthorized recordings. Violations may be contempt. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado |
|---|---|
| Address | 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | After security, cell phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets and PDAs may be brought into any public area. They may not be used to take photos or make audio/video recordings in public areas, courtrooms or chambers without the judge's permission. Devices used mainly as cameras or recorders are banned unless a judge authorizes them. Recording-capable smart glasses are banned, and security may x-ray eyeglasses. Security may seize and search a device and delete unauthorized recordings. Violations may be contempt. |
| Attorneys | Same rule as the public. Individual judges' practice standards may require phones to be off in their courtrooms. |
| Governing order | D.C.COLO.LCivR 83.1 (Recording Devices) and 83.2 (Security and Prohibited Items), Local Rules effective Dec. 1, 2025 |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Colorado county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse?
After security, cell phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets and PDAs may be brought into any public area. They may not be used to take photos or make audio/video recordings in public areas, courtrooms or chambers without the judge's permission. Devices used mainly as cameras or recorders are banned unless a judge authorizes them. Recording-capable smart glasses are banned, and security may x-ray eyeglasses. Security may seize and search a device and delete unauthorized recordings. Violations may be contempt.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse?
Same rule as the public. Individual judges' practice standards may require phones to be off in their courtrooms.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.