Colorado Revised Statutes Title 16. Criminal Proceedings § 16-5-101. Commencement of prosecution

(1) Unless otherwise provided by law, a criminal action for violation of any statute may be commenced in one of the following ways:

(2) The procedures governing felony complaints filed in the county court and warrants or summonses issued in connection therewith shall be in accordance with and as required by the applicable provisions of the rules of criminal procedure promulgated by the supreme court of Colorado.

(3) Where the offense charged is a misdemeanor or petty offense, the action may be commenced in the county court as provided in subsection (1)(d) of this section, and the issues shall then be tried in the county court. As to misdemeanors or petty offenses thus filed and tried in the county court, the simplified procedures enumerated in part 1 of article 2 of this title shall be applicable.