Denver Human Rights Commission: Investigation Process

Civil Rights and Equity Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado the municipal process for discrimination and civil-rights complaints is administered through the city Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships and the Denver Human Rights Commission. The office accepts complaints, investigates alleged violations of city nondiscrimination ordinances, and may refer matters to administrative hearings or other remedies; see the office for procedures and contacts Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships[1].

File promptly after an incident to preserve options for investigation and appeal.

Overview of the Investigation Process

The typical sequence begins with intake and screening, then a written complaint, investigation, possible mediation, findings, and a determination about administrative or civil enforcement. Timeframes, evidentiary standards, and remedies are governed by city rules and ordinances; specific procedural timelines are provided by the enforcing office during intake.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships and, where applicable, the Denver Human Rights Commission or administrative hearing officers. Where statutory fines or civil penalties are set in ordinance or rule, they are applied as published; where amounts or escalation rules are not available on the cited page, the text below states that fact and points to the controlling office or code for details.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code and office guidance for any civil penalties and fee schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and graduated penalties are not specified on the cited page and depend on ordinance or administrative rules.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: typical remedies include orders to cease discriminatory practices, affirmative relief, reinstatement or accommodation directives, or referral to civil court; specific remedies are set in ordinance or by administrative order.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathways: complaints and intake are handled by the Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships; official contact and complaint submission information is available from the office page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: administrative appeal routes and time limits are provided in hearing decisions or procedural rules; exact appeal periods are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defenses and discretion: responses often include factual defenses, statutory exemptions, permitted accommodations or variances, and the office or hearing officer retains discretion to weigh evidence.
If a precise fine, fee, or deadline is essential, request the office's procedural memo or consult the municipal code directly.

Applications & Forms

The Office of Human Rights typically provides an intake form or complaint template for discrimination claims; if no specific form is published on the office pages, then no single form number is specified on the cited page and the office accepts written complaints via its intake procedures. For official forms and any application fees, contact the office directly or check the municipal code and the office website.[1]

Investigation steps and typical timeline

  • Intake and screening: the office evaluates jurisdiction and timeliness, then opens a complaint.
  • Investigation: document collection, witness interviews, and evidence review.
  • Mediation or conciliation: voluntary settlement options are often offered before an adversarial hearing.
  • Hearing or determination: findings are issued and any remedies ordered.
  • Enforcement or referral: if necessary, matters may be referred to court or to other agencies for enforcement of orders.
Keep organized records of dates, communications, and witnesses to strengthen your complaint file.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint?
Any person who believes they were subjected to discrimination under Denver's nondiscrimination ordinances may file a complaint with the Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships.
How long does an investigation take?
Investigation length varies by case complexity and caseload; exact timelines are provided by the office during intake.
Can I get legal representation?
Yes, parties may be represented by an attorney at any stage, including intake, mediation, and hearing.

How-To

  1. Prepare a short written statement of the alleged discriminatory act with dates, locations, and names of involved parties.
  2. Gather supporting documents, communications, and witness contact information.
  3. Submit your complaint using the Office of Human Rights intake process on the city website or by contacting the office directly.[1]
  4. Respond to any requests from investigators for additional information or documents promptly.
  5. Consider mediation if offered and consult an attorney if you expect litigation or need legal advice.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Office of Human Rights for intake and forms to ensure proper filing.
  • Document dates, witnesses, and evidence early to preserve your case.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Denver Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships
  2. [2] Denver Revised Municipal Code (Municode)

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