How to File a Sexual Harassment Claim in Colorado: CCRD & EEOC Process (2026)

If you've experienced sexual harassment at work in Colorado, you have two main options for filing a formal complaint: the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Both agencies investigate harassment claims and can lead to legal remedies, but the processes differ. Understanding your options and the filing requirements is essential to protecting your rights.

This guide walks you through every step of filing a sexual harassment claim in Colorado, from gathering evidence to receiving a right-to-sue letter.

Understanding Your Filing Options

Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)

State agency enforcing CADA:

Handles Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act violations
Covers ALL employers (even 1-employee businesses)
300-day filing deadline from last harassing act
Free investigation services
Can issue immediate right-to-sue letter

Best for:

Small employers (under 15 employees)
Wanting Colorado-specific remedies
Preferring state investigation
Quick access to courts

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Federal agency enforcing Title VII:

Covers employers with 15+ employees
300-day filing deadline in Colorado
Dual-filing agreements with CCRD
Federal investigation process
Can pursue federal court remedies

Best for:

Large employers
Multi-state employers
Federal government positions
Wanting federal investigation

Can You File with Both?

Yes. Colorado has dual-filing agreements:

Filing with one often counts as filing with both
Agencies coordinate to avoid duplicate investigations
You preserve rights under both state and federal law
Many people file with CCRD first for faster processing

Before You File: Preparation Steps

Gather Documentation

Incident records:

Dates, times, locations of harassment
Detailed description of what happened
Exact words or actions of harasser
Your responses and how you felt
Impact on your work performance

Evidence:

Emails, texts, or messages from harasser
Photos of offensive materials
Screenshots of inappropriate communications
Performance reviews (before and after harassment)
Medical or therapy records
Witness statements if available

Employment information:

Your job title and dates of employment
Harasser's name, title, and relationship to you
Employer's name, address, and contact information
Number of employees (if known)
HR contacts and supervisors

Internal Reporting (If Safe)

Consider reporting to employer first:

Follow company's harassment complaint policy
Report in writing when possible
Keep copies of all complaints
Document employer's response (or lack thereof)
Note any retaliation after reporting

Benefits of internal reporting:

Creates official record
Gives employer chance to fix problem
Strengthens legal claim if employer fails to act
Shows you attempted to resolve internally

When to skip internal reporting:

Harasser is owner or top executive
You fear retaliation
Employer has history of ignoring complaints
Situation is dangerous
You've already been fired

Filing with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)

Step 1: Initiate Your Complaint

Online filing (recommended):

Visit: ccrd.colorado.gov{rel="nofollow"}
Click "File a Charge of Discrimination"
Create account or log in
Complete online intake form
Submit electronically

By mail or in person:

Download complaint form from website
Complete and sign
Mail to: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202
Or visit Denver office in person

By phone:

Call: 303-894-2997 or 1-800-262-4845
Request assistance with filing
CCRD staff can help complete forms

Step 2: Complete the Intake Questionnaire

Information you'll need to provide:

Your information:

Full name and contact details
Address, phone, email
Whether you want attorney notification

Employer information:

Business name and address
Number of employees
Contact person (usually HR)

Harassment details:

Type of discrimination (sex/sexual harassment)
Dates harassment occurred
Description of incidents
Names of harasser(s)
Whether you reported internally
Current employment status

Requested relief:

What outcome you're seeking
Damages or remedies wanted

Step 3: CCRD Review and Investigation Options

CCRD will review your charge and:

Option 1: Investigate your claim

Notify your employer within 10 days
Request employer's response
Interview witnesses
Review documents
Make finding (reasonable cause or no reasonable cause)
Process takes 6-12 months typically

Option 2: Issue immediate right-to-sue

You can request this at filing
Allows you to proceed directly to court
Skips CCRD investigation
Useful if you want to move quickly or hire attorney
Must file lawsuit within 1 year of right-to-sue

Option 3: Mediation

Voluntary process to resolve claim
Free mediator provided by CCRD
Can happen early in process
Both parties must agree
Settlement discussions confidential

Step 4: After CCRD Investigation

If reasonable cause found:

CCRD attempts conciliation with employer
Negotiates settlement on your behalf
Issues right-to-sue if conciliation fails
You can then file lawsuit

If no reasonable cause found:

CCRD issues dismissal and right-to-sue
You can still file lawsuit in court
CCRD finding not binding on court
Consult attorney about case strength

Filing with the EEOC

Step 1: Contact the EEOC

Denver field office:

Address: 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 410, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
TTY: 1-800-669-6820

Initial contact:

Call or visit to discuss your situation
EEOC determines if they have jurisdiction
Schedule intake appointment if appropriate

Step 2: File Your Charge

In person:

Visit Denver office with appointment
Bring all documentation
EEOC helps complete charge form
Sign under oath

By mail:

Complete charge form
Available on eeoc.gov
Mail to Denver office
Must be signed and dated

Information required:

Your contact information
Employer details (must have 15+ employees)
Brief description of harassment
Approximate dates
Your signature

Step 3: EEOC Investigation

After filing:

EEOC notifies employer within 10 days
Requests employer's position statement
May request additional information from both parties
May interview witnesses
Reviews documents

Investigation process:

Takes 6-12 months on average
Can be longer for complex cases
EEOC may offer mediation
Parties can settle at any time

Step 4: EEOC Determination

Reasonable cause finding:

EEOC attempts conciliation
Negotiates settlement
May file lawsuit on your behalf (rare)
Issues right-to-sue if conciliation fails

No reasonable cause finding:

EEOC issues dismissal and right-to-sue
You can still sue in federal court
90 days from right-to-sue to file lawsuit
Finding not binding on courts

Critical Deadlines to Remember

Filing Deadlines

CCRD and EEOC: 300 days

From last harassing act
Strict deadline—don't miss it
Ongoing harassment: clock restarts with each incident
Continuing violation doctrine may extend deadline

After right-to-sue:

CCRD: 1 year to file lawsuit
EEOC: 90 days to file lawsuit
Deadlines strictly enforced by courts

Statute of Limitations

Colorado state court:

If filing without CCRD complaint: varies by claim type
Consult attorney about direct court filing
Administrative filing usually required first

Learn more about deadlines and statute of limitations

What Happens During Investigation

Employer's Response

Employer must provide:

Position statement addressing allegations
Relevant documents (policies, complaints, investigations)
Witness information
Defense to claims

You may need to:

Respond to employer's statement
Provide additional evidence
Identify additional witnesses
Clarify timeline or facts

Your Rights During Investigation

You are protected from:

Retaliation for filing charge
Termination, demotion, or discipline
Hostile treatment
Any adverse action

If retaliation occurs:

Report immediately to CCRD/EEOC
Document all retaliatory acts
You have separate retaliation claim
Enhanced remedies available

Mediation Option

Benefits of mediation:

Free process through CCRD or EEOC
Faster than investigation
You control outcome
Confidential discussions
Creative settlements possible

Typical mediation outcomes:

Monetary settlement
Policy changes
Training requirements
Neutral references
Reinstatement or transfer

Potential Outcomes

Settlement

Most cases settle:

Can occur at any stage
During investigation or after
Before or after lawsuit filed
Parties negotiate terms

Common settlement terms:

Monetary compensation
Confidentiality agreements (optional)
Neutral job references
Policy or procedure changes
Your resignation or separation

Right-to-Sue Letter

Allows you to file lawsuit:

CCRD: Available immediately or after investigation
EEOC: After investigation or 180 days
Required before filing court case
Starts court filing deadline clock

Lawsuit in Court

If you file lawsuit:

Hire employment attorney (highly recommended)
File in state or federal court
Discovery process
Possible trial or settlement
Judge or jury decides case

Do You Need an Attorney?

For Administrative Filing

You can file without attorney:

CCRD and EEOC processes designed for individuals
Agencies provide assistance
Forms and information available online
No legal fees for investigation

Attorney can help with:

Evaluating case strength
Gathering evidence
Responding to employer
Negotiating settlement
Protecting your rights

For Litigation

Attorney essential if filing lawsuit:

Court procedures complex
Rules of evidence apply
Legal strategy required
Employer will have lawyers

Most employment attorneys:

Work on contingency (no upfront fees)
Paid percentage of recovery
Free initial consultations
Only paid if you win or settle

Tips for Successful Filing

Strengthen Your Claim

Before filing:

Document everything thoroughly
Preserve all evidence
Gather witness contact information
Know key dates and timeline
Understand your damages

During investigation:

Respond promptly to requests
Be truthful and accurate
Don't exaggerate or embellish
Stay organized
Keep copies of everything

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

Wait until deadline approaches to file
Fail to preserve evidence
Stop documenting after filing
Retaliate against employer
Discuss your case publicly
Miss response deadlines
Ignore retaliation

Do:

File as soon as possible
Keep detailed records
Continue documenting
Report any retaliation immediately
Maintain professionalism
Meet all deadlines
Follow agency instructions

Free Resources and Support

Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD):

Website: ccrd.colorado.gov{rel="nofollow"}
Phone: 303-894-2997 or 1-800-262-4845
Online filing portal
Free investigation services
Mediation services

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

Website: eeoc.gov{rel="nofollow"}
Denver Office: 1-800-669-4000
Free charge filing
Investigation services

Colorado Legal Services:

Free legal help for qualifying individuals
Employment discrimination assistance
Limited representation available

Colorado Bar Association:

Lawyer referral service
Find employment attorneys
Check attorney credentials

Related Resources

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about filing sexual harassment claims in Colorado and is not legal advice. Filing procedures and requirements can be complex. For advice about your specific situation and guidance through the filing process, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.

Official Resources:

Colorado Civil Rights Division: ccrd.colorado.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 303-894-2997
EEOC: eeoc.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 1-800-669-4000