How to File a CCRD Discrimination Complaint in Colorado

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD), you must file within 300 days of the discriminatory act. File online, by phone, in person, or by mail. CCRD covers employers with just 1 employee. The process includes intake, investigation, possible mediation, and determination. Main phone: 303-894-2997 or toll-free 1-800-262-4845.

Filing is free and straightforward.

CCRD Overview

What Is CCRD

Colorado Civil Rights Division:

• State agency enforcing CADA
• Part of Dept. of Regulatory Agencies
• Investigates employment discrimination
• Also handles housing and public accommodations
• Free complaint process

CCRD Offices

Main Office - Denver:

• 1560 Broadway, Suite 825
• Denver, CO 80202
• Phone: 303-894-2997
• Toll-free: 1-800-262-4845

Regional presence:

• Serves entire state
• Virtual options available
• Appointments recommended

Before You File

300-Day Deadline

Critical timeline:

• Must file within 300 days
• From date of discriminatory act
• Or last act if continuing violation
• Same as federal EEOC deadline
• Don't miss this deadline

Calculate Your Deadline

Example:

• Discriminatory act: March 1
• Deadline: December 26 (300 days)
• File early to be safe

Gather Documentation

Collect before filing:

• Employment records
• Pay stubs
• Performance reviews
• Emails and texts
• Witness names and contacts
• Timeline of events

Filing Options

Online Filing

Preferred method:

• Visit ccrd.colorado.gov
• Complete online intake
• Submit documentation
• Track case online
• 24/7 availability

By Phone

Call CCRD:

• 303-894-2997
• Toll-free: 1-800-262-4845
• Staff will assist
• Schedule intake interview

In Person

Visit CCRD office:

• Denver location
• Appointment recommended
• Bring documentation
• Photo ID helpful

By Mail

Send to: Colorado Civil Rights Division 1560 Broadway, Suite 825 Denver, CO 80202

What to Include

Required Information

Your complaint needs:

Your Information:

• Full legal name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address

Employer Information:

• Company name
• Business address
• Phone number
• Number of employees

Complaint Details:

• Protected class(es)
• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• Witnesses

Protected Classes

Select which applies:

• Race/color
• National origin/ancestry
• Religion/creed
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity/expression
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Marriage to co-worker

Describing Discrimination

Be specific about:

• Exact incidents
• Dates (or approximate)
• People involved
• What was said or done
• How you were harmed
• Differential treatment

Supporting Documents

Attach if available:

• Termination letter
• Performance reviews
• Discriminatory emails
• Company policies
• Witness statements

Dual Filing with EEOC

Work-Sharing Agreement

CCRD and EEOC:

• Share complaints
• Filing with one can count for both
• Same 300-day deadline
• Preserves federal options

Why Dual File

Benefits:

• Preserves federal claims
• Different remedies available
• Strategic flexibility
• Same timeline

How to Request

When filing with CCRD:

• Indicate cross-filing preference
• CCRD can forward to EEOC
• Or file separately with EEOC

After You File

Case Assignment

CCRD will:

• Assign case number
• Assign investigator
• Send acknowledgment
• Notify employer (respondent)

Employer Response

Respondent must:

• Provide position statement
• Submit documents
• Respond to allegations
• Usually within 30 days

Investigation

CCRD will:

• Review all evidence
• Interview parties
• Interview witnesses
• Gather documents
• Assess credibility

Mediation Program

Early Resolution

CCRD offers mediation:

• Voluntary process
• Neutral mediator
• Before full investigation
• Can resolve quickly

Benefits of Mediation

Advantages:

• Faster resolution
• Less adversarial
• Creative solutions
• Confidential
• Control over outcome

What to Expect

In mediation:

• Mediator facilitates
• Both parties present
• Discuss options
• Negotiate terms
• Written agreement if resolved

CCRD Determination

Probable Cause

If CCRD finds evidence:

• Probable cause determination
• Moves to conciliation
• Or administrative hearing
• Case continues

No Probable Cause

If insufficient evidence:

• Dismissal
• Right to appeal
• Can file private lawsuit
• Request right-to-sue letter

Administrative Closure

May close for:

• Settlement reached
• Lack of jurisdiction
• Complainant uncooperative
• Withdrawal

Administrative Hearing

When It Occurs

If no settlement after probable cause:

• Hearing scheduled
• Before Administrative Law Judge
• Formal proceeding

Hearing Process

What happens:

• Opening statements
• Witness testimony
• Cross-examination
• Documentary evidence
• Closing arguments

Decision

ALJ issues:

• Findings of fact
• Legal conclusions
• Order with remedies
• Can be appealed

Going to Court

Right to Sue

You can request:

• Right-to-sue letter from CCRD
• After 180 days
• Or after determination
• Then file in court

Court Options

File in:

• Colorado state court
• Federal court (if federal claims)
• Jury trial available

Timing

After right-to-sue:

• 90 days to file federal court
• State court deadlines vary
• Act promptly

Timeline Expectations

Typical Process

General timeframes:

• Filing: Day 1
• Employer response: 30 days
• Investigation: 6-12 months
• Mediation: If parties agree
• Determination: After investigation
• Hearing: If probable cause

Factors Affecting Timeline

Process may be longer for:

• Complex cases
• Multiple allegations
• Many witnesses
• Employer delays

Tips for Success

Be Thorough

In your complaint:

• Include all relevant incidents
• Provide specific dates
• Name witnesses
• Attach documents
• Explain impact

Stay Responsive

During process:

• Answer CCRD inquiries promptly
• Update contact information
• Attend scheduled meetings
• Meet all deadlines

Document Everything

Keep records of:

• Communications with CCRD
• Evidence gathered
• Timeline updates
• All correspondence

Consider Mediation

Benefits:

• Faster resolution
• More control
• Less stressful
• Can still proceed if fails

Common Mistakes

Missing Deadline

Avoid by:

• Filing well before 300 days
• Not waiting for "more evidence"
• Understanding deadline is strict

Vague Complaints

Be specific:

• Exact incidents
• Specific dates
• Named individuals
• Clear connection to protected class

Not Following Up

Stay engaged:

• Respond to requests
• Check case status
• Update contact info
• Attend appointments

Incomplete Information

Provide:

• All employer details
• All incidents
• All witnesses
• All supporting documents

Retaliation Protection

It's Illegal

Employer cannot:

• Fire you for filing
• Demote or discipline
• Harass or retaliate
• Create hostile environment

If Retaliated Against

Options:

• Add retaliation to complaint
• File separate complaint
• Document everything
• Report to CCRD immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file without an attorney. But consider one for complex cases.

How long do I have to file?

300 days from the discriminatory act.

Does filing cost money?

No. Filing with CCRD is free.

Will my employer know I filed?

Yes. CCRD sends complaint to employer for response.

Can I file anonymously?

Generally no. Investigation requires identifying complainant.

What if CCRD dismisses my case?

You can appeal or request right-to-sue to pursue in court.

Related Topics

• Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Guide
• Colorado Workplace Discrimination
• Colorado Workplace Retaliation
• Colorado Employment Law Hub

Take Action

To file a CCRD complaint:

1. Calculate your 300-day deadline
2. Gather all documentation
3. Write detailed description
4. File online at ccrd.colorado.gov
5. Consider dual filing with EEOC
6. Keep copies of everything
7. Respond promptly to CCRD requests
8. Consider mediation

Your rights have a deadline. Act promptly.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing CCRD complaints and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.

For official information:

• Colorado Civil Rights Division: https://ccrd.colorado.gov | 303-894-2997
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: https://www.eeoc.gov | 1-800-669-4000