C.R.S. § 13-6-405: Magistrate in small claims court.

(1) In the following circumstances, a magistrate may hear and decide claims in a small claims court:

(a) In Class A counties, as defined in section 13-6-201, magistrates for small claims may be appointed by the presiding judge.

(b) In Class B counties, as defined in section 13-6-201, magistrates for small claims may be appointed, pursuant to section 13-3-105, if approved by the chief justice.

(2) A magistrate shall be a qualified attorney-at-law admitted to practice in the state of Colorado or a nonattorney if the nonattorney is serving as a county judge pursuant to section 13-6-203.

(3) While acting as a magistrate for small claims, a magistrate shall have the same powers as a judge.

(3.5) A magistrate shall have the power to solemnize marriages pursuant to the procedures in section 14-2-109, C.R.S.

(4) If any party files a timely written objection, pursuant to rule of the supreme court, with the magistrate conducting the hearing, that party's case shall be rereferred to a judge.