Colorado § 13-17-203 - Limitation on attorney fees in class action litigation against public entities.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-17-203 — Limitation on attorney fees in class action litigation against public entities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-17-203. Limitation on attorney fees in class action litigation against public entities.
If the plaintiffs prevail in any class action litigation brought against any public entity, as defined in section 24-10-103 (5), C.R.S., the amount of attorney fees which the plaintiffs' attorney is entitled to receive out of any award to the plaintiffs shall be determined by the court; except that such amount shall not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Such limitation shall apply where the public entity pays the attorney fees directly to the plaintiffs' attorneys or where the public entity is required to pay the attorney fees indirectly through any program it administers by reducing the benefits or amounts due to the individual plaintiffs.
Source: L. 92: Entire section added, p. 272, § 1, effective April 28.
Cross references: For provisions relating to limitations on attorney fees in class action litigation against public entities under the "Colorado Governmental Immunity Act", see § 24-10-114.5.
ANNOTATION
Where attorneys' right to fee award out of common fund established in class action vested before the enactment of this section, the state constitution prohibits the retrospective application of this section to defeat class counsel's right to the court-ordered fee. Kuhn v. State, 924 P.2d 1053 (Colo. 1996).
This section does not violate the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. or Colorado Constitutions because it is rationally related to the legitimate state interest of protecting class members' recovery for unlawful governmental action. A statute does not necessarily violate the equal protection guarantee because its classifications are imperfect. Buckley Powder Co. v. Colo., 70 P.3d 547 (Colo. App. 2002).
This section does not deny equal access to the courts. Aggrieved individuals may sue as individuals or as a class; therefore, the statutory cap does not place an unreasonable burden on class claimants. Buckley Powder Co. v. Colo., 70 P.3d 547 (Colo. App. 2002).
PART 3
RETENTION OF ATTORNEYS BY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES - LIMITATION ON CONTINGENT FEE CONTRACTS
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 13-17-203
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-17-203 cover?
Section 13-17-203 ("Limitation on attorney fees in class action litigation against public entities.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 13-17-203?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-17-203" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 13-17-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.