I work for Boulder County and received a written reprimand that will prevent me from receiving a raise next year. The reprimand was given using false information, a rebuttal was submitted to HR showing the information presented in the reprimand is false, but I was told the reprimand will still stand. Is this something I should seek representation for?

Thank you for the question. I understand how frustrating it must be to have false information used against you despite providing evidence to the contrary, especially when it affects your compensation.

Colorado follows the "at-will" employment doctrine, which means that an employer can usually treat its employees any way it likes, even if that treatment is unfair or unethical, as long as the action itself or the motive behind that action is not prohibited by law. Circumstances like this oftentimes reflect an ulterior motive for the disciplinary action. Depending on that ulterior motive,  your employer’s actions may cross the line into a legal violation. 

Additional considerations apply when the employer is a governmental entity, such as Boulder County. For example, the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (Colo. Rev. Stat. §24-10-101, et seq.) may provide certain protections to your employer that a non-governmental organization would not have.  

Based on the information you provided, I recommend that you speak with an attorney for a consultation. They’ll be able to offer more guidance regarding your situation. If you’d like to speak with someone on our Employment Law Team, you can reach out to our office at 303-688-0944 to find a convenient time or book a consultation online.