u/Equivalent-Split4349

Hi everyone, looking for real-life experience. I’m from Adams county and hired a landscaper who promised a full job, took my money (have the invoice), did no work, and then bailed. I have all the text messages showing the broken promises and photos of the unfinished.
Have camera footages, license plate, faces recorded.
Has anyone successfully won and collected (not just got a judgment) in Colorado small claims for something like this?
Is it worth filing a complaint with the state or police before filing a lawsuit?
Any tips on organizing the evidence for the judge?
I plan to send a demand letter, but want to know if they actually pay up.

Thank you 🙏🏼