Key Resources for Colorado Court Records
- Colorado Judicial Branch: 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 (View on Google Maps)
- Phone: 720-625-5000
- Docket Search
- Access Guide to Public Records
Make sure to verify your findings with official Colorado portals for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Overview of Court Records in Colorado
Colorado court records are managed by the state's judicial system, which includes trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. These records can be accessed online through the Colorado Judicial Branch, though some details may only be available through county-level resources. Federal court records are handled separately from state records and are not available via state-level portals.
To access court records, the Colorado Judicial Branch provides a case lookup tool. However, some case details such as sealed, juvenile, or expunged records may not be available online.
Understanding the Court System in Colorado
Colorado's court system is divided into three main levels: the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and trial courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and handles appeals from the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals reviews cases from trial courts in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Trial courts handle the initial cases and include district courts and county courts, each with specific jurisdictions.
A case may start at the district or county court level, depending on its nature and seriousness. If a party wishes to appeal a decision, it can be escalated to the Court of Appeals, and in some cases, to the Colorado Supreme Court.
Using the Official Colorado Case Lookup Tool
To search for court cases in Colorado, you can access the official Case Lookup Tool. This tool allows users to search by various criteria, such as party names, case numbers, or court type. It provides access to court dockets, including upcoming hearings and recent case activity. It's important to note that court opinions (final decisions) may be accessed through separate portals.
The Case Lookup Tool does not provide all court records; sensitive information such as juvenile, sealed, or expunged records may be restricted. If you need official copies or certified records, contact the relevant court for assistance.
Which Court Handles What in Colorado
In Colorado, the type of case and its level of complexity determine which court will handle it. Criminal, civil, family, probate, and small claims cases are typically filed in district or county courts. For higher-value cases or more complex legal matters, district courts are the appropriate venue. Water-related cases, for example, are handled exclusively in water courts.
Each court has its own jurisdiction based on factors such as the monetary value of the case or its subject matter. For specialized matters, such as water rights or specific administrative reviews, other courts like the Water Court or Appellate Court may be involved.
Getting Certified Copies of Court Documents in Colorado
Certified copies of court records in Colorado are typically issued by the Clerk of the relevant court. To obtain a certified copy, you may need to submit a formal request either in person, by mail, or through the online records request form. Some cases may require identity verification as part of the process.
Certified records are generally required for legal purposes, such as official proceedings or applications. The process may involve a fee, and fees may vary depending on the court and type of document requested.
Access Limits and Notices for Court Records in Colorado
There are restrictions on accessing certain types of records, such as juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and sealed documents. Even when case information is available, some records may be incomplete or require additional verification for release.
While statewide portals provide basic summaries and docket information, many case files, original documents, and certified copies are maintained by the local county clerks. Users seeking detailed records, exhibits, or older documents must contact the appropriate county-level office.
| County | Court Records |
|---|---|
| El Paso County | Search |