Colorado Public Records /Colorado Court Records Online

Colorado Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Colorado Open to the Public?

Yes, Colorado court records are open to the public as mandated by the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). This law ensures that records maintained by Colorado's government and law enforcement agencies are accessible to any member of the public. To request these records, individuals must provide specific information such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, or the attorney's name.

In some cases, additional identifying information like the date of birth or address may be required to facilitate the search. Requesters should be prepared to pay any associated fees for obtaining copies of the records.

What Information Appears in a Colorado Court Records Search?

Case number
Names of parties involved
Names of attorneys
Court orders and judgments
Filed documents and exhibits
Transcripts and recordings of proceedings
Dates of court hearings and filings

How To Find Court Records in Colorado

To find court records in Colorado, the first step is to identify the court where the case was filed. Court records are maintained by the Clerks of Court and can be accessed either in person or remotely. Individuals can visit the courthouse to request records or use the Colorado Judicial Branch website for online searches.

For online access, the Court Docket Search tool allows users to search by case number, party name, or attorney bar number. While case information is accessible online, obtaining copies of documents usually requires an in-person visit to the courthouse. Fees for accessing records include 25 cents per electronic page and 75 cents per printed page.

Public Access to Colorado Court Records

The state judiciary provides public access to court records and electronic versions of case information from Colorado District and County Courts. Records can be searched by selecting the appropriate court and county and then entering the case number, party names, or attorney bar number. For specific access, individuals may need to visit or contact the court where the case was filed.

Searching Colorado Court Records by Name

To search court records by name, visit the Colorado Courts E-Filing portal. This online tool allows users to create an account and access court records by entering the party's name, case number, or court.

In-person requests can also be made at the courthouse or the court's records department. Requesters need to provide the party's name and any additional identifying information, such as the case number or date of birth, to facilitate the search. Mail requests should include similar details and be addressed to the court's records department.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Colorado

Accessing court records online for free in Colorado can be challenging as few resources offer this service. However, some courts provide public access to remote computers for conducting searches. This requires visiting the courthouse where the case was filed and providing identifying information.

Third-party websites may also offer access to court records, although they are not government-sponsored and availability may vary. These sites often require the name of the person listed in the record and the last known location, such as city or county, to perform a search.

Exemptions for Colorado Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public access under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). These exemptions include:

Records that are privileged or confidential under state or federal law
Ongoing criminal investigations
Trade secrets or other proprietary information
Personal privacy
Records protected by court order
Medical and health records
Attorney-client privilege
Protected speech
Juvenile court records

Access to these exempt records may be granted under specific conditions, typically to parties involved in the case, law enforcement, or government legal aid.

Finding a Court Docket in Colorado

Colorado court dockets are schedules that contain information about cases being heard in a particular court. They include the names of the parties involved, the type of case, the date and time of the hearing, and the courtroom number.

Court dockets can be accessed online through the Colorado Judicial Branch's website. Users can search by case number, party name, or date of the hearing. While dockets are generally public, specific information may be restricted for privacy or other reasons.

What Information Is Found in Colorado Judgment Records?

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Specific claims or charges
Issued judgment

Are Bankruptcy Records in Colorado Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Colorado are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide specific information such as the debtor's name, case number, or filing date to obtain these records.

Bankruptcy records can be accessed through the Colorado Bankruptcy Court website or by contacting the court directly. PACER, a national database, also provides access to federal court records, including bankruptcy cases, for a small fee.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Colorado

To search for bankruptcy records in Colorado, visit the Colorado Bankruptcy Court website. Individuals can search for cases by providing the debtor's name, case number, or filing date.

Another option is the PACER system, which requires registration and charges $0.10 per page, with a maximum of $3.00 per document. Requesters can also contact the bankruptcy court directly for assistance in locating records.

Different Types of Courts in Colorado

Municipal Courts: Handle minor traffic offenses, civil issues, and misdemeanors.
County Courts: Deal with minor criminal cases, civil cases with limited monetary jurisdiction, and small claims.
District Courts: General jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, larger civil cases, and family law matters.
Colorado Court of Appeals: Hears appeals from district court decisions.
Colorado Supreme Court: The highest court, administering the state's judicial system and handling appeals from the Court of Appeals.
Specialized Courts: Include juvenile courts, probate courts, and water courts.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Colorado

Colorado Small Claims Courts are divisions of the County Court designed for quick resolution of civil matters involving amounts up to $7,500. These courts have relaxed rules and typically do not allow attorney representation. Magistrates often handle cases instead of judges, and no jury trials are held.

Civil cases in County Courts have a higher monetary threshold, with damages capped at $15,000. Discovery is permitted if requested. District Courts handle civil cases with no limit on the amount of damages and allow for more extensive legal procedures, including discovery and jury trials.

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