How To Find Court Records In Colorado

Looking up court cases in Colorado just got easier. CourtCaseFinder simplifies the process, allowing you to search records from across the state, from Denver to Pueblo and every town in between, all in one place.

Depending on availability, results may include details on criminal cases, civil lawsuits, traffic violations, liens, judgments, bankruptcies, inmate and prison information, or other public court matters. In Colorado, you may also find records connected to water rights, mining, land use, and natural resources, issues significant in the state's history and geography.

Records maintained by the courts, covering district, county, municipal, and probate matters, help in verifying case details, following proceedings, and understanding Colorado's legal process. CourtCaseFinder saves you time and effort by bringing all the information together in a single, convenient search.

How To Access Colorado Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder offers a streamlined way to search across multiple courts in Colorado, you may also rely on official government channels, online, in-person, or by mail, to access public court records.

Online Access

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides an Access Guide to Public Records page, which explains your rights and how to inspect court documents under the Supreme Court Rule on Public Access to Information and Records and Chief Justice Directive 05-01.

Although you can't download case files directly from the website, you have the option to submit a Record/Document Request Form online. Once submitted, most requests are answered within three business days, unless special circumstances delay processing. Some types of records may be restricted and could require you to provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

Commercial vendors such as CoCourts.com or Background Information Services, Inc. are also authorized service providers for Colorado.

In-Person Access

You can visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was filed and request to view records in person. Some counties will charge per-page fees or fees related to retrieval. You can use the directory on the Colorado Judicial Branch website to find trial courts by district or county.

By Mail

If you're unable to go to a courthouse, you can submit a written request via mail. You may incur fees for copying, research, or redaction as outlined in the Criminal Justice Records Act.

Colorado Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In Colorado, most court records are open to the public under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). This law generally assumes that documents created and maintained by the courts are accessible unless a specific rule or statute restricts them.

When available, court records may include:

• Case filings, docket sheets, orders, and judgments in civil, criminal, probate, traffic, and family matters
• Party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and court schedules
• Transcripts or recordings of proceedings
• Information about divorce actions, traffic citations, arrests, and, in some cases, sex offender status

However, not all court records can be viewed by the public. Records that are restricted or sealed may include:

• Adoption files and most juvenile case records
• Certain criminal or probate cases that have been sealed or suppressed by court order
• Documents containing confidential information, such as protected exhibits or personal identifiers
• Internal or administrative records of the courts that are exempt from public release under state rules

Who Oversees the Courts in Colorado?

The Colorado Supreme Court is the highest authority in the state's judicial system, and its Chief Justice provides overall supervision of both state and county courts. Selected by their fellow justices, the Chief Justice serves as the administrative leader of the judiciary.

Some of the Chief Justice's key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the ex officio chair of the Supreme Court Nominating Commission
• Designating chief judges across the state and granting them authority to manage local courts
• Assigning active or retired judges to serve in courts as needed to address workflow or emergencies
• Holding administrative and supervisory authority over all state courts

To manage daily operations, the Chief Justice appoints a State Court Administrator, who heads the State Court Administrator's Office (SCAO). The responsibilities of the State Court Administrator include:

• Coordinating administrative and technical support for appellate and trial courts, as well as probation services
• Developing statewide policies and procedures for consistency among courts
• Preparing and managing the judicial branch budget while working with the legislature to secure resources
• Overseeing strategic initiatives, programs, and technology projects that improve court efficiency
• Managing facilities and implementing safety and security standards
• Acting as a key liaison between the judiciary, the legislature, local governments, and the public on administrative issues

What Types of Courts Exist in Colorado?

Navigating Colorado's court system is easier when you understand its structure. The system is organized into several levels, with each court type having specific authority and responsibilities.

The following table provides an overview of Colorado's main court types, their jurisdiction, and the kinds of cases they typically hear.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Colorado Supreme Court	Highest appellate court; final authority in state judicial matters	Appeals from the Court of Appeals and certain direct cases (e.g., constitutional issues, water rights, PUC decisions); also oversees rules and attorney regulation
Colorado Court of Appeals	An intermediate appellate court reviews most lower court decisions	Appeals from district courts, Denver Probate Court, Denver Juvenile Court, and some administrative agencies
District Courts	Courts of general jurisdiction across judicial districts	Civil cases (any amount), felony criminal, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, mental health, and sometimes water cases
County Courts	Limited jurisdiction courts serving each of the 64 counties	Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, civil cases, preliminary felony matters, and protection orders
Water Courts	Special divisions of district courts in each of Colorado's seven river basins	Exclusive jurisdiction over water rights, water use, and related disputes
Municipal Courts	Local courts created by municipalities (not generally part of the state system)	Violations of city ordinances, traffic, and petty offenses; some have limited civil jurisdiction; appeals often go to state courts

What Federal Courts Are In Colorado?

Colorado's federal court system operates separately from the state courts and has a more limited focus.

While state courts handle a broad range of everyday legal matters, federal courts only hear cases involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between people from different states (called diversity jurisdiction) where the amount of money involved is over $75,000.

Below is an overview of the federal courts that serve Colorado, including their location and coverage.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado	Serves as Colorado's federal trial court. It hears both civil and criminal cases that fall under federal jurisdiction, including constitutional issues, disputes involving federal law, admiralty, and cases where the U.S. government is a party.	Colorado Springs: 212 N. Wahsatch Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: (719) 471-3387 Denver: Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294 Phone: (303) 844-3433 Byron G. Rogers Courthouse, 1929 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80294 Phone: (303) 844-5424 Durango: La Plata County Courthouse, 1060 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 150, Durango, CO 81301 Phone: (970) 385-9564 Grand Junction: Wayne Aspinall Courthouse, 400 Rood Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501 Phone: (970) 245-5396
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of Colorado	Oversees every bankruptcy filing within the state. Its authority covers cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13.	721 19th St., Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (720) 904-7300

Cases appealed from the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado are handled by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is located in Denver, Colorado.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Colorado Courts?

Colorado's judicial system manages a large number of cases every year. The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes an Annual Statistical Report detailing these figures. According to the latest report, the annual total filings were:

• Supreme Court: ~1,300 cases
• Court of Appeals: ~2,300 cases
• District Courts: ~205,900 cases
• County Courts: ~381,900 cases
• Water Courts: ~800 cases

Within these filings, district and county courts handle the majority of the state's caseload. Estimated annual filings by case type include:

Court Level	Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
District Court	Civil	~93,000
	Criminal	~40,000
	Domestic Relations	~31,000
	Juvenile	~17,000
	Mental Health	~8,000
	Probate	~18,000
County Court	Civil	~136,000
	Infractions	~75,000
	Misdemeanors	~64,000
	Small Claims	~5,000
	Traffic	~85,000
	Felony Complaints	~17,000

How Do I File a Case in Colorado Courts?

Filing in Colorado is straightforward once you know your court and forms. This step-by-step guide explains the general procedures for initiating a case in the state.

Figure Out the Right Court

Start by determining which court has jurisdiction over your case. If your situation qualifies as a small claim, you will need to determine the proper county court before completing any forms or submitting your filing. The correct location is usually based on one of the following:

• The county where the defendant lives
• The county where the defendant works or maintains a business office
• The county where the defendant attends school
• The county where the property is located, in cases involving restrictive covenants or disputes over security deposits

Gather the Required Forms

The Colorado Judicial Branch's Self-Help Forms page provides free forms and instructions for most case types, including petitions, complaints, responses, and other required documents.

File Your Paperwork

You can file documents in person at the courthouse, by mail, or online. Attorneys must use the statewide e-filing system.

Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) is available to non-attorneys only for domestic relations and eviction cases. New eviction cases cannot be initiated in CCE, you must open the case at the court first. You may e-file subsequent documents after the case is created. Guidance is available on the E-Filing for Non-Attorneys portal.

Pay Filing Fees (Or Request a Waiver)

When you submit your case, you'll need to pay a filing fee. The exact amount depends on the type of case and the court where it's filed.

For example, county court civil cases typically range from $95 to $145, depending on the claim amount. Filing for divorce or legal separation costs $260, while small claims cases range from $31 to $55. If you choose to e-file, there is also a $12 charge per filing or service.

A full breakdown of fees is available in the Colorado Judicial Branch's official fee schedule. If you cannot afford to pay, you can apply for a fee waiver by completing Form JDF 205 (Motion to File Waive Fees) and Form JDF 206 (Order re Court Fees). These waivers are authorized under Chief Justice Directive 98-01.

Serve the Other Party

Once your case has been filed, the next step is to make sure the opposing party receives the necessary paperwork. This step, known as service of process, ensures that the other side is officially informed of the case. You cannot serve the papers yourself.

In Colorado, service can be carried out by a county sheriff (for a set fee), a professional process server, or an adult over 18 who is not connected to the case. After delivery, the individual who completed the service must provide you with an Affidavit of Service (Form JDF 98), which serves as proof that the documents were delivered and must be filed with the court.

Alternatively, if the other party agrees, they may accept the paperwork by mail. In that situation, you would send the documents along with a Waiver and Acceptance of Service form.

Once signed and returned, the waiver should be filed with the court. If the other party does not agree, personal service following the applicable court rules (Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4and Rule 304) will be required.

Track Your Case

After your case has been filed, you can keep up with its progress using Colorado's statewide Docket Search. This tool lets you view updates such as new filings, scheduled hearings, and case status. For additional details, like in-person schedules or Webex links for virtual hearings, you can also check the website of the specific county court handling your case.

How Is the Colorado Court System Unique?

Colorado stands out for its dedicated water courts, one of the state's most distinctive judicial features. Established by the Water Rights Determination and Administration Act of 1969, these specialized courts have exclusive authority over all water-rights matters.

That means disputes over water usage, priority claims, changes to rights, and rights administration fall under their jurisdiction. This setup is rare, as Colorado is the only state in the U.S. with permanent courts devoted solely to water issues.

Another unique aspect is the presence of problem-solving or specialty courts, which include adult drug courts, mental health courts, veterans treatment courts, DUI courts, and family treatment courts.

These courts emphasize recovery and rehabilitation, working with multidisciplinary teams to help individuals address underlying causes of criminal behavior rather than relying solely on punishment.

Colorado Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Adams
• Alamosa
• Arapahoe
• Archuleta
• Baca
• Bent
• Boulder
• Broomfield
• Chaffee
• Cheyenne
• Clear Creek
• Conejos
• Costilla
• Crowley
• Custer
• Delta
• Denver
• Dolores
• Douglas
• Eagle
• El Paso
• Elbert
• Fremont
• Garfield
• Gilpin
• Grand
• Gunnison
• Hinsdale
• Huerfano
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Kiowa
• Kit Carson
• La Plata
• Lake
• Larimer
• Las Animas
• Lincoln
• Logan
• Mesa
• Mineral
• Moffat
• Montezuma
• Montrose
• Morgan
• Otero
• Ouray
• Park
• Phillips
• Pitkin
• Prowers
• Pueblo
• Rio Blanco
• Rio Grande
• Routt
• Saguache
• San Juan
• San Miguel
• Sedgwick
• Summit
• Teller
• Washington
• Weld
• Yuma

Where to Find Additional Information About Colorado Courts?

• Colorado Courts
• Colorado State Records
• Denver DA
• COD The United States District Courts

FAQs