Colorado Criminal Records Search

This site provides electronic access to publicly available criminal records in Colorado. These records outline an individual’s criminal history and any convictions within the state. Information available to the public is collected and managed by law enforcement, criminal courts, correctional institutions, and several third-party sources. These public records are often used for background checks, legal purposes, and personal inquiries. Criminal records in Colorado include arrest records, criminal charges, court documents, convictions, warrants, and incarceration details. Understanding the types of criminal records available, as well as the differences between felonies and misdemeanors, is important for anyone involved in Colorado’s criminal justice matters. 

Types of Criminal Records in Colorado 

Colorado criminal records are organized into different categories, each covering a unique aspect of the state's criminal justice system. Key categories include: 

1). Arrest Records: These records capture incidents where an individual was detained by law enforcement, booked, and fingerprinted. Arrests don’t always indicate guilt, though many result in convictions. 

2). Court Records: This category includes documents from criminal court proceedings, such as charges, hearings, trials, and rulings, providing a timeline and outcomes of cases within the state's criminal courts. 

3). Conviction Records: These records confirm a guilty verdict, either through a trial or a plea. Convictions often lead to sentences that may involve fines, restitution, or imprisonment. 

4). Incarceration Records: These detail the locations and duration of prison stays and often include information about parole or probation. 

5). Active Warrants: Warrants may include court orders for an individual to appear in court (bench warrants) or directives for law enforcement to arrest a person (arrest warrants) for alleged offenses. 

6). Sex Offender Registry: Colorado requires individuals convicted of sex crimes to register, with their information accessible to the public. These records show names and locations of registered offenders. 

7). Juvenile Records: Generally sealed, these records cover offenses committed by individuals under 18. Access to juvenile records is typically restricted from the public. 

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in Colorado 

Colorado classifies crimes primarily as felonies or misdemeanors, which differ significantly in terms of severity, legal consequences, and long-term impact. 

Felonies: These are serious offenses carrying penalties such as over a year in prison, substantial fines, or, in severe cases, capital punishment. Colorado divides felonies into five classes, with Class Y as the most severe, including offenses like murder and rape, followed by Classes A, B, C, and D. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, and drug trafficking. Felony convictions can lead to lasting impacts like losing voting rights, employment challenges, and travel restrictions. 

Misdemeanors: Less serious than felonies, misdemeanors typically result in lighter penalties, such as fines or jail time of up to one year. They are classified into Classes A, B, and C, with Class A being the most serious. Common Colorado misdemeanors include minor theft, disorderly conduct, and minor drug possession. Although carrying less stigma, misdemeanors can still affect employment opportunities and show up on background checks. 

Are Colorado Criminal Records Considered Public Records?

Yes, the majority of all criminal records including misdemeanors, felonies, and criminal infractions are part of the public records system in Colorado. This means that they will show up on a background check and anyone can view another person's criminal history without needing to ask permission.

How Do I Lookup Someone's Colorado Criminal Records Anonymously?

There are a multitude of third party pubic record website and background check websites that allow users to anonymously search another person's criminal history without anyone knowing about it. This is because a person's criminal history is considered public record which means that you do not have to notify anyone you are looking up their criminal past.

Can I Run a Free Colorado Criminal Records Search?

Yes, there are some free online resources such as the county court websites, and some law enforcement website that will allow you to view certain criminal records for free. However, if you want to run a comprehensive criminal background check on someone, you will need to pay for those reports.