Colorado Arrest Records Search
Arrest records provide important details about a person's apprehension and detainment by law enforcement for an alleged crime or criminal act. In Colorado, these records are public and can be accessed for various purposes, such as background checks or personal inquiries. However, it’s important to note that arrest records differ significantly from criminal records. An arrest does not equal guilt, and a criminal record is only established after a court conviction. Here's how you can look up arrest records, find people that are locked up in jail, and better understand the distinction between arrest and criminal records.
What Are Included in Colorado Arrest Records?
Arrest records, also known as police arrest reports, detail a person apprehension, the criminal incident, and that person's booking information when they are brought to jail. These records typically include the individual’s personal details (name, date of birth, and gender). They also include the alleged criminal charges, mugshots, arresting agency, and follow-up court arraignment dates. It is important to note that while these are considered criminal charges, they only indicate that the person was taken into custody. A formal criminal record, which reflects guilt, is only created after a court’s verdict or guilty plea.
How to Look Up Colorado Arrest Records
Colorado arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies at the city and county levels. Many of these agencies provide online portals for public record access. Here’s how you can lookup someone's arresting information online:
1). Visit the Relevant Law Enforcement Website: Start with the police department or sheriff’s office website for the city or county where the arrest occurred. For example, you can contact the city police department if the arrest was made within the city limits, such as with the Denver Police Department.
2). Search County Jail Websites: If the arrest was made by the county sheriff department, then you can contact the respective county jail, such as the El Pas County Jail, where you can run a jail inmate search by name.
3). Check Third Party Websites: There are a multitude of public record and background check websites that collect and index arrest records and criminal records from law enforcment websites. These resource are very helpful for locating a person with a statewide search. This way you don't have to check every county or city law enforcement agency to find the records you are looking for.
How to Lookup Colorado Mugshots
If the person you are researching has been detained in a city or county jail or detention center, they will have their fingerprints and mugshots taken at the time of booking. While fingerprints are not considered public records, Colorado mugshots are. They are typically attached to the booking information on a police arrest report and can be found the same way of looking up someone's arrest record. For example, if you want to lookup mugshots in Garfield County Colorado, you can contact the Garfield County Sheriff Department, or the Garfield County Jail.
Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records
It’s important to understand the distinction between arrest records and criminal records, as one is an allegation of a crime, and the other is a conviction of a crime. This distinction matters because individuals listed in arrest records are presumed innocent until proven guilty. An arrest alone does not establish guilt. Here are the differences between the two:
Arrest Records: These are records of detainment, showing a person was arrested, not convicted. Arrests can occur based on reasonable suspicion, and charges may be dropped later if found not guilty or insufficient evidence to convict.
Criminal Records: Criminal records indicate a person has been found guilty of a crime in court. These records often include details of the conviction, sentencing, and penalties.
Are Colorado Arrests & Mugshots Considered Public Record?
Yes, both are considered publicly available information via Colorado Public Record Laws. This means that anyone can request and view these records without needing special permission. CO Arrests and mugshots can be found on county law enforcement websites, city police websites, and third party public record websites.
How Can I Find Out If Someone Was Arrested in Colorado?
If you know what county or city that person was arrested in, you can contact the police of sheriff departments in that city or county. If you do not know where to look, you can use a public records website to track down someone's arrest record and where they are being jailed. These privately run resources will allow you to search statewide with just a first and last name.
