Colorado Arrest Records

Colorado Public Records /Colorado Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Colorado?

Yes, arrest records in Colorado are generally considered public information under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). These laws establish that criminal justice records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public with certain exceptions and limitations.

Colorado follows the principle of government transparency, allowing citizens to access various criminal justice records maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities throughout the state. However, public access to arrest records may be subject to restrictions based on the status of the case, the sensitivity of the information, and the potential impact on ongoing investigations.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Colorado?

Access to arrest records in Colorado is primarily governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to criminal justice records, including arrest records, while balancing transparency with privacy concerns and law enforcement needs.

The CCJRA works in conjunction with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), found in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 through § 24-72-206, which governs access to public records more broadly.

Key provisions of these laws include:

Classification of criminal justice records as "records of official actions" (which must be disclosed upon request) and "criminal justice records" (for which disclosure is discretionary)
Procedures for requesting and obtaining criminal justice records
Grounds for denying access to certain records
Fee structures for record requests
Provisions for sealing or expunging records under specific circumstances

Additionally, the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Sealing Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709) provides mechanisms for sealing certain arrest records under specific conditions.

These laws are supplemented by various court decisions that have interpreted their provisions and established precedents for their application in different contexts.

What Information Is Included in a Colorado Arrest Record?

Colorado arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The specific content may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, but generally includes:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (often partially redacted in public records)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Arraignment date
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
- Current status of the case
Disposition Information (if available):
- Final charges
- Plea information
- Verdict or case outcome
- Sentencing details
- Probation or parole information
Additional Information:
- Prior criminal history references
- Warrant information (if applicable)
- Protection orders (if applicable)
- Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Colorado in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Colorado involves several methods depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Colorado in 2025:

In-Person Requests

You can request arrest records directly from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Lakewood, CO 80215
(303) 239-4208
Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

To request records in person:

Visit the appropriate agency during business hours
Complete a record request form
Provide valid identification
Pay applicable fees
Specify the records you're seeking as precisely as possible

Mail Requests

Most agencies accept written requests for arrest records by mail:

Prepare a written request including:
- Your full name and contact information
- The subject's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information
- Specific information requested
- Your relationship to the subject (if requesting someone else's records)
- Notarized authorization (if applicable)
Include a check or money order for applicable fees
Mail to the appropriate agency

Court Records

For arrest records related to court cases:

Colorado Judicial Branch
2 East 14th Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 625-5000
Colorado Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was processed or use the online court records system.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Colorado

Colorado offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally:

Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Records Check

The CBI provides an online system for requesting criminal history information:

Visit the CBI Records Check website
Create an account or log in
Select the type of search you wish to conduct
Enter the required information
Pay the fee ($5-$13 depending on search type)
Receive results electronically

Colorado Courts Records Search

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a searchable database of court records:

Access the Colorado Courts E-Filing system
Register for an account if needed
Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
Pay applicable fees for detailed records
View or download available documents

County Sheriff and Police Department Websites

Many Colorado law enforcement agencies maintain online inmate lookup tools or arrest logs:

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, access to arrest records varies based on the requester's identity and purpose:

General Public Access

Members of the general public can access:

Records of official actions (arrests, indictments, charges filed, etc.)
Criminal justice records at the discretion of the records custodian
Court records through the judicial system

Enhanced Access

Certain individuals and organizations may have broader access rights:

Criminal Justice Agencies: Law enforcement, courts, corrections, and other criminal justice agencies have comprehensive access for official purposes.
The Subject of the Record: Individuals have the right to access their own criminal history information.
Licensed Professionals: Attorneys representing clients in criminal matters have access relevant to their cases.
Authorized Researchers: Academic or policy researchers may access records with proper protocols for confidentiality.
Government Agencies: Various government entities may access records for licensing, employment, or regulatory purposes.
Employers: For certain positions (education, healthcare, financial services, etc.), employers may have statutory authority to conduct background checks.

Restricted Access

Access may be limited for:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with exceptions)
Sealed or expunged records
Records containing confidential informant information
Information that would compromise public safety

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing arrest records and other criminal justice information. These fees vary by agency and request type:

Standard Fee Schedule

CBI Criminal History Check: $5-$13 - Varies by search type Local Police/Sheriff Records: $5-$25 - Varies by jurisdiction Court Records Search: $0.75 per page - Additional certification fees may apply Certified Court Documents: $20+ - Varies by document type Research Fee: $30/hour - For requests requiring extensive research Expedited Processing: Additional $5-$20 - When available

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

For indigent individuals
For certain governmental or nonprofit organizations
When records are requested for scholarly or journalistic purposes
When disclosure serves a significant public interest

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards (online requests)
Cash (in-person only)
Checks or money orders
Electronic payment systems

Fees are established pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-306, which authorizes records custodians to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of criminal justice records.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Colorado

Colorado maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record and the maintaining agency:

State-Level Records Retention

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) maintains criminal history information indefinitely for:

Felony arrests and convictions
Domestic violence offenses
Sexual offenses
Child abuse cases

For misdemeanor offenses, records are typically maintained for:

10 years for most misdemeanor convictions
5-7 years for petty offenses and infractions

Local Agency Retention

Local law enforcement agencies generally follow these guidelines:

Arrest reports: 10 years to permanent
Booking information: 5 years to permanent
Investigation files: 5 years to permanent (depending on case type)

Court Records Retention

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains court records according to the following schedule:

Felony cases: Permanent
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
Traffic cases: 3-10 years after case closure
Juvenile cases: Until the subject reaches age 80 (with exceptions)

These retention periods are established under the Colorado Judicial Department Records Retention Manual and the Colorado State Archives Records Management Manual.

When physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic references to arrests may persist in databases indefinitely unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Colorado Arrest Records?

Colorado law requires certain information to be redacted or restricted when arrest records are released to the public:

Mandatory Redactions

The following information must be redacted from publicly available arrest records:

Personal Identifying Information:
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal phone numbers and email addresses
- Home addresses of victims and witnesses
Sensitive Information:
- Information identifying sexual assault victims
- Names of child victims or witnesses
- Information identifying confidential informants
- Medical and mental health information
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile Information:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (with limited exceptions)
- School records and educational information
Sealed or Expunged Records:
- Any information from records that have been legally sealed or expunged

Discretionary Restrictions

Records custodians may also restrict access to:

Investigative Records:
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
- Details that might endanger witnesses or victims
- Tactical or strategic law enforcement information
Privacy Considerations:
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Details not relevant to the legitimate public interest
Public Safety Concerns:
- Information that could jeopardize public safety if released
- Details that might facilitate criminal activity

These redactions and restrictions are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309) and related court decisions interpreting its provisions.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Colorado

Colorado law provides several pathways for sealing or limiting access to arrest records under specific circumstances:

Sealing Records of Arrests Not Leading to Conviction

Under C.R.S. § 24-72-702, you may petition to seal records if:

You were not charged and the statute of limitations has expired
Charges were dismissed or you were acquitted
You successfully completed a diversion agreement or deferred judgment

Process:

File a petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred
Pay filing fees (approximately $65-$120)
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
If granted, provide copies of the order to all agencies with records

Sealing Records of Convictions

Under C.R.S. § 24-72-703, certain convictions may be sealed after waiting periods:

Petty offenses: 1 year after final disposition
Most misdemeanors: 2 years after final disposition
Most felonies: 3-5 years after final disposition

Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including:

Class 1 and 2 felonies
Sex offenses
Domestic violence offenses
Child abuse
DUI/DWAI offenses

Simplified Process for Drug Offenses

The Drug Conviction Sealing Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-704) provides a streamlined process for sealing drug conviction records with shorter waiting periods.

Expungement for Wrongful Arrests

In limited circumstances involving mistaken identity or wrongful arrest, records may be completely expunged rather than sealed under C.R.S. § 24-72-702(1)(b)(II).

Legal Assistance

Due to the complexity of these processes, many individuals seek legal assistance:

Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313
Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition: (303) 825-0122
Private attorneys specializing in record sealing

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Colorado?

Colorado law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts:

Employment Limitations

Under the Colorado Chance to Compete Act (C.R.S. § 8-2-130):

Employers with 11+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications
Employers cannot state in job advertisements that people with criminal histories cannot apply
Employers must consider: the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position

For public employment, C.R.S. § 24-5-101 requires that:

Criminal history can only be used to disqualify an applicant if directly related to job duties
Agencies must consider evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct

Housing Limitations

While no comprehensive state law addresses the use of criminal records in housing decisions:

Some local ordinances restrict landlords' consideration of criminal history
Federal fair housing laws prohibit using arrest records in ways that create disparate impact

Sealed Records Protection

When records are sealed under Colorado law:

The person may legally state they have no such criminal history
Sealed records cannot be used against the person in employment or housing decisions
Sealed records are not available through standard background checks

Consumer Reporting Limitations

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.):

Consumer reporting agencies cannot report arrests older than 7 years
Agencies must maintain procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy
Users of reports must notify individuals when adverse actions are taken based on reports

Penalties for Misuse

Improper use or disclosure of criminal justice records may result in:

Civil liability
Criminal charges for official misconduct (for government employees)
Administrative penalties
Injunctive relief

Lookup Arrest Records in Colorado

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Lakewood, CO 80215
(303) 239-4208
Colorado Bureau of Investigation

State Department of Public Safety

Colorado Department of Public Safety
700 Kipling Street
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 239-4400
Colorado Department of Public Safety

State Police

Colorado State Patrol
700 Kipling Street
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 239-4500
Colorado State Patrol

State Department of Corrections

Colorado Department of Corrections
1250 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
(719) 531-2800
Colorado Department of Corrections

State Court System

Colorado Judicial Branch
2 East 14th Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 625-5000
Colorado Judicial Branch

Attorney General's Office

Colorado Attorney General's Office
Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center
1300 Broadway, 10th Floor
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 508-6000
Colorado Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Denver Sheriff Department
490 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 913-2000
Denver Sheriff Department
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-7100
El Paso County Sheriff
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 795-4711
Arapahoe County Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
200 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 271-5500
Jefferson County Sheriff
Adams County Sheriff's Office
4430 South Adams County Parkway
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 654-1850
Adams County Sheriff
Boulder County Sheriff's Office
5600 Flatiron Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 441-3600
Boulder County Sheriff
Larimer County Sheriff's Office
2501 Midpoint Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 498-5100
Larimer County Sheriff
Weld County Sheriff's Office
1950 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 356-4015
Weld County Sheriff
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
4000 Justice Way
Castle Rock, CO 80109
(303) 660-7500
Douglas County Sheriff
Mesa County Sheriff's Office
215 Rice Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 244-3500
Mesa County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Denver Police Department
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 913-2000
Denver Police Department
Colorado Springs Police Department
705 S. Nevada Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 444-7000
Colorado Springs Police Department
Aurora Police Department
15001 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
(303) 627-3100
Aurora Police Department
Fort Collins Police Services
2221 S. Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 221-6540
Fort Collins Police Services
Lakewood Police Department
445 S. Allison Parkway
Lakewood, CO 80226
(303) 987-7111
Lakewood Police Department

State Archives

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-2055
Colorado State Archives

Federal Agencies Operating in Colorado

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Denver Field Office
8000 East 36th Avenue
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 629-7171
FBI Denver
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Colorado
901 19th Street, Suite A-829
Denver, CO 80294
(303) 335-3400
U.S. Marshals Service - Colorado
Federal Bureau of Prisons - North Central Regional Office
400 State Avenue, Suite 800
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 621-3939
Federal Bureau of Prisons
U.S. District Court - District of Colorado
Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse
901 19th Street
Denver, CO 80294
(303) 844-3433
U.S. District Court - Colorado