Criminal records in Denver, Colorado can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DenverCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Denver is a consolidated city and county, and its court system includes four separate courts — County Court, District Court, Probate Court, and Juvenile Court — each maintaining its own records. The Colorado Judicial Branch, the Denver Police Department, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation also serve as access points for criminal record searches.
How to Search Criminal Records in Denver
Several methods are available depending on the type of record you need and how quickly you need it.
Through DenverCourt.us
DenverCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available court record information tied to Denver criminal cases. Start with the defendant's full name or a case number.
Online — State and County Tools
- Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search: The statewide docket search lets you look up Denver County Court and Denver District Court cases. You can filter by party name, case number, or date. At least one filter beyond the date is required.
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) provides a Colorado-only, name-based criminal history report. This is a paid service and returns records from the state repository.
- Denver Police Records: Denver Police Department records include arrest records with the individual's name, dates and charges, fingerprint classification, and booking numbers.
- Denver Sheriff Inmate Search: The Denver inmate search tool shows whether someone is currently held in Denver County Jail.
- Colorado Department of Corrections: For individuals sentenced to state prison, use the CDOC inmate locator.
In Person
Visit the Denver County Courthouse Clerk's Office to search court records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
You can also visit the Denver Sheriff Department for jail-related records and booking information.
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Use the Colorado Judicial Branch Record/Document Request Form. Note that Denver County Court cases must be submitted directly to Denver County Court through a separate process indicated on that form.
- State criminal history: Submit a written request to the CBI's Biometric Identification and Records Unit for a formal background check.
- Police records: Written requests can be submitted to the Denver Police Department under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA).
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
- Booking number (for jail/arrest records)
Search Denver Criminal Cases by Case Number
Colorado courts assign case numbers using a standardized format. Understanding the structure helps you search efficiently and confirm you have the correct case.
A typical Colorado case number looks like this: 2024CR000123
- 2024 — The year the case was filed.
- CR — The case type code. "CR" indicates a criminal case in District Court. Other common codes include "M" for misdemeanor cases filed in County Court and "T" for traffic offenses.
- 000123 — A sequential number assigned by the court.
Denver has four separate courts, so the same year may produce case numbers across County Court, District Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court. When searching by case number on the statewide docket search, select the correct court location (Denver County or Denver District) to narrow results. If you only have a partial number, try searching by party name instead.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Denver
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) section the defendant is charged under, such as C.R.S. § 18-4-401 for theft. |
| Severity | Felony (classes 1–6), misdemeanor (classes 1–3), petty offense, or traffic infraction. Felonies are the most serious. |
| Amended charges | Prosecutors may amend charges — reducing severity through a plea agreement or adding counts based on new evidence. |
Case Status
- Pending: The case has been filed but not yet resolved.
- Active: Proceedings are underway, with scheduled hearings or motions.
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or acquittal.
- Closed: All post-disposition requirements (sentencing, probation) are complete and the case is administratively closed.
Hearings
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing: In felony cases, the court determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial.
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss plea negotiations, evidence, and scheduling before trial.
- Sentencing: After a guilty verdict or plea, the judge imposes a sentence.
- Review hearing: The court checks compliance with probation, treatment programs, or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict. |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | The prosecution dropped the charges, or the court dismissed the case. |
| Deferred judgment | The defendant pleads guilty but the conviction may be withdrawn upon successful completion of conditions set by the court. |
| Acquitted | A formal finding of not guilty, typically after a trial. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Denver
Court Records (Certified Copies)
Certified copies of court documents — judgments, dispositions, case filings — are available from the Clerk of Court at the Denver County Courthouse. You can submit requests:
- In person at the Clerk's Office, Room 256
- By mail to the address below
- Online through the Colorado Judicial Branch Record/Document Request Form
A government-issued photo ID may be required for suppressed cases, juvenile records, or documents containing confidential information.
Criminal History Reports (State Repository)
For an official Colorado criminal history record, submit a request through the CBI's Internet Criminal History Check. Fingerprint-based checks provide the most comprehensive results and are typically required for employment or licensing purposes. Name-based checks are available online for a fee.
Police Arrest Records
Arrest records from the Denver Police Department can be requested in writing. These include the individual's name, arrest dates, charges, fingerprint classification, and booking numbers. Requests fall under CORA.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Denver
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard court document copy (per page) | $0.75 | Varies; typically 3–5 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court document | $20.00 per document | Varies; same-day if requested in person (when available) |
| CBI name-based criminal history check (ICHC) | $6.85 | Immediate (online) |
| CBI fingerprint-based criminal history check | $39.50 | Typically 3–5 business days |
| Denver Police arrest record | Varies; contact the department | Depends on request complexity |
Court copy and certification fees are set by the Colorado Judicial Branch under Chief Justice Directive 98-01. CBI fees are established by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and may be updated periodically. Payment methods accepted at the courthouse typically include cash, check, and money order; the CBI's online system accepts credit and debit cards. Always confirm current fees before submitting a request, as amounts may change.