Criminal Court Records Information for Brighton
Brighton Colorado criminal court records are public documents. Most of Brighton sits in Adams County. A small part extends into Weld County. Criminal cases from the Adams County portion go to Adams County Court. Cases from the Weld County portion go to Weld County Court. Brighton has over 40,000 residents. The 17th Judicial District handles most Brighton criminal court records.
Brighton Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Brighton Criminal Cases Go to County Court
Brighton does not have a criminal court. The city has a municipal court. But municipal courts in Colorado do not handle criminal cases. Criminal cases from Brighton go to county court. This is the law in Colorado. All felonies go to District Court. All misdemeanors go to County Court. Brighton Municipal Court handles only city code violations. These are civil matters. They are not criminal cases.
Most Brighton criminal cases go to Adams County Court. The court is in Brighton at 1000 Judicial Center Drive. This is convenient for residents. Some cases go to Weld County Court in Greeley. It depends on where in Brighton the incident occurred. The Adams County court keeps records back many years. You can search these criminal court records online or in person. The clerk's office helps with criminal records requests.
Note: Brighton Municipal Court does not keep criminal court records. All Brighton criminal cases are filed at either Adams County or Weld County courthouses.
How to Search Brighton Colorado Criminal Court Records
You can search for Brighton criminal court records in several ways. The best way depends on what you need. Online searches work for recent criminal cases. Older criminal court records may need an in-person visit. The court offers both options for finding records. Third-party sites also have some criminal court data. CoCourts is the main source for official criminal records.
To search online for Brighton criminal court records, visit the CoCourts website. You need a criminal case number or name for the criminal case search. The criminal court records search may cost a small fee. Basic criminal case info is often free. Full criminal court documents cost more. You can pay by card online for criminal records. The site is open all day. You can search Brighton criminal records from home.
For in-person searches of criminal court records, visit the clerk's office. Bring ID with you. Staff can help you use the public terminals. These computers search the same criminal court database. You can view criminal files on screen. Printed copies of criminal court records cost per page. The clerk takes cash or check for criminal records. You can also request Brighton criminal court records by email. Include the criminal case number if you have it.
Types of Brighton Colorado Criminal Court Records Available
Criminal court records from Brighton cover many case types. Felonies are serious crimes. These include assault, theft, and drug charges. District Court handles all felony criminal cases from Brighton. Misdemeanors are less serious criminal charges. County Court hears these criminal cases. Each criminal case has a file. The criminal court record grows as the case moves through court.
A typical Brighton criminal court record contains these items:
- Criminal charging documents or complaints
- Arrest warrants and affidavits for criminal cases
- Criminal pleadings and motions filed in court
- Criminal court orders and judgments
- Criminal sentencing documents from the court
Some criminal cases stay open for years. Others close fast. It depends on the criminal charges. Most criminal cases end in pleas. The court keeps all criminal papers. You can trace each step. From arrest to final criminal order, it is all there.
Getting Copies of Brighton Criminal Court Records
Certified copies of criminal court records serve as official proof. You may need criminal court records for court. Some licenses require criminal record copies. The clerk can certify any criminal court document. This adds a seal. It shows the criminal court copy is true. Regular copies of criminal records lack this seal.
Fees for criminal court records vary by document type. Call ahead to check costs for criminal record copies. Have your payment ready. The county courts accept cash and checks. Cards may work too for criminal records. Bring exact change if paying cash. Large criminal record requests take time.
You can also request Brighton criminal court records by email. State your criminal records request clearly. Include contact info. List the criminal case number. Give the full name from the criminal court record. Staff will reply with cost and time estimates for the criminal records.
Adams County Criminal Court Location for Brighton Cases
Most Brighton criminal cases go to the Adams County Justice Center. The building is at 1000 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. This facility holds both District and County Courts. Staff can help you find criminal court records. They work Monday through Friday. The court opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m.
| Adams County Court Address |
Adams County Justice Center 1000 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601 |
|---|---|
| Court Phone | 720-595-4000 |
| Criminal Court Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Court Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Note: The Adams County criminal court is closed on all Colorado state holidays. Call before you visit on a holiday week.
Weld County Criminal Court for Brighton Cases
Some parts of Brighton are in Weld County. Criminal cases from these areas go to Weld County Court in Greeley. The 19th Judicial District handles these cases. The Weld County Courthouse is at 901 9th Street in Greeley. This is about 30 miles from Brighton. If you are unsure which county handles your case, call the court. They can tell you where to find your criminal court records.
The Weld County Clerk of Court keeps criminal records. They offer the same services as Adams County. You can search online or in person. CoCourts covers Weld County too. The fees are the same. Records go back many years. Contact Weld County Court at 970-351-7300 for help with criminal records.
Legal Help for Brighton Criminal Court Cases
Defendants have rights under Colorado criminal law. The court must inform you of these rights. You can hire a criminal lawyer. The court assigns one if you cannot pay. This is a public defender. They work for you on your criminal case. Their services are free if you qualify.
Colorado Legal Services helps low-income people. They offer free legal advice. Call to see if they can help with your criminal court issue. They also have self-help centers. These teach you court rules.
The Colorado State Public Defender serves both counties. They handle criminal defense for Brighton residents. Call to ask about your criminal case. Many criminal lawyers offer payment plans.
Brighton Colorado Criminal Court Records by County
Brighton spans two counties. Most criminal cases go to Adams County Court in Brighton. Some cases go to Weld County Court in Greeley. For more on the county court systems, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the county pages below.