Colorado Springs Criminal Court Case Access
Colorado Springs criminal court records are filed at El Paso County Court. The city sits in El Paso County. All criminal cases go to the county court. They do not go to municipal courts. This follows Colorado law for all cities.
The 4th Judicial District serves Colorado Springs. The El Paso County Judicial Building houses the courts. This is where you find criminal court records. The building sits in downtown Colorado Springs. It handles thousands of cases each year.
Colorado Springs Quick Facts
Where Colorado Springs Criminal Cases Are Filed
Colorado Springs criminal cases are filed at El Paso County Court. The courthouse is in downtown Colorado Springs. It serves the entire county. The city is the county seat. Most cases from the area are filed here.
El Paso County District Court handles felony cases. These are serious crimes under Colorado law. The County Court handles misdemeanors. Both courts are in the same building. You can access records from both courts in one visit.
The El Paso County Judicial Building is at 270 South Tejon Street. The Clerk of Court manages all records. Sheri King serves as the Clerk. Staff can help you find case files. They accept requests by phone, email, or in person.
| El Paso County Judicial Building |
270 South Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: (719) 452-5000 |
|---|---|
| Records Room | Room S101, First Floor |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Records Email | 04ResearchRequest@judicial.state.co.us |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Note: Call ahead to confirm record availability before visiting El Paso County court.
Colorado Springs Municipal Court Does Not Handle Criminal Cases
Colorado Springs has a municipal court. It does not handle criminal cases. Municipal courts only hear city ordinance violations. These are minor civil matters. They include noise complaints and zoning issues. Criminal charges go to county courts instead.
This follows Colorado state law. Only county courts can hear criminal cases. Municipal courts have limited power. They cannot hear felony or misdemeanor charges. This is true for all cities in Colorado. The distinction is important for your search.
The Colorado Springs Municipal Court handles traffic tickets. It also hears code enforcement cases. These create municipal records. But they are not criminal court records. For criminal matters, you must look at El Paso County Court records instead.
How to Search Colorado Springs Criminal Court Records
You can search Colorado Springs criminal court records online. CoCourts is the main database. It covers El Paso County cases from 1975. You can search by name or case number. Basic results show party names and case status. Visit cocourts.com to start your search.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free docket search. This tool covers all Colorado courts. You can filter to El Paso County. The free tool shows limited facts. Full details may need a courthouse visit. Access it at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets.
In-person visits offer the fastest service. Go to Room S101 at the Judicial Building. Bring a completed request form. Staff can search while you wait. You can pay and get copies the same day. This works best for urgent needs.
To search Colorado Springs criminal court records well, you need:
- Full legal name of the defendant
- Date of birth if known
- Approximate year of the crime
- Case number if you have it
Requesting Colorado Springs Criminal Court Records
Getting copies of records requires a formal request. You can submit it by email or in person. For email, send your form to 04ResearchRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Staff will process your request. They will contact you about fees. You can pay by phone or mail.
Phone requests go to (719) 452-5490. This is the records research line. Staff can help you find cases. They can explain what records exist. They can quote copy fees. This is a good first step if you are unsure what you need.
Copy fees are set by the court. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies add $10 per document. Large files can add up fast. The clerk can give a fee estimate first. Plan ahead for big requests. Bring exact change if paying cash.
Criminal Case Process in Colorado Springs
Criminal cases in Colorado Springs follow state law. The process starts with an arrest. Police file a report with the court. The District Attorney reviews the case. They decide what charges to file. This creates the first court record.
The first court date is the arraignment. The defendant hears the charges. They enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge sets bail or release terms. Under C.R.S. Section 16-5-101, defendants have a right to a speedy trial. Felony cases must go to trial within six months.
Cases may end in several ways. The defendant may plead guilty. The case may go to trial. The jury decides guilt. If found guilty, the judge sets a sentence. All steps create records. You can get copies from the Clerk of Court.
Note: Under Colorado law, most criminal court records are public unless sealed by court order.
Colorado State Resources for Criminal Records
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers criminal history checks. These show arrests and convictions statewide. They include El Paso County records. The Internet Criminal History Check lets you search online. Each search costs $6. Visit cbirecordscheck.com to start.
Colorado Legal Services helps people with legal issues. They offer free help to those who qualify. Their office in Colorado Springs serves El Paso County. Call (719) 471-0380 for assistance. They can help you understand criminal court records.
The Colorado Judicial Branch website has forms and guides. It explains court procedures. It also lists all court locations. This is a good starting point for research. Visit coloradojudicial.gov for more information.
El Paso County Criminal Court Records
Colorado Springs is in El Paso County. All criminal cases from the city go to El Paso County Court. The county handles cases from many cities and towns. Colorado Springs is the largest city in the county.
For more on the El Paso County court system, visit the county page. It has full fee lists and related records. You can find additional resources there. The county page explains the court structure in detail.
Counties Near Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is near several counties. Cases may cross county lines. Each keeps separate criminal court records. You may need to search multiple areas.