Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Dockets and Records
Bent County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The 16th Judicial District serves this rural county. Las Animas is the county seat. Both District and County Court records date back to 1995. The court serves the Arkansas Valley region.
Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The Bent County courthouse stands at 725 Carson Avenue. Las Animas hosts the court. The building houses both District and County Court. All Bent County criminal court records are here. The main phone is 719-456-1355.
The 16th Judicial District covers Bent County. It also covers Crowley and Otero Counties. The district serves southeast Colorado. Bent County is in the Arkansas Valley. The court serves the local community. Records are maintained on site.
The court handles all criminal matters. District Court hears felonies. County Court handles misdemeanors. Staff maintain the records. They help with searches. They provide copies.
| Address | 725 Carson Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 719-456-1355 |
| Fax | 719-456-1609 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
How to Search Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Searching Bent County criminal court records is straightforward. You can use online tools. You can visit in person. Both methods work well.
CoCourts.com has Bent County records. Both District and County Court records start in 1995. A county search costs $5. You can search by name. You can use case numbers too. Visit CoCourts.com to begin.
The Colorado Judicial Branch has a free docket search. It shows basic case facts. You can see court dates. You can see case types. Access the Colorado docket search tool.
To search effectively, gather this information:
- Full legal name of the defendant
- Approximate year of case filing
- Case number if you have it
- Which court handled the matter
In-person visits work at the Las Animas courthouse. Staff can help locate files. Bring valid identification. Call 719-456-1355 before you go.
Note: Bent County is a rural court. Staff may need extra time to retrieve older records.
What Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Bent County criminal court records hold many document types. The charging document starts each case. It lists the alleged crimes. Motions follow. These show legal arguments. Court orders record decisions. Final dispositions show outcomes.
The register of actions is the case timeline. It lists all events. You can see arraignments. You can see hearings. Plea entries appear here. Trial dates are recorded. Sentencing orders show penalties.
Most Bent County criminal court records are public. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, official actions are open. This includes arrests and charges. It includes dispositions too.
Online Resources for Bent County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Many sites offer access to Bent County criminal court records. The Colorado Judicial Branch has the official site. It has forms and rules. You can find local info at the Bent County court page.
CoCourts.com is the main source for detailed records. It updates in real time. Changes appear fast. This helps with tracking cases. The service covers both courts.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation does background checks. These differ from court records. CBI records show arrests statewide. They show convictions too. Each search costs $6. Visit cbirecordscheck.com to search.
Colorado Laws Governing Bent County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to Bent County criminal court records. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act sets the rules. Records of official actions are public. Anyone can view them. No reason is needed.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-304, custodians make rules. They can deny access sometimes. Denial may protect an investigation. It may protect victims. The law balances access and safety.
Some records are confidential. Juvenile records have protection. They fall under C.R.S. Title 19. Most juvenile matters are not public. Sealed records need a court order. Victim information may be redacted.
Record sealing is possible. Non-conviction records may seal under C.R.S. § 24-72-702 through 705. Conviction records have different rules. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 covers some convictions. Waiting periods apply. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors need three years. Some felonies need five years. Not all crimes qualify.
Nearby Colorado Counties
Bent County borders several counties. Some are in the 16th District. Others are nearby. Search the correct county for your records.