Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Case Lookup
Custer County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The county sits within the 11th Judicial District. This district also includes Chaffee, Fremont, and Park Counties. Westcliffe serves as the county seat. The courts handle criminal matters for residents in this mountain region of south central Colorado.
Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Location and Access
The Custer County Combined Court stands at 205 South 6th Street in Westcliffe. This courthouse serves as the main hub for all criminal court records in the county. The building houses both District Court and County Court operations. You can reach the court at 719-783-2274.
The 11th Judicial District spans four counties in central Colorado. Custer County has a small mountain community. The rural setting means personalized court services. The court staff processes criminal matters from Custer, Chaffee, Fremont, and Park Counties. Each county maintains separate case files. You must search the correct county for accurate results.
Custer County criminal court records cover all matters filed locally. The court maintains both physical and digital files. The staff works to keep current records accessible. Older records may need special retrieval. Plan ahead when requesting documents from past years.
| Address | 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 719-783-2274 |
| Fax | 719-783-2276 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| CoCourts County Code | 1995 |
| CoCourts District Code | 1995 |
Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff
The 11th Judicial District employs judicial officers across four counties. District Court Judges hear felony criminal cases. County Court Judges handle misdemeanor matters. Magistrates assist with various court proceedings. This team serves Custer, Chaffee, Fremont, and Park Counties.
District Court judges preside over serious criminal cases. These include felonies and complex matters. County Court judges focus on lesser offenses. They handle misdemeanors and traffic violations. Both courts maintain separate criminal court records. You must know which court heard a case to find the right file. The court can provide current judicial assignment information.
Magistrates handle initial appearances and bond hearings. They process many routine matters. This helps keep the court system moving. Their orders become part of the official record. You can find magistrate decisions in the case file.
How to Search Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Searching for criminal court records in Custer County offers several paths. Online tools provide quick access from anywhere. In-person visits let you view files directly. The method you choose depends on what you need and when you need it.
CoCourts.com covers Custer County criminal court records. This paid service shows the full register of actions. County searches cost $5 each. Statewide searches cost $10. The database includes County Court and District Court records. Visit CoCourts.com to start your search. Use County Code 1995 and District Code 1995 when searching.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides a free docket search tool. This shows hearing schedules and basic case facts. You can search by party name or case number. The tool displays court dates and case types. Visit the Colorado docket search page to use this free service.
In-person searches happen at the courthouse in Westcliffe. The court is open Monday through Friday. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files and make copies. Call 719-783-2274 before visiting to confirm records availability.
What Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal court records in Custer County hold many document types. The charging document starts each case. It lists the alleged offenses. Motions and pleadings follow. These show legal arguments from both sides. Court orders record judicial decisions. The final disposition shows how the case ended.
The register of actions serves as the case timeline. It lists every event in order. You can see arraignment dates and hearing schedules. Plea entries appear here. Trial dates and verdicts are recorded. Sentencing orders show penalties imposed. This document gives a complete overview of the case progression.
Custer County criminal court records typically include these items:
- Defendant name and case number
- Charges filed by the district attorney
- Court dates and hearing outcomes
- Plea agreements when applicable
- Sentencing orders and penalties
- Final case disposition status
Most criminal court records are public in Custer County. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. § 24-72-301 through 304, records of official actions must be open. This includes arrests, charges, and dispositions.
Note: Juvenile records receive special protection under Colorado law.
Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information
The court provides several ways to get help. The Combined Court in Westcliffe handles all inquiries. You can call during business hours. Staff can direct your call to the right department. The fax number is 719-783-2276.
The 11th Judicial District has a main administration office. It coordinates operations across Custer, Chaffee, Fremont, and Park Counties. Complex questions may need district-level assistance. The district office can help with procedural matters and administrative questions.
Online Resources for Custer County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Several websites offer access to Custer County criminal court records. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains the official court site. It provides forms, rules, and procedural guides. You can find local court information at Custer County court page.
CoCourts.com remains the primary commercial source for detailed records. It updates in real time. Changes in the court system appear within hours. This makes it useful for current case tracking. The service covers both District and County Court matters in Custer County.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers criminal history checks. These differ from court records. CBI records show arrests and convictions statewide. They cost $6 per search through the Internet Criminal History Check system. Visit cbirecordscheck.com to run a background check.
Colorado Laws Governing Custer County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to criminal court records in Custer County. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act sets the basic rules. It declares that records of official actions are public. Anyone can inspect them. No reason is required for your request.
Some records remain confidential. Juvenile records have special protection. They fall under C.R.S. Title 19, the Children's Code. Most juvenile matters are not public. Sealed records cannot be viewed. These require a court order to access.
Record sealing is possible for some adult cases. Non-conviction records may be sealed under C.R.S. § 24-72-702 through 705. Conviction records have different rules. Waiting periods apply before filing. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors require two years. Some felonies need three years. Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies cannot be sealed.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-304, custodians may charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies. The law balances public access with administrative costs. Custer County follows these statutory guidelines for all record requests.
Nearby Colorado Counties
Custer County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county for the records you need. The 11th Judicial District includes four counties total.