Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files

Dolores County criminal court records are open to the public. The county sits within the 22nd Judicial District. Dove Creek serves as the county seat. The court here handles all criminal matters for the area. Records are kept at the courthouse in town.

The 22nd Judicial District is unique. It covers only Dolores County. Most districts serve multiple counties. This allows the court to focus on local needs. The judge knows the community well. Cases move at a pace that fits the rural setting.

Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Location

The Dolores County courthouse stands at 409 North Main Street in Dove Creek. This is the sole location for all criminal court records in the county. The building houses both District Court and County Court functions. You can reach the main phone line at 970-677-2257.

Dolores County is small in population. It ranks among the least populous counties in Colorado. The 22nd Judicial District handles criminal matters for this one county only. This creates a focused court system. The staff knows most local cases by name.

The court serves a rural area. Dove Creek is the main town. Rico sits to the east. The county covers a large land area with few residents. The court must serve this spread out population.

Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff

The 22nd Judicial District employs a small team. One District Court Judge hears all felony criminal cases. One County Court Judge handles misdemeanor matters. This lean structure keeps costs low for taxpayers. The judge travels from Montrose to hear cases.

District Court judges preside over serious criminal cases. These include felonies and major crimes. County Court judges focus on lesser offenses. They handle misdemeanors and traffic violations. Both courts maintain Dolores County criminal court records.

How to Search Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Searching for criminal court records in Dolores County offers limited paths. Online tools work but with some gaps. In-person visits are often best. The method you choose depends on your needs.

CoCourts.com lists Dolores County criminal court records. This paid service shows the register of actions. County searches cost $5 each. Statewide searches cost $10. The database includes records from 1995. Visit CoCourts.com to start your search.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides a free docket search. This shows hearing schedules and basic facts. You can search by name or case number. The tool lists court dates and case types. Visit the Colorado docket search page to use this free tool.

In-person searches happen at the courthouse in Dove Creek. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. Bring valid ID. Staff can help find files. Call 970-677-2257 before you visit.

Note: Some older Dolores County criminal court records may be in storage. Allow extra time for staff to retrieve them.

What Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain

Criminal court records in Dolores County hold key documents. The charging document starts each case. It lists the alleged crimes. Motions and pleadings follow. Court orders record decisions. The final disposition shows the case outcome.

The register of actions serves as the timeline. It lists every event. You can see arraignment dates. Plea entries appear here. Sentencing orders show penalties. This document gives a full case view.

Dolores County criminal court records typically include:

• Defendant name and date of birth
• Charges filed by the district attorney
• Court dates and hearing outcomes
• Plea agreements and terms
• Sentencing orders and fines

Most records are public in Dolores County. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, official action records must be open.

Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information

The court provides several ways to get help. Court Administration handles general questions. The District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases. The Public Defender represents those who cannot afford a lawyer.

The 22nd Judicial District has shared services. The main office is in Montrose. They handle admin tasks for Dolores County. This keeps costs down for the small county. Services remain professional and prompt.

Online Resources for Dolores County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Several sites offer access to records. The Colorado Judicial Branch has the official site. It provides forms and rules. You can find court info online.

CoCourts.com is the main source for detailed records. Updates happen in real time. Changes appear fast. This helps track current cases. The service covers both courts in Dolores County.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers history checks. These differ from court records. CBI records show arrests statewide. They cost $6 per search. Visit cbirecordscheck.com to run a check.

Colorado Laws Governing Dolores County Criminal Court Records

State law controls access to records. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act sets the rules. It says official action records are public. Anyone can view them. No reason is needed.

Some records stay private. Juvenile records have protection. They fall under C.R.S. Title 19. Most juvenile matters are sealed. Sealed adult records need a court order.

Record sealing is possible for some cases. Non-conviction records may be sealed under C.R.S. § 24-72-702. Conviction records have different rules. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 covers certain convictions. Waiting periods apply. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors need two years. Some felonies need three years.

Cities in Dolores County Colorado

Dolores County has few towns. All fall under the 22nd Judicial District. Criminal cases file in Dove Creek. The courthouse serves the whole county.

Rural areas also fall under Dolores County. All residents use the Dove Creek courthouse.

Nearby Colorado Counties

Dolores County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. Search the right county for your needs.