El Paso County Criminal Court Case Lookup
El Paso County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The 4th Judicial District serves this county at the base of Pikes Peak. You can search case files online or visit the courthouse in Colorado Springs. Records include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Both District Court and County Court maintain files here. Whether you need a docket copy or want to check case status, El Paso County makes these records open to all.
El Paso County Court Quick Facts
El Paso County Criminal Court Location
The 4th Judicial District operates from the El Paso County Judicial Building in downtown Colorado Springs. District Court handles felony criminal cases. County Court deals with misdemeanors and lesser offenses. Both courts share one main location. You can visit to search criminal court records in person.
The El Paso County Judicial Building houses all criminal court operations. This building sits at 270 South Tejon Street. It is the hub for all case filings. Murder, assault, and drug cases start in District Court. DUI, theft, and traffic matters go to County Court. The Clerk of Court maintains all files. Staff can help you find what you need.
Sheri King serves as Clerk of Court for El Paso County. Her office manages all record requests. They handle thousands of cases each year. The staff can search by name or case number. They make copies of documents. They also certify records for legal use. The office is on the first floor in Room S101.
| El Paso County Judicial Building |
270 S. Tejon Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: (719) 452-5000 |
|---|---|
| Records Request Room | Room S101, First Floor |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| General Questions Email | 04SelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us |
| Websites | coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/el-paso-county elpasoco.com/4th-judicial-district |
Note: Call ahead to confirm record availability before visiting El Paso County court.
How to Search El Paso County Criminal Court Records
You have several options to find criminal cases in El Paso County. Each way fits different needs. Some searches are free. Others cost money. Online tools work for quick checks. In-person visits let you see full case files.
CoCourts is the main database for El Paso County criminal court records online. It covers County Court cases from 1977 to now. It also has District Court records from 1975 forward. You can search by name or case number. Basic results show party names and case status. Full docket details need a subscription. Visit cocourts.com to start your search of El Paso County criminal cases.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free docket search too. This tool lets you look up cases statewide. You can filter to El Paso County. The free tool shows limited facts. Full case details may need a courthouse visit. Access the docket search at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets.
To search El Paso County 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 El Paso County Criminal Court Records
Getting copies of records from El Paso County requires a formal request. The court has a set process. You must fill out a records request form. This form asks for case details. It also asks for your contact info. Submit it by email, phone, or in person.
For email requests, 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. Records are then sent to you. This method works well for simple requests.
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 not sure what you need. The line is open during business hours.
In-person visits offer the fastest service. Go to Room S101 at the Judicial Building. Bring your completed request form. Staff can search while you wait. You can pay and receive copies the same day. This works best for urgent needs. It also helps with complex cases.
El Paso County Court Transcript Requests
Court transcripts are different from regular records. They are word-for-word records of what was said in court. Only court reporters create these. They cost more than copies. They take time to produce. El Paso County has a separate process for transcripts.
To order a transcript, email 04TranscriptRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Include the case number and hearing date. State which hearing you need. The court reporter will quote a price. Transcripts cost per page. Most are several pages long. Payment is due before work begins. Turnaround time varies by length.
Note: Not all hearings have transcripts. Some proceedings are not recorded word for word.
Understanding El Paso County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in El Paso County hold many document types. Each plays a role in the legal process. The charging document starts each case. It lists the crimes charged. Plea entries show how the defendant responded. Trial records capture court events. All become part of the official file.
The docket sheet is the case timeline. It lists every court action. Hearings appear in order. Motions are logged. Judge rulings are noted. This helps you track case progress. You can see if a case is open, closed, or on appeal. El Paso County clerks keep these dockets current.
Under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, most criminal court records are public. This law controls how El Paso County releases information. It balances public access with privacy needs. Some parts may be redacted. Juvenile facts get special protection. Victim details are often hidden.
El Paso County criminal court records usually include these papers:
- Complaint or information filing
- Arrest warrant affidavits
- Bond and release orders
- Plea deal documents
- Sentencing orders and judgments
- Probation violation reports
El Paso County Criminal Court Records Fees
Copying records from El Paso County involves fees. The Clerk of Court sets these rates. They apply to all copy requests. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at the counter.
Standard copies are $0.25 per page. This applies to most documents. 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.
C.R.S. Section 24-72-305 governs fees for criminal justice records in Colorado. This statute limits what agencies can charge. El Paso County follows these rules. Fees must be fair. They should cover real costs only. The law stops profit from record sales. You can read the full text at codes.findlaw.com.
Sealing Criminal Records in El Paso County
Colorado law lets some criminal records be sealed. This hides them from public view. Sealed records do not show in most background checks. The process needs court approval. You must file a petition in El Paso County. The court checks if you qualify. Not all cases can be sealed.
Dismissed cases may be sealed right away. Acquittals qualify too. Some convictions become eligible after waiting periods. The time depends on the offense level. Misdemeanors need less time than felonies. Certain crimes can never be sealed. Violent crimes and sex offenses usually stay public. El Paso County judges follow state rules closely.
The sealing process starts with a petition. You file it in the court that handled your case. The District Attorney gets notice. They can object to sealing. A hearing may be set. The judge decides whether to grant it. If approved, an order goes to all agencies. They must seal their records. The process takes several months.
Colorado law on record sealing is in Title 24, Article 72, Part 7. This statute lists all requirements. It explains who qualifies. It details the steps. You can read it at law.justia.com. Consider talking to a lawyer. The sealing process has strict rules. Errors can delay or deny your petition in El Paso County.
Your Right to Access El Paso County Criminal Records
Colorado law protects your right to view criminal court records. The Criminal Justice Records Act governs this access. It applies to all law and court agencies. El Paso County must follow these rules. They cannot deny requests without cause. Reasons for denial must be specific and lawful.
C.R.S. Section 24-72-304 lists when records may be withheld. This statute gives exemptions. Active investigations can stay secret. Informant names are protected. Some victim data is restricted. But most closed criminal cases are public. El Paso County favors disclosure. They provide records unless a clear exemption applies.
If your request is denied, you have options. Ask for the specific law backing the denial. Request a written reason. You can appeal to higher levels. The Colorado Attorney General watches records compliance. Legal action is possible in rare cases. Most issues resolve through talk. Court clerks in El Paso County try to assist.
Read the full access statute at codes.findlaw.com. Know your rights before you ask for records. This helps you respond to improper denials. It speeds things up. Knowledge helps when accessing El Paso County criminal court records.
Cities in El Paso County with Criminal Court Cases
El Paso County includes many cities and towns. All criminal cases from these areas file in Colorado Springs. The 4th Judicial District Court serves the whole county. Local police departments make arrests. They file charges through the District Attorney. Cases then move to court.
Colorado Springs is the largest city in El Paso County. It is also the county seat. Most criminal court records come from here. The city has its own police force. Fountain lies to the south. It handles many cases too. Manitou Springs sits to the west. It has a smaller caseload but uses the same court.
Other communities in El Paso County include Monument, Woodland Park, and Peyton. Calhan and Ramah also lie within the county. Each has local law enforcement. They all report to the 4th Judicial District Court. Criminal records from any of these cities are found in El Paso County.
Nearby Colorado Counties for Criminal Court Records
Sometimes cases cross county lines. You may need records from nearby areas. The Colorado Springs area has several counties close by. Each keeps separate criminal court records. El Paso County borders a few others. Knowing these helps when your search spans more than one area.
Teller County lies to the west of El Paso County. It includes Woodland Park and Cripple Creek. Their court is part of the 4th Judicial District too. Douglas County sits to the north. Castle Rock is the county seat. Pueblo County borders to the south. Pueblo is the county seat. Lincoln County lies to the east.
Each county uses the Colorado Judicial Branch system. Records access follows similar rules statewide. CoCourts covers all these counties. You can search multiple areas from one site. Fees and steps vary slightly by place. Always check the specific county site for local facts.