Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files
Jefferson County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The county sits within the 1st Judicial District. This district also includes Gilpin County. Golden serves as the county seat. The courts here handle thousands of criminal cases each year. Records date back to 1975 for District Court and 1985 for County Court.
Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The Jefferson County courthouse stands at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. This is 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 main phone line at 720-772-2500. Spanish language support is available at 720-772-2743.
The courts serve a large population base. Jefferson County ranks fourth in population among all Colorado counties. The 1st Judicial District handles criminal matters for both Jefferson and Gilpin Counties. This creates a busy court system with many cases moving through each week. The court staff works to keep records accurate and accessible to the public.
| Address | 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 720-772-2500 |
| Spanish Line | 720-772-2743 |
| Accounting | 720-772-2580 |
| Courthouse Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Clerk Hours | Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| Records Counter | Monday-Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., CLOSED Fridays |
Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff
The 1st Judicial District employs many judicial officers. Fourteen District Court Judges hear felony criminal cases. Ten County Court Judges handle misdemeanor matters. Ten Magistrates assist with various court proceedings. This team works together to process criminal cases in Jefferson County.
District Court judges preside over the most 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.
How to Search Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Searching for criminal court records in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 records from 1985. District Court records date back to 1975. Visit CoCourts.com to start your search.
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.
To search effectively for Jefferson County criminal court records, gather this information:
- Full legal name of the defendant
- Approximate year of case filing
- Case number if known
- Whether District or County Court handled the matter
In-person searches happen at the courthouse in Golden. The Records Counter is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 4:00 p.m. It stays closed on Fridays. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files and make copies. Call 720-772-2570 for probate and records questions before visiting.
Note: Records Counter hours are shorter than general courthouse hours. Plan your visit accordingly.
What Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal court records in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County criminal court records typically include:
- Defendant name and date of birth
- Charges filed by the district attorney
- Bond and release conditions
- Court dates and hearing outcomes
- Plea agreements and negotiations
- Sentencing orders and probation terms
- Final case disposition
Most criminal court records are public in Jefferson County. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, records of official actions must be open. This includes arrests, charges, and dispositions.
Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information
The court provides several ways to get help. Court Administration handles general questions. Email them at 01CourtAdministration@judicial.state.co.us. The Jury Commissioner manages jury duty matters. Reach them at jeffersonjury@judicial.state.co.us.
Accounting questions go to 720-772-2580. This office handles payments and financial matters. Interpreter services are available for non-English speakers. Call 720-772-2752 to request language help. The court provides this service to ensure fair access to justice.
Online Resources for Jefferson County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Several websites offer access to Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 an hour. This makes it useful for current case tracking. The service covers both District and County Court matters in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to criminal court records in Jefferson 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. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 covers sealing of certain convictions. Waiting periods apply. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors require three years. Some felonies need five years. Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies cannot be sealed. Sexual offenses and crimes of violence are also excluded.
Cities in Jefferson County Colorado
Jefferson County includes many cities and communities. All fall under the jurisdiction of the 1st Judicial District. Criminal cases from any Jefferson County city file in Golden. The courthouse serves the entire county population.
Other communities include Edgewater, Morrison, and Lakeside. All Jefferson County residents file criminal cases at the Golden courthouse.
Nearby Colorado Counties
Jefferson County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county for the records you need.