La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files
La Plata County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The county sits within the 6th Judicial District. This district also includes Archuleta, San Juan, and Dolores Counties. Durango serves as the county seat. The courts here handle thousands of criminal cases each year.
La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The La Plata County courthouse stands at 1060 East 2nd Avenue in Durango. 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 970-247-2304.
The courts serve a diverse population base. La Plata County includes Durango and surrounding mountain communities. The 6th Judicial District handles criminal matters for four 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.
The courthouse sits near downtown Durango. It is accessible by public transit. Parking is available nearby. The building meets ADA standards for accessibility.
| Address | 1060 East 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 970-247-2304 |
| Fax | 970-247-2305 |
| Courthouse Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Clerk Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff
The 6th Judicial District employs several judicial officers. District Court Judges hear felony criminal cases in La Plata County. County Court Judges handle misdemeanor matters. Magistrates assist with various court proceedings. This team works together to process criminal cases.
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 La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Searching for criminal court records in La Plata 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 La Plata 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 1990. District Court records date back to 1990. 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 La Plata 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 Durango. The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files and make copies.
What La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal court records in La Plata 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.
Most criminal court records are public in La Plata 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.
La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information
The court provides several ways to get help. Court Administration handles general questions for the 6th Judicial District. The clerk's office manages day-to-day operations. Reach them at the main courthouse number.
The District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases in La Plata County. They work with law enforcement to file charges. The Public Defender's Office represents those who cannot afford an attorney. Both offices maintain files related to criminal cases.
Online Resources for La Plata County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Several websites offer access to La Plata 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 6th Judicial District 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 La Plata 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 La Plata County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to criminal court records in La Plata 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 La Plata County Colorado
La Plata County includes several cities and communities. All fall under the jurisdiction of the 6th Judicial District. Criminal cases from any La Plata County city file in Durango. The courthouse serves the entire county population.
Other communities include Hermosa and Vallecito. All La Plata County residents file criminal cases at the Durango courthouse.
Nearby Colorado Counties
La Plata County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county for the records you need.