Larimer County Criminal Case Records
Larimer County criminal court records are stored at two court locations in Northern Colorado. The 8th Judicial District serves this county with over 350,000 residents. Criminal cases filed in Fort Collins go to the Larimer County Justice Center. Cases from Loveland and nearby towns may go to the Loveland County Court branch. Both courts keep public records of all criminal filings.
Larimer County Quick Facts
Larimer County Criminal Court Locations
The Larimer County Justice Center is the main court in Fort Collins. This building holds both District Court and County Court criminal cases. District Court handles felonies and serious crimes under Colorado law. County Court deals with misdemeanors and petty offenses. The Justice Center opened in 1976 and sits in the heart of Fort Collins.
Loveland County Court is the second location for criminal cases in Larimer County. This branch court opened to serve residents in the southern part of the county. Records at this location date back to 2007. Not all case types are filed here. Check with the court before you visit to make sure they have the records you need.
| Larimer County Justice Center |
201 Laporte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 Phone: (970) 494-3500 |
|---|---|
| Loveland County Court |
805 E 14th Street Loveland, CO 80537 Phone: (970) 494-3500 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Note: Call ahead to confirm which location holds the specific criminal records you need in Larimer County.
How to Search Larimer County Criminal Court Records
You can search for criminal records in Larimer County in several ways. The method you choose depends on what you need. Online searches work for basic case details. In-person visits let you see the full court file. Both options give you access to public records.
CoCourts is the main system for online searches in Larimer County. This state database has County Court criminal records from 1985. It also has District Court criminal records from 1975. You can search by name or case number. The system is run by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Visit cocourts.com to search online for criminal cases in Larimer County.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation also offers criminal history checks. Their system shows arrests and convictions from all counties. This includes Larimer County records. There is a fee for each search. Visit cbi.colorado.gov for more on background checks. This is not the same as court records but can show case outcomes.
To search in person, visit the Clerk of Court office at the Larimer County Justice Center. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number. Bring a photo ID with you. Copies of documents cost a fee per page. Certified copies cost more and are often needed for legal matters. Old records may take extra time to find. Ask staff for help if you need assistance with your search.
Larimer County Criminal Court Record Types
Criminal court records in Larimer County include many types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It lists the charges against the defendant. Police reports may be attached. These records show what the state claims the person did wrong.
Court minutes show what happened at each hearing. They list the date, the judge, and the outcome. Plea agreements show when a defendant admits guilt. Trial records include witness testimony and evidence. Sentencing orders show the punishment the court gave. All of these are public records in Larimer County.
A typical criminal case file in Larimer County contains:
- Charging documents and complaints
- Police reports and arrest affidavits
- Court minutes from all hearings
- Plea agreements or trial transcripts
- Sentencing orders and probation terms
Under the Colorado Open Records Act, most criminal records are public. This law is found at C.R.S. § 24-72-301. Anyone can request to see them. Some records may be sealed by court order. Juvenile records have different rules. Ask the clerk if you are not sure what you can access.
Criminal Case Process in Larimer County
Criminal cases in Larimer County follow Colorado law. The process starts with an arrest or a summons. Police file a report with the court. The District Attorney reviews the case. They decide what charges to file. This creates the first court record in Larimer County.
The first court date is the arraignment. The defendant hears the charges. They enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge sets bail or release terms. Under C.R.S. § 16-5-101, defendants have the right to a speedy trial. Felony cases must go to trial within six months. Misdemeanor cases have shorter time limits.
Cases may end in several ways. The defendant may plead guilty. The case may go to trial. The jury or judge decides guilt. If found guilty, the judge sets a sentence. All of these steps create records. The final judgment shows the outcome. You can get a copy from the Clerk of Court in Larimer County.
Cities in Larimer County With Criminal Court Records
Larimer County has many cities and towns. Each one files criminal cases at the Larimer County courts. Fort Collins is the largest city. It sends cases to the Justice Center. Loveland has its own branch court. Smaller towns also use these courts.
Other towns in Larimer County include Timnath, Windsor, and Laporte. All criminal cases from these areas are filed in Larimer County courts. Municipal courts in some cities handle local ordinance violations. These are separate from county criminal records.
Nearby Counties With Criminal Court Records
These counties border Larimer County. If you cannot find a record here, check these courts. Each county keeps its own criminal records. The 8th Judicial District also includes Jackson County.