Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files

Montezuma County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The county sits within the 22nd Judicial District. This district includes only Montezuma County. Cortez serves as the county seat. The courts here handle criminal cases for this Four Corners region community. Records date back to 1993 for both District and County Courts.

Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Location

The Montezuma County courthouse stands at 865 North Park Street in Cortez. 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 970-565-1112. The court staff works to keep records accurate.

The courts serve a diverse population base. Montezuma County sits at the Four Corners where Colorado meets three other states. The 22nd Judicial District handles all criminal matters for the county. This creates a focused court system with many cases moving through each week. The court staff works to keep records accurate and accessible to the public.

Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff

The 22nd Judicial District serves only Montezuma County. This single-county district has dedicated judicial officers. Two District Court Judges hear felony criminal cases. Two County Court Judges handle misdemeanor matters. One Magistrate assists with various court proceedings. This team works together to process criminal cases in Montezuma 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 Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Searching for criminal court records in Montezuma 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 Montezuma 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 both District and County Court records from 1993. 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 Montezuma 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 Cortez. The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files and make copies. Call 970-565-1112 before visiting to confirm hours.

What Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain

Criminal court records in Montezuma 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.

Note: Some records may be stored off-site. Older files take longer to retrieve.

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.

Montezuma 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 Montezuma 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.

Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information

The court provides several ways to get help. The Clerk's Office handles general questions. Call them at 970-565-1112. The 22nd Judicial District Court Administration manages district-wide matters. The clerk can direct you to the right contact.

Accounting questions go to the Clerk's Office. This office handles payments and financial matters. Interpreter services are available for non-English speakers. Call ahead to request language help. The court provides this service to ensure fair access to justice.

Online Resources for Montezuma County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Several websites offer access to Montezuma 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 22nd Judicial District 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 Montezuma 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 Montezuma County Criminal Court Records

State law controls access to criminal court records in Montezuma 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 Montezuma County Colorado

Montezuma County includes the city of Cortez and surrounding communities. All fall under the jurisdiction of the 22nd Judicial District. Criminal cases from any Montezuma County location file in Cortez. The courthouse serves the entire county population.

Other communities include Towaoc and Yellow Jacket. All Montezuma County residents file criminal cases at the Cortez courthouse.

Nearby Colorado Counties

Montezuma County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county for the records you need.