Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files

Otero County criminal court records are public under Colorado law. The county sits within the 16th Judicial District. This district also includes Bent and Crowley Counties. La Junta serves as the county seat. The courts here handle criminal cases for this southeastern Colorado community. Records date back to 1992 for both District and County Courts.

Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Location

The Otero County courthouse stands at 15 West 4th Street in La Junta. 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 719-384-4951. The court staff works to keep records accurate.

The courts serve a rural population base. Otero County sits on Colorado's southeastern plains. The 16th Judicial District handles criminal matters for three counties. This creates a shared court system with cases moving between locations. The court staff works to keep records accurate and accessible to the public.

Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff

The 16th Judicial District serves three counties. District Court Judges travel between county seats. Two District Court Judges hear felony criminal cases for the entire district. Two County Court Judges handle misdemeanor matters. Two Magistrates assist with various court proceedings. This team works together to process criminal cases in Otero 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 Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Searching for criminal court records in Otero 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 Otero 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 1992. 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 Otero 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

Note: Court holidays may affect hours. Call ahead to confirm.

In-person searches happen at the courthouse in La Junta. 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 719-384-4951 before visiting to confirm hours.

What Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain

Criminal court records in Otero 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.

Otero 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 Otero 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.

Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information

The court provides several ways to get help. The Clerk's Office handles general questions. Call them at 719-384-4951. The 16th Judicial District Court Administration manages district-wide matters. Reach them at 719-384-4951.

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 Otero County Colorado Criminal Court Records

Several websites offer access to Otero 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 16th 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 Otero 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 Otero County Criminal Court Records

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

Otero County includes the cities of La Junta and Rocky Ford plus surrounding communities. All fall under the jurisdiction of the 16th Judicial District. Criminal cases from any Otero County location file in La Junta. The courthouse serves the entire county population.

Other communities include Cheraw and Fowler. All Otero County residents file criminal cases at the La Junta courthouse.

Nearby Colorado Counties

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