Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Case Files
Ouray County criminal court records are public under state law. The county sits in the 7th Judicial District. This district covers five counties in western Colorado. Ouray serves as the county seat. The court handles all criminal matters here. Records date back to 1994 for both courts.
Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The Ouray County courthouse stands at 541 4th Street in Ouray. This historic building houses all court operations. Criminal cases are filed and heard here. The main phone number is 970-325-7281. Staff can direct your call to the right office.
The 7th Judicial District serves a vast area. It includes Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Ouray Counties. Each county has its own courthouse. Ouray County has the smallest population in the district. This means fewer cases but full court services.
| Address | 541 4th Street, Ouray, CO 81427 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 970-325-7281 |
| Court Administration | 970-252-4300 |
| County Court | 970-325-7261 |
| Fax | 970-325-7384 |
| Courthouse Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Clerk Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Judges and Staff
The 7th Judicial District has several judges. They rotate between county courthouses. Ouray County shares judicial resources with other counties. This is common in rural Colorado. The district assigns judges as needed.
District Court judges hear felony cases. These are serious criminal matters. County Court judges handle misdemeanors. They also process traffic violations. Both courts keep separate criminal court records. You need to know which court heard the case.
Court staff help process cases. Clerks file documents and maintain records. They assist the public with searches. The Ouray office is small but efficient. Staff work to keep records accurate.
How to Search Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Records
You have options for finding criminal court records in Ouray County. Online databases offer fast access. In-person visits let you view files. The best method depends on your needs.
CoCourts.com provides online access to Ouray County criminal court records. This service shows the register of actions. County searches cost $5. Statewide searches cost $10. The database includes records from 1994. Visit CoCourts.com to begin.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free docket search. It shows basic case details. You can search by name or case number. Hearing dates appear here. Visit the Colorado docket search page.
To search effectively for Ouray 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 Ouray courthouse. Visit during clerk hours. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Note: Ouray County is remote. Plan travel time accordingly.
What Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Ouray County criminal court records include many document types. The case begins with a charging document. It lists alleged crimes. Motions follow. These show legal arguments. Court orders record decisions. The disposition shows the outcome.
The register of actions lists case events. It is a timeline. You can see arraignment dates. Hearings are listed. Pleas appear here. Sentencing orders show penalties. This document gives the full picture.
Most criminal court records are public in Ouray County. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, records of official actions are open.
Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Contact Information
The court provides ways to get help. Court Administration handles general questions. Their main number is 970-252-4300. This office covers all five counties in the district.
Ouray County District Court can be reached at 970-325-7281. County Court uses 970-325-7261. These lines connect you to local staff. Interpreter services are available. Call to request language help.
Online Resources for Ouray County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Several websites help access Ouray County criminal court records. The Colorado Judicial Branch site has official information. It provides forms and guides. Visit coloradojudicial.gov.
CoCourts.com is the main commercial source. It updates regularly. Changes appear quickly. This helps track current cases. The service covers both courts in Ouray County.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers criminal history checks. These differ from court records. CBI records show arrests statewide. They cost $6 per search. Visit cbirecordscheck.com for background checks.
Colorado Laws Governing Ouray County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to Ouray County criminal court records. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act sets rules. Records of official actions are public. Anyone can view them. No reason is needed.
Some records stay private. Juvenile records have protection. They fall under C.R.S. Title 19. Most juvenile matters are not public. Sealed records need a court order.
Adult records can be sealed in some cases. Non-conviction records may qualify under C.R.S. § 24-72-702. Conviction records have different rules. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 covers some convictions. Waiting periods apply. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors need three years. Some felonies need five years. Serious felonies cannot be sealed.
Nearby Colorado Counties
Ouray County borders several other counties. Each has its own court. The 7th Judicial District serves most of them. You must search the correct county.