Rio Grande County Criminal Court Case Records
Rio Grande County Colorado criminal court records are open to the public. The county sits within the 12th Judicial District. This district includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. Del Norte serves as the county seat. The courthouse handles criminal matters for all of Rio Grande County. Criminal court records date back several decades. Both District Court and County Court maintain files.
Rio Grande County Court Quick Facts
Rio Grande County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The Rio Grande County Combined Court sits at 925 6th Street in Del Norte. The courthouse is in Room 204 of the building. This location serves as the main hub for all criminal court records in Rio Grande County. The court handles both District and County Court matters. You can reach the clerk by phone at 719-657-3394.
Rio Grande County is in south-central Colorado. The San Juan Mountains lie to the west. The San Luis Valley spreads to the east. The county covers over 900 square miles. The court serves residents throughout this rural area. Criminal cases from all parts of Rio Grande County file in Del Norte.
The 12th Judicial District stretches across the San Luis Valley. Rio Grande County is one of six counties in this district. The district court handles felony criminal cases. County Court manages misdemeanors and lesser offenses. Both courts maintain separate criminal court records.
| Address | 925 6th Street, Room 204, Del Norte, CO 81132 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 719-657-3394 |
| riograndeclerk@judicial.state.co.us | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| CoCourts County | 1993 |
| CoCourts District | 1993 |
About Rio Grande County Criminal Court Records
Rio Grande County criminal court records document the legal process. Each case creates a paper trail. The register of actions lists all events. Charging documents start the process. Motions and orders follow. The final judgment completes the file. All become part of the public record.
The clerk maintains these criminal court records. They organize files by case number. They track each document filed. They ensure public access to records. The office follows Colorado law. The Criminal Justice Records Act governs their work. This law balances access with privacy.
How to Search Rio Grande County Colorado Criminal Court Records
You have several options to search Rio Grande County criminal court records. Online tools offer convenience. In-person visits allow full review. The method depends on your needs. Each has benefits for finding criminal case information.
CoCourts.com provides online access to Rio Grande County criminal court records. County searches cost five dollars. Statewide searches cost ten dollars. The system shows register of actions. This includes all case events. Visit CoCourts.com to begin your search. Use County 1993 for Rio Grande County.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free docket search. This tool shows basic case information. You can search by name or number. It displays hearing dates and case status. The information is limited but useful. Access it at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets.
For in-person searches, visit the Del Norte courthouse. The clerk office is open weekdays. Bring valid identification. Staff can help locate files. Copies cost twenty-five cents per page. Certified copies cost extra.
Note: Online searches are faster but may lack complete details for older Rio Grande County cases.
What Rio Grande County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Rio Grande County criminal court records hold many document types. The case file begins with a complaint. This lists the charges. Arrest reports may follow. These show the facts alleged. Motions come next. Lawyers file these to request action. Court orders record the judge decisions.
The docket sheet serves as the case timeline. It lists every filing. It shows hearing dates. It notes appearances. It records the final outcome. This document gives a quick overview. You can see the case progress at a glance.
Rio Grande County criminal court records include:
- Charging documents and arrest reports
- Bond orders and release conditions
- Plea agreements and negotiations
- Trial transcripts and exhibits
- Sentencing orders and judgments
- Probation reports and compliance records
Most Rio Grande County criminal court records are public. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act ensures this. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, official actions are open to view. Some records remain confidential. Juvenile cases are sealed. Victim information may be redacted.
Types of Criminal Cases in Rio Grande County Court Records
Rio Grande County criminal court records cover various offense types. Felony cases are the most serious. These include violent crimes. Drug trafficking is a felony. Property crimes over certain values qualify. Felony records are permanent. They receive the most attention.
Misdemeanor cases are less severe. They include minor assaults. Petty theft qualifies. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. These cases stay in County Court. Records are still public. They appear in background checks.
Traffic criminal cases also create records. DUI is a common charge. It is treated as a criminal offense. Other traffic matters may be civil. The record type depends on the charge. Always check the specific offense.
How Long Rio Grande County Keeps Criminal Court Records
Rio Grande County preserves criminal court records per state law. Most felony records are permanent. They never get destroyed. This ensures accountability. The criminal justice system needs these files. They serve as historical documents.
Some misdemeanor records have limits. Less serious cases may be purged. This happens after many years. Most records stay accessible, however. The Colorado State Archives stores old files. You can request historical searches.
Digital systems have changed retention. Modern records are backed up. Electronic storage protects files. Rio Grande County uses these systems. They help preserve criminal court records. The investment ensures future access.
Sealing Criminal Records in Rio Grande County
Colorado law allows some Rio Grande County criminal records to be sealed. This removes them from public view. Sealed records do not appear in most searches. The process requires court approval. You must file a petition. The judge reviews your eligibility. Not all cases qualify for sealing.
Dismissed cases may seal immediately. Acquittals qualify too. Some convictions have waiting periods. Misdemeanors need less time. Felonies require longer waits. Certain crimes cannot seal. Violent offenses stay public. Sex crimes remain open.
The process starts with a petition. You file it in Rio Grande County. The District Attorney gets notice. They can object. A hearing may occur. The judge decides the outcome. If approved, agencies must seal their records. This takes several months.
Colorado law on sealing appears in Title 24, Article 72, Part 7. This statute lists requirements. It explains who qualifies. It details the procedure. You can read it at law.justia.com. Consider hiring an attorney. The process has strict rules. Mistakes can delay or deny your petition.
Cities in Rio Grande County Colorado
Rio Grande County includes several communities. All criminal cases file in Del Norte. The 12th Judicial District serves the entire county. Local law enforcement makes arrests. They file charges through the District Attorney. Cases then move to court.
Del Norte is the largest town. It serves as the county seat. The courthouse sits here. Monte Vista is nearby but in a different county. South Fork lies to the west. Center sits to the east. All Rio Grande County cases go to Del Norte.
Nearby Colorado Counties for Criminal Court Records
Rio Grande County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county. The 12th Judicial District includes multiple counties. They share some resources. Each maintains separate records.
Alamosa County lies to the south. It is the largest county in the district. Conejos County borders to the southeast. Costilla County sits to the south. Mineral County is to the west. Saguache County lies to the north. All are in the 12th Judicial District.
Each county uses the same judicial district. Criminal records access follows similar rules. CoCourts covers all these counties. You can search multiple jurisdictions. Fees and procedures are alike. Always check specific county details.