San Juan County Criminal Court Case Files
San Juan County Colorado criminal court records are public documents under state law. The county sits within the 6th Judicial District. This district includes Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan counties. Silverton serves as the county seat. The combined court handles all criminal matters for the county. San Juan is Colorado's least populous county. Criminal court records are still maintained for all cases.
San Juan County Court Quick Facts
San Juan County Colorado Criminal Court Location
The San Juan County Combined Court sits at 1557 Greene Street in Silverton. The mailing address is PO Box 900. This historic courthouse serves as the center for all criminal court records in San Juan County. The building houses both District and County Court operations. You can reach the clerk at 970-387-5790.
San Juan County is in southwest Colorado. It sits high in the San Juan Mountains. The county is one of the smallest by area in Colorado. It is also the least populous. Most of the county is mountainous terrain. Silverton is the only incorporated town. The court serves this small mountain community.
The 6th Judicial District covers southwest Colorado. San Juan County is one of three counties served. The district court hears felony criminal cases. County Court manages misdemeanors. Both courts maintain separate criminal court records. You must know which court heard a case to find the right file.
| Physical Address | 1557 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | PO Box 900, Silverton, CO 81433 |
| Main Phone | 970-387-5790 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| CoCourts County | 1995 |
| CoCourts District | 1995 |
Note: San Juan County has limited court staff due to its small population. Case scheduling may vary.
About San Juan County Criminal Court Records
San Juan County criminal court records document all legal proceedings. Each case generates documents. The register of actions tracks events. Charging papers start the process. Motions and orders follow. Final judgments complete the file. All are public records.
The clerk maintains these files. They organize by case number. They track filings. They ensure access. The office follows Colorado law. The Criminal Justice Records Act applies. This balances public access with privacy.
How to Search San Juan County Colorado Criminal Court Records
Searching San Juan County criminal court records offers several options. Online tools allow remote access. In-person visits work too. The method depends on your needs. Each has benefits for finding case information.
CoCourts.com provides online access to San Juan County criminal court records. This paid service shows the register of actions. County searches cost five dollars. Statewide searches cost ten dollars. The database includes records from both courts. Visit CoCourts.com to begin. Use County 1995 for San Juan County.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free docket search tool. This shows basic case information. You can search by name or case number. It displays hearing dates. Case status is shown. Access this free service at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets.
For in-person searches, visit the Silverton 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. Call 970-387-5790 before visiting.
What San Juan County Colorado Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal court records in San Juan County contain various documents. The charging document starts each case. It lists the alleged crimes. Motions come next. These are legal requests. Orders record judicial decisions. The disposition shows the final outcome.
The docket sheet acts as the timeline. It lists all events. Hearings are recorded. Filings are noted. Judgments appear here. This document gives a quick overview. You can see the full case history.
San Juan County criminal court records typically include:
- Charging documents and arrest reports
- Bond orders and release conditions
- Motions and court orders
- Plea agreements and sentencing orders
- Probation reports
- Final judgments and case dispositions
Most San Juan County criminal court records are public. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access. Under C.R.S. Title 24 Article 72 Part 3, official actions are open. Some records are confidential. Juvenile cases are sealed. Victim information may be protected.
Types of Criminal Cases in San Juan County Court Records
San Juan County criminal court records cover various offense types. Felony cases are most serious. These include violent crimes. Drug offenses are common. Property crimes qualify too. Felony records are detailed. They remain permanent.
Misdemeanor cases are less severe. They include minor assaults. Petty theft qualifies. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. These cases stay in County Court. Records remain public. They may appear in background checks.
How Long San Juan County Keeps Criminal Court Records
San Juan County preserves criminal court records per state law. Most felony records are permanent. They never get destroyed. This ensures accountability. The justice system needs these files. They serve as historical documents.
Some misdemeanor records have limits. Less serious cases may purge after time. Most records stay accessible, however. The Colorado State Archives stores old files. You can request historical searches.
Colorado Laws Governing San Juan County Criminal Court Records
State law controls access to San Juan County criminal court records. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act sets the rules. It declares that official action records are public. Anyone can inspect them. No reason is needed for requests.
Some records stay confidential. Juvenile records have special protection. They fall under C.R.S. Title 19. Most juvenile matters are sealed. Adult sealed records need a court order.
Record sealing is possible for some cases. Non-conviction records may seal under C.R.S. § 24-72-702 through 705. Conviction records have different rules. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 covers conviction sealing. Waiting periods apply. Petty offenses need one year. Misdemeanors need two years. Some felonies need three years. Serious felonies cannot seal.
Cities in San Juan County Colorado
San Juan County has only one incorporated town. Silverton serves as the county seat. All criminal cases file here. The 6th Judicial District serves the county. Local law enforcement makes arrests. Charges are filed through the District Attorney. Cases then go to court.
Silverton is a historic mining town. It sits at high elevation. The town is known for tourism. The courthouse serves this small community. All San Juan County residents use the Silverton court.
Nearby Colorado Counties for Criminal Court Records
San Juan County borders several other counties. Each has its own court system. You must search the correct county. The 6th Judicial District includes three counties. They share judicial resources. Each maintains separate records.
La Plata County lies to the south. Durango is the county seat. Archuleta County is to the southeast. Pagosa Springs is the seat. Both are in the 6th Judicial District. Hinsdale County borders to the east. Ouray County lies to the north. San Miguel County is to the west.
Each county follows Colorado Judicial Branch rules. Criminal records access is similar statewide. CoCourts covers all these counties. You can search multiple jurisdictions. Fees and procedures vary slightly. Check specific county details.