Denver County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Denver County
Arrest records in Denver County are considered public records under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), specifically § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309. This legislation establishes that criminal justice records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public, though with certain limitations and exceptions. The CCJRA grants custodians of criminal justice records discretion in determining whether disclosure of certain records would be contrary to the public interest.
It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings. Under Colorado law, both types of records are generally accessible, though arrest records that did not lead to convictions may be subject to sealing under certain circumstances.
The Denver Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Records requests are processed pursuant to the CCJRA rather than the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), which governs other types of public records.
Denver Police Department Records Unit
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-6755
Denver Police Department
What's in Denver County Arrest Records
Denver County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (e.g., state ID, FBI number, booking number)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or petty offense)
- Charge severity (class or level)
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Gang affiliations (if documented)
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Witness information (may be redacted)
- Victim information (typically redacted)
- Narrative reports from arresting officers
The Denver Sheriff Department maintains booking and custody records for individuals processed through the Denver County jail system, while the Denver Police Department maintains arrest records for individuals taken into custody.
Denver Sheriff Department
490 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-2000
Denver Sheriff Department
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Denver County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Denver County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Denver Police Department Records Unit processes requests for arrest records pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Requesters may follow these steps:
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Submit a written request to the Denver Police Department Records Unit, specifying the information sought. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
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Complete the official Criminal Justice Records Request form available through the Denver Police Department website.
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Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the online portal:
- In person: Visit the Denver Police Department Records Unit during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- By mail: Send completed request forms to the Denver Police Department Records Unit address
- Online: Submit through the Denver Police Department's Records Request Portal
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Pay applicable fees:
- Research and retrieval fee: $30 per hour (first hour free)
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $2.00 per document
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Present valid identification when picking up records in person.
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Allow 7-10 business days for processing, though complex requests may require additional time.
For arrest records related to individuals currently or recently in custody, the Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Records Unit can provide booking and custody information.
Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Records
490 W. Colfax Avenue, Room 100
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-3642
Denver Sheriff Department
How To Find Denver County Arrest Records Online
Denver County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following methods are available for conducting online searches:
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Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Search:
- Visit the Denver Sheriff Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and those released within the past 30 days
- Information includes booking date, charges, bond amount, and next court date
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Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Records Check:
- Access the CBI Records Check website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Pay the required fee ($5.00 per search)
- Enter the subject's full name and date of birth
- Results include arrest history throughout Colorado, including Denver County
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Denver District Attorney's Court Case Information:
- Visit the Denver DA's Court Case Information page
- Search by defendant name or case number
- This resource provides information on cases prosecuted by the Denver District Attorney's Office
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Colorado State Judicial Branch Records Search:
- Access the Colorado Courts E-Filing system
- Register for an account (required for detailed searches)
- Search by name or case number
- Pay applicable fees for detailed record access
- Results include court cases related to arrests in Denver County
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Denver Police Department Crime Information:
- Visit the Denver Police Department Crime Information page
- Access crime maps and statistics
- While not providing individual arrest records, this resource offers information on criminal activity and enforcement
When using online resources, users should note that the information provided may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the Denver Police Department or Denver Sheriff Department. For comprehensive arrest records, a formal records request may still be necessary.
How To Search Denver County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Denver County arrest records without incurring fees, though some limitations apply to free search methods. The following resources provide no-cost access to certain arrest record information:
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Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Search:
- The Denver Sheriff Inmate Search portal is available at no cost
- Provides basic information on currently incarcerated individuals and those released within the past 30 days
- Searchable by name or booking number
- Information includes current charges, bond amount, and next court date
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Denver County Court Records Terminal:
- Public access terminals are available at the Denver City and County Building
- Located at 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Allows free searches of court cases related to arrests
- No printing fees for viewing only (printing incurs standard copy fees)
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Denver Public Library Resources:
- Denver Public Library locations offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Main Library: 10 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
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In-Person Records Inspection:
- Pursuant to § 24-72-305 of the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, individuals may inspect records in person without charge
- Visit the Denver Police Department Records Unit during public counter hours
- Records must be reviewed on-site
- Copy fees apply only if physical copies are requested
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Media Reports and Public Information:
- Local news outlets often report on significant arrests
- The Denver Police Department publishes press releases about major arrests on their website
- Denver County court dockets are public and can be viewed in person at no cost
When utilizing free search methods, requesters should be aware that the information available may be limited in scope and detail compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, while inspection of records may be free, research and retrieval fees may apply if staff time exceeding one hour is required to locate and prepare records for inspection.
Denver City and County Building
1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8301
Denver County Court
How To Delete Arrest Records in Denver County
In Denver County, individuals cannot technically "delete" arrest records, but Colorado law provides mechanisms for sealing or expunging certain records under specific circumstances. The distinction between sealing and expungement is important:
- Sealing: Records are removed from public access but still exist and may be accessible to law enforcement agencies.
- Expungement: Records are completely destroyed or permanently removed from all databases (primarily available for juvenile records in Colorado).
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-702, individuals may petition to seal arrest and criminal records in the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in complete dismissal or acquittal
- Cases where charges were not filed within the statute of limitations
- Completed diversion agreements or deferred judgments
- Certain drug offenses after specified waiting periods
- Petty offenses and municipal violations after specified waiting periods
- Certain misdemeanors and felonies after specified waiting periods
The process for sealing records in Denver County involves:
- Determine eligibility under Colorado law
- Obtain complete criminal history from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- Gather case information for all arrests and cases to be sealed
- File a petition with the Denver District Court or Denver County Court (depending on case type)
- Pay filing fees (approximately $65, though fee waivers may be available)
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, ensure the order is sent to all agencies holding records
For juvenile records, Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-1-306 provides more expansive expungement options, allowing for complete removal of records in many cases.
Individuals with arrest records may also benefit from Colorado's "Ban the Box" law (HB19-1025), which prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications, though this does not affect the public record status of arrests.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for record sealing petitions. The Denver District Attorney's Office offers a Record Sealing Program that provides guidance on the process. Additionally, Colorado Legal Services may provide assistance to income-eligible individuals.
Denver District Court
1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8301
Denver District Court
What Happens After Arrest in Denver County?
Following an arrest in Denver County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Colorado law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
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Booking and Processing:
- Arrestee is transported to a Denver detention facility
- Fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Property inventory and storage
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
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Custody Determination:
- For minor offenses, citation and release may occur
- For more serious charges, detention pending advisement
- Pre-trial services assessment for flight risk and public safety
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Advisement Hearing (within 72 hours of arrest):
- First court appearance before a judge
- Rights advisement pursuant to Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure 5
- Charges formally presented
- Bond determination
- Public defender appointment if eligible
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Bond and Pre-trial Release:
- Cash, surety, or personal recognizance bond may be set
- Conditions of release established
- Pretrial supervision may be ordered
- Electronic monitoring may be required for certain offenses
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Filing of Charges:
- Misdemeanors: Charges filed at or before advisement
- Felonies: District Attorney has 72 hours to file charges
- Grand Jury indictment possible for serious cases
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Preliminary Hearing (felonies only):
- Determination if probable cause exists
- Must occur within 35 days of first appearance for in-custody defendants
- May be waived by defendant
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Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Trial date set if not guilty plea entered
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Pre-trial Conferences:
- Evidence exchange through discovery process
- Motions hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Trial preparation
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Trial:
- Misdemeanors: Tried in Denver County Court
- Felonies: Tried in Denver District Court
- Jury or bench trial options
- Burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Victim impact statements
- Sentencing hearing
- Possible penalties include probation, jail/prison time, fines, community service, or treatment programs
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Post-Conviction:
- Appeal rights
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration if sentenced
- Parole consideration for eligible prison sentences
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses. The Denver County Court and Denver District Court administer these proceedings in accordance with Colorado law and constitutional requirements.
Denver County Court Criminal Division
520 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
720-865-7800
Denver County Court Criminal Division
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Denver County?
Arrest records in Denver County are maintained according to the Colorado Municipal Records Retention Schedule and the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA). These records are typically retained permanently, though the accessibility and maintenance methods may change over time.
The retention periods for various components of arrest records are as follows:
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Arrest Reports and Criminal History Information:
- Permanent retention by the Denver Police Department
- Records may be transferred to archival storage after 7 years
- Electronic records systems have replaced paper records for most recent arrests
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Booking Information and Jail Records:
- Maintained by the Denver Sheriff Department
- Retained permanently for historical and administrative purposes
- Active records maintained for 7 years, then transferred to archival status
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Fingerprint Records:
- Permanent retention
- Maintained in both local and state (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) databases
- Also submitted to the FBI's national database
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Mugshot Photographs:
- Permanent retention
- May be moved to archival storage after 7 years
- Digital storage has replaced physical photographs
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Investigation Reports Related to Arrests:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 10 years after case closure, then archival retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 3 years after case closure, then archival retention
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Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 3-10 years depending on severity
It is important to note that while records may be retained permanently, their public accessibility may change if a court orders records sealed pursuant to § 24-72-702 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Sealed records continue to exist but are removed from public access and can only be viewed by law enforcement agencies under specific circumstances.
The Denver Police Department and Denver Sheriff Department maintain these records in accordance with state law to preserve evidence, ensure accountability, document law enforcement activities, and provide information for background checks and security clearances. The permanent retention of these records serves both public safety and historical documentation purposes.
How to Find Mugshots in Denver County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Denver County, these photographs are taken by the Denver Sheriff Department at the time of booking into the detention facility. Mugshots typically show the front and side view of an arrestee's face and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Denver County, mugshots are primarily maintained by two agencies:
Denver Sheriff Department
490 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-2000
Denver Sheriff Department
Denver Police Department Records Unit
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-6755
Denver Police Department
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Denver County, individuals may:
- Submit a Criminal Justice Records Request to the Denver Police Department Records Unit
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify that a booking photograph is being requested
- Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page plus research fees if applicable)
- Present identification when picking up records
Can They Be Found Online
The Denver Sheriff Department does not publish a comprehensive database of mugshots online. Limited information about current inmates, including a small identification photo, may be available through the Denver Sheriff Inmate Search portal, but these are not the full booking photographs.
Unlike some jurisdictions, Denver County does not maintain a public-facing mugshot gallery. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the impact of publicly available mugshots on individuals' privacy and presumption of innocence.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:
- Submitting a written request under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act
- Providing specific identifying information about the subject
- Paying applicable fees
- Stating the purpose of the request (may be required)
- Allowing 7-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Denver County is subject to several restrictions:
- The custodian agency has discretion under § 24-72-305 of the CCJRA to deny access if disclosure would be "contrary to the public interest"
- Mugshots related to sealed cases are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public
- Commercial use restrictions may apply under Colorado law
- The Denver Police Department and Sheriff Department may redact or withhold mugshots in active investigations
Colorado has enacted legislation (HB21-1214) restricting commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. This law prohibits the practice of charging a fee to remove a booking photo from a website and requires removal upon request if the person was not convicted of the crime for which they were arrested.