Denver County Criminal Records
What Is Denver County Criminal Records
Denver County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Denver County, Colorado. These records are maintained pursuant to § 24-72-301 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, which establishes the framework for criminal justice records in the state.
Criminal records in Denver County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Denver Police Department. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, establishing that an individual has been found legally responsible for a criminal offense.
- Court Records: Comprehensive documentation of criminal proceedings including arraignments, pleas, trial transcripts, and sentencing information maintained by the Denver District Court.
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration, probation, or parole status maintained by the Denver Sheriff Department and state correctional agencies.
The classification of offenses in Denver County follows Colorado state law:
- Felonies: Serious crimes categorized in classes 1-6, with class 1 being the most severe (e.g., first-degree murder) and punishable by lengthy prison terms or, in rare cases, capital punishment.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses categorized in classes 1-3, typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year and/or fines.
- Petty Offenses: Minor infractions carrying minimal penalties.
Several government agencies maintain criminal records in Denver County:
Denver Police Department
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-2000
Denver Police Department
Denver Sheriff Department
490 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-2600
Denver Sheriff Department
Denver District Court
1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8301
Denver District Court
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-4211
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under § 19-1-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Denver County
Criminal records in Denver County are generally considered public information under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified in § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to criminal justice records throughout Colorado, including Denver County.
The CCJRA distinguishes between two categories of criminal justice records:
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Records of Official Actions: These include records of arrests, indictments, charging documents, dispositions, sentencing, and correctional supervision. Under § 24-72-303(1), these records "shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as otherwise provided by law."
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Criminal Justice Records: All other records maintained by criminal justice agencies that are not records of official actions. For these records, § 24-72-304 grants custodians discretion to allow or deny access based on considerations of privacy, public safety, and the public interest.
While many criminal records are publicly accessible, several important exceptions exist:
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Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active investigations may be withheld if disclosure would be "contrary to the public interest" as determined by the custodian agency.
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Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to § 24-72-702 through § 24-72-708 are not available to the general public. This includes cases where charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where the defendant completed diversion programs.
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Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18) are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under § 19-1-304, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
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Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence, may be redacted to protect privacy.
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Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged by court order are removed from public access entirely.
The Denver Police Department maintains criminal records for offenses occurring within city limits and provides public access to these records in accordance with state law. Similarly, the Denver District Court maintains court records that are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions as noted above.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Denver County must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain discretion to withhold certain information based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other statutory exemptions.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Denver County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Denver County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records from various Denver County agencies:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies
The Denver Police Department provides access to arrest records, incident reports, and other police documents through their Records Section:
Denver Police Department Records Section
1331 Cherokee Street, Room 430
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-6755
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
To request records in person:
- Complete a Records Request form (available at the counter)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $10 for the first 10 pages, $1.00 per additional page)
- For arrest records, provide the subject's full name and date of birth
Court Records Access
The Denver District Court and Denver County Court maintain criminal case records that can be accessed through:
Denver District Court Records Department
1437 Bannock Street, Room 256
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
To obtain court records:
- Submit a Records Request form specifying the case number (if known) or defendant's name and date of birth
- Pay the required search fee ($5 per name) and copying fees ($0.75 per page)
- For certified copies, an additional fee of $20 per document applies
Mail Requests
For those unable to appear in person, mail requests are accepted by both police and court agencies. Mail requests should include:
- A completed Records Request form (downloadable from agency websites)
- A copy of valid government-issued photo identification
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment by check or money order for applicable fees
- Specific information about the requested records (names, dates, case numbers)
Background Checks through State Agencies
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks:
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-4208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The CBI offers two types of background checks:
- Name-based checks ($13.00 fee)
- Fingerprint-based checks ($39.50 fee)
Requestors must provide:
- Subject's full legal name and date of birth
- For fingerprint checks, fingerprint cards completed by an authorized fingerprinting agency
- Signed consent from the subject (if the request is made by a third party)
- Payment of applicable fees
Processing times vary by agency and request method, with in-person requests typically processed more quickly than mail requests. Certain records may require additional processing time due to redaction requirements or special handling procedures.
How To Find Criminal Records in Denver County Online?
Denver County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources allow members of the public to conduct preliminary research without visiting government offices in person. The following online systems are currently available:
Colorado Courts E-Filing System (JBITS)
The Colorado Judicial Branch Information Technology System provides public access to court records throughout Colorado, including Denver County:
- Website: Colorado Courts Records Search
- Information Available: Case information including filing dates, charges, hearings, dispositions, and sentencing
- Search Parameters: Name, case number, attorney registration number
- Cost: $7.00 per search
- Registration: Required (create user account with email verification)
- Limitations: Does not include documents filed before 2010; sealed or expunged cases not displayed
Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Search
The Denver Sheriff Department maintains an online database of current inmates:
- Website: Denver Sheriff Inmate Search
- Information Available: Current custody status, booking date, charges, bond information
- Search Parameters: Name, booking number
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Not required
- Limitations: Only shows currently incarcerated individuals; historical data not available
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records Check
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers an online system for conducting statewide criminal history checks:
- Website: Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC)
- Information Available: Statewide arrest and conviction records
- Search Parameters: Full name, date of birth
- Cost: $13.00 per search
- Registration: Required (create user account)
- Limitations: Colorado records only; requires subject's consent for third-party requests
Denver Police Department Crime Information Map
The Denver Police Department provides an interactive crime map showing recent criminal activity:
- Website: Denver Crime Map
- Information Available: Recent crime reports by location, type, and date
- Search Parameters: Address, neighborhood, crime type, date range
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Not required
- Limitations: Limited to 30-day history; does not identify suspects or victims
Colorado Sex Offender Registry
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains the state sex offender registry:
- Website: Colorado Sex Offender Registry
- Information Available: Names, photos, addresses, and offense information for registered sex offenders
- Search Parameters: Name, address, city, county, zip code
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Not required
- Limitations: Only includes registered sex offenders; compliance with registration requirements not guaranteed
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. For comprehensive background checks or certified records, direct contact with the appropriate agency is recommended. Additionally, pursuant to § 24-72-305.5, the use of criminal justice records to obtain personal gain or for solicitation purposes is prohibited under Colorado law.
Can You Search Denver County Criminal Records for Free?
Denver County provides several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply to free searches. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) establishes the right to inspect public criminal justice records, but allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and copying services.
Free In-Person Inspection
Pursuant to § 24-72-306 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, members of the public may inspect records of official actions at no charge during regular business hours at the following locations:
Denver District Court
1437 Bannock Street, Room 256
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Denver Police Department Records Section
1331 Cherokee Street, Room 430
Denver, CO 80204
720-913-6755
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, agencies may charge for:
- Copies of records ($0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Research and retrieval time (first hour free, $30 per hour thereafter)
- Certification of documents ($5-$20 per document)
Free Online Resources
Several free online resources provide limited criminal records information:
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Denver Sheriff Department Inmate Search
- Provides current custody information for individuals held in Denver County jail facilities
- Searchable by name or booking number
- No registration or fees required
- Denver Sheriff Inmate Search
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Denver Police Department Crime Map
- Shows recent criminal activity by location and offense type
- Free public access without registration
- Limited to 30-day history
- Denver Crime Map
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Colorado Sex Offender Registry
- Provides information on registered sex offenders in Denver County
- Searchable by name, address, or geographic area
- Free access without registration
- Colorado Sex Offender Registry
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Denver County Court Docket Search
- Basic case information (case number, parties, next court date)
- Free access for limited information
- Does not include document access
- Denver County Court Docket
Fee-Based Comprehensive Searches
For comprehensive criminal history information, fees are typically required:
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Colorado Courts Records Search (JBITS)
- $7.00 per name search
- Provides case information for all Colorado courts, including Denver County
- Colorado Courts Records Search
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Colorado Bureau of Investigation Background Check
- $13.00 for name-based checks
- $39.50 for fingerprint-based checks
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- CBI Background Checks
The availability of free access options is balanced against the administrative costs of maintaining and providing records. While basic information may be obtained at no cost, comprehensive or certified records typically require payment of established fees. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, such as for indigent individuals or for requests deemed to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian.
What's Included in a Denver County Criminal Record?
Denver County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized pursuant to § 16-21-103 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. A complete Denver County criminal record typically includes the following components:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Gender, race, and ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Distinguishing features (scars, marks, tattoos)
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI Number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
- Photograph/mugshot
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Denver Police Department)
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at arrest (including statute citations)
- Arrest circumstances
- Weapon information (if applicable)
- Bond information (amount, type, status)
- Pre-trial detention status
Court Case Information
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Denver District Court or Denver County Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecution
- Charge classification (felony class 1-6 or misdemeanor class 1-3)
- Specific statute violations
- Plea entered
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Attorney information (defense counsel, prosecutor)
- Judge assigned to case
- Court appearances and hearing dates
Disposition and Sentencing
- Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing date and judge
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration (length of sentence, facility)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
- Post-conviction modifications
- Appeal information (if applicable)
Additional Information
- Active warrants (if any)
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender status
- Parole/probation status and violations
- Completion of sentence
- Record sealing or expungement orders
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including Denver County records. This information is accessible to authorized agencies and individuals according to state and federal regulations.
Criminal records maintained by Denver County agencies may vary in completeness depending on the specific agency and record type. Court records typically contain the most comprehensive case information, while law enforcement records may focus more on arrest details and charges. Records may be updated as cases progress through the criminal justice system, with final dispositions added upon case completion.
How Long Does Denver County Keep Criminal Records?
Denver County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Colorado state law and municipal regulations. The duration for which different types of criminal records are preserved varies based on record type, offense severity, and the maintaining agency. These retention periods are governed by § 24-72-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and the Colorado Municipal Records Retention Schedule.
Court Records Retention
The Denver District Court follows the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule:
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Felony Case Files
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Class 1 and 2 felonies: 75 years after case closure
- Class 3, 4, 5, and 6 felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Deferred judgments: 10 years after successful completion
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Misdemeanor Case Files
- Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Class 3 misdemeanors and petty offenses: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic misdemeanors: 7 years after case closure
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Court Dockets and Registers of Action
- Felony cases: 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years
- Permanent retention in electronic format for cases after 2000
Law Enforcement Records Retention
The Denver Police Department maintains records according to the following schedule:
- Homicide Investigation Files: Permanent retention
- Sexual Assault Investigation Files: 99 years
- Felony Investigation Files: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor Investigation Files: 5 years after case closure
- Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: 10 years after final release from supervision
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after final release from supervision
- Incident Reports: 7 years
- Field Interview Reports: 3 years
- Body-Worn Camera Footage: Minimum of 30 days; longer for footage related to investigations
Detention Facility Records
The Denver Sheriff Department maintains jail records according to these timeframes:
- Inmate Files: 10 years after release
- Booking Records: 7 years
- Jail Incident Reports: 10 years
- Visitor Logs: 3 years
Criminal History Repository
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information with the following retention periods:
- Felony Conviction Records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor Conviction Records: Permanent retention
- Non-conviction Records (arrests without charges or resulting in dismissal/acquittal): 5 years, unless ordered sealed earlier
- Fingerprint Records: Permanent retention for convicted persons; 5 years for non-conviction arrests
It is important to note that while records may be retained according to these schedules, they may not remain publicly accessible for the entire retention period. Under § 24-72-702, certain records may be sealed by court order, removing them from public access while still being maintained by agencies for limited official purposes.
Additionally, the physical or electronic storage medium may change over time, with older records often being archived, microfilmed, or digitized. Records retention practices are periodically reviewed and updated by state and local authorities to balance public safety needs, individual privacy concerns, and administrative resource constraints.
Lookup Criminal Records in Denver County
Colorado Bureau of Investigation