Arapahoe Public Records / Arapahoe County Arrest Records

Arapahoe County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Arapahoe County

Arrest records in Arapahoe County are considered public information under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified in § 24-72-301 et seq. of the Colorado Revised Statutes. This statute establishes that criminal justice records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public, though with certain limitations and exceptions.

The CCJRA distinguishes between records of "official actions," which must be made available for public inspection, and other criminal justice records, for which disclosure is discretionary. Pursuant to § 24-72-302(7), "official actions" include arrests, indictments, charging by information, dispositions, pretrial or posttrial release from custody, judicial determinations, sentencing, correctional supervision, and release from correctional supervision.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with state law. While these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with court orders.

What's in Arapahoe County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Arapahoe County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and contain the following standard elements:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, petty offense)
Charge descriptions
Case numbers

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 number
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case numbers

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Projected release date (if applicable)
Housing location within detention facility

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Immigration status
Medical alerts
Behavioral alerts
Gang affiliation (if documented)
Probation/parole status

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Access to certain elements of these records may be restricted based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or statutory exemptions under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Arapahoe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Arapahoe County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records. Individuals may pursue the following options:

Submit a Records Request to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Records Request Form
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or electronically
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, case number)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Visit the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Records Section
- Records are available during regular business hours
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to complete a records request form
- Specify the information being sought
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
303-795-4711
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Check the Arapahoe County Detention Facility Inmate Lookup
- Access the online inmate information system
- Search by name or booking number
- View current inmates and their charges, bond information, and court dates
Contact the Arapahoe County Combined Courts
- Request criminal case information related to arrests
- Provide case number or defendant name
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Arapahoe County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) Request
- Submit a written request citing CORA (§ 24-72-201 et seq.)
- Clearly identify the records being sought
- Allow up to three working days for a response (may be extended to seven days in extenuating circumstances)
- Pay applicable fees for research, retrieval, and copying

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be as specific as possible about the information sought. Pursuant to Colorado law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and reproduction. Current fees are established by the custodian of records and are subject to change.

How To Find Arapahoe County Arrest Records Online

Arapahoe County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information through official online platforms. Members of the public may utilize these electronic systems to locate arrest information without visiting county offices in person:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information page
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields
- Review results showing current inmates, charges, bond amounts, and court dates
- Note that this system only displays currently incarcerated individuals
Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search
- Access the Colorado Courts E-Filing system
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Select Arapahoe County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Note that some case details may require in-person requests at the courthouse
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Records Check
- Visit the CBI Internet Criminal History Check portal
- Create an account and pay the required fee (currently $5.00 per search)
- Enter the individual's full name and date of birth
- Receive official criminal history information, including arrests and dispositions
- Note that this provides statewide information, not just Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County Public Records Portal
- Navigate to the Arapahoe County Public Records page
- Select the Sheriff's Office records request option
- Complete the online form with specific information about the arrest record sought
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive records electronically when available
Vinelink/Colorado VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)
- Access the Colorado VINE system
- Search for an offender by name
- View custody status and location
- Register for notifications about changes in custody status

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that not all information may be available electronically. Some records may require formal requests through the Sheriff's Office Records Section or the Clerk of Court. Additionally, pursuant to § 24-72-305.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect privacy interests.

How To Search Arapahoe County Arrest Records for Free?

Arapahoe County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free public resources. While comprehensive criminal history reports typically involve fees, the following methods provide no-cost options for basic arrest information:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search system
- Search by name to view current inmates in the Arapahoe County Detention Facility
- Access information about charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court dates
- This resource is limited to currently incarcerated individuals
Public Access Terminals at the Arapahoe County Justice Center
- Visit the public terminals located in the courthouse lobby
- Search court cases related to arrests without paying search fees
- Print copies may incur nominal fees
Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Arapahoe County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Colorado VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)
- Access the Colorado VINE system
- Search for offender information by name
- View current custody status and location
- Receive free notifications about changes in custody status
Public Court Dockets
- Attend publicly scheduled court proceedings
- Review the daily court calendar posted at the courthouse
- Observe arraignments and other proceedings where arrest information is discussed
- Note that while attendance is free, recording devices are typically prohibited
Public Records Reading Room
- Visit the designated public records area at the Sheriff's Office
- Review certain arrest logs and police blotters available for public inspection
- Research is self-directed and free, though copying fees may apply
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
303-795-4711
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

It is important to note that while basic arrest information may be available at no cost, more detailed records typically require formal requests and associated fees. Additionally, pursuant to § 24-72-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, custodians of criminal justice records may charge reasonable fees for research, retrieval, and duplication of records beyond those made readily available for public inspection.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Arapahoe County

Under Colorado law, individuals with arrest records in Arapahoe County may be eligible to have those records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The processes of sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (legal erasure) are governed by different statutes and have distinct eligibility requirements and outcomes:

Record Sealing

Colorado law provides for the sealing of certain arrest and criminal records under § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. When records are sealed, they are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies and under certain other limited circumstances.

Eligibility for sealing typically includes:

Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Cases where charges were not filed within the statute of limitations
Completed diversion agreements or deferred judgments
Certain conviction records after specified waiting periods
Petty offense and drug petty offense convictions

The sealing process requires:

Filing a petition with the Arapahoe County District Court
Paying applicable filing fees
Attending a hearing (in some cases)
Obtaining a court order directing all agencies to seal relevant records

Record Expungement

In Colorado, true expungement (complete erasure) of adult criminal records is limited to very specific circumstances. However, under § 24-72-705, records related to mistaken identity arrests or factually innocent situations may qualify for complete expungement.

Juvenile records may be eligible for expungement under § 19-1-306 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

To pursue record deletion, individuals should:

Determine Eligibility
- Consult with an attorney specializing in criminal record sealing
- Review the specific statutes applicable to your situation
- Obtain a complete copy of your criminal history from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
File Appropriate Petition
- Submit petition forms to the Arapahoe County District Court
- Include all required documentation and criminal history information
- Pay filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
Arapahoe County District Court
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Arapahoe County Courts
Attend Court Proceedings
- Appear at any scheduled hearings
- Present evidence supporting your petition
- Respond to any objections from the District Attorney
Distribute Court Orders
- If granted, ensure the court order is sent to all agencies holding records
- Follow up with agencies to confirm compliance with the order

It is important to note that even sealed or expunged records may remain accessible to certain government agencies, particularly for employment in law enforcement, education, and healthcare. Additionally, private data companies may have already collected and distributed arrest information before sealing or expungement occurs.

What Happens After Arrest in Arapahoe County?

Following an arrest in Arapahoe County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. This process ensures constitutional protections while moving cases toward resolution. The standard post-arrest procedure typically includes:

Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to the Arapahoe County Detention Facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial criminal history check is performed
Bond Determination
- For minor offenses, bond may be set according to a standardized schedule
- For more serious charges, bond is determined at the first court appearance
- Types of bonds include:
  - Cash bond (full amount paid to court)
  - Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
  - Personal recognizance (release on promise to appear)
- Bond conditions may include protection orders, drug testing, or travel restrictions
Advisement Hearing (First Appearance)
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Judge formally advises defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bond is set or reviewed
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
Filing of Charges
- District Attorney's Office reviews evidence and determines formal charges
- For misdemeanors, charges are typically filed at first appearance
- For felonies, charges may be filed later, usually within 72 hours
- Some cases may proceed by grand jury indictment
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)
- Court determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime
- Prosecution presents evidence; defense may cross-examine witnesses
- If probable cause is found, case proceeds; if not, case is dismissed
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Trial date is set if not guilty plea is entered
- Case may be continued for plea negotiations
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motions hearings (to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences to resolve outstanding issues
Trial
- Misdemeanor trials held in County Court
- Felony trials held in District Court
- Jury selection and trial proceedings
- Verdict determination (guilty or not guilty)
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentencing options include:
  - Probation
  - Community corrections
  - Jail or prison time
  - Fines and restitution
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible sentence reconsideration
- Probation supervision or incarceration begins

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the presumption of innocence. The Arapahoe County criminal justice system processes thousands of cases annually through the Arapahoe County Courts, with each case following this general framework while accommodating individual circumstances.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Arapahoe County?

Arrest records in Arapahoe County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Colorado state law and local government policies. The Colorado State Archives oversees record retention requirements for criminal justice agencies throughout the state, including those in Arapahoe County.

Pursuant to § 24-72-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, criminal justice records must be maintained for specific periods depending on the type of record and its disposition:

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: Typically maintained for 5-7 years
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Generally kept for 7-10 years after case disposition
Felony Arrest Records: Maintained for 25 years to permanent retention, depending on severity
Homicide and Sexual Assault Cases: Permanently maintained
Juvenile Arrest Records: Usually maintained until the individual reaches age 18, unless sealed earlier
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's schedule, typically permanently

Different agencies within Arapahoe County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
- Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and detention records
- Follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Retention Schedule
- May keep records longer than minimum requirements for administrative purposes
Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office
- Maintains case files related to prosecutions
- Retention varies based on case type and disposition
- Serious felony cases are typically maintained permanently
Arapahoe County Courts
- Court records follow the Colorado Judicial Department Retention Schedule
- Most criminal case files are maintained for 10 years after final disposition
- Certain serious felony cases are maintained permanently
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- Maintains statewide criminal history repository
- Fingerprint records and criminal histories are typically permanent
- Provides official criminal history reports to authorized requestors

It is important to note that even after official retention periods expire, information about arrests may persist in private databases, news archives, and other sources not subject to government records retention policies. Additionally, records that have been sealed pursuant to court order are maintained but restricted from public access according to the terms of the sealing order.

The retention of arrest records serves several important public policy functions, including:

Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintaining accurate criminal history information for law enforcement
Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
Supporting statistical analysis and policy development

How to Find Mugshots in Arapahoe County

Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are created during the arrest process in Arapahoe County and are considered part of the official arrest record. These photographs serve as visual identification of individuals processed through the county's criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken during the booking process after an arrest. They typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile (profile) view of the arrestee
Identifying information such as booking number and date
Height measurement markers in the background

These photographs serve legitimate law enforcement purposes, including suspect identification, fugitive apprehension, and maintaining accurate records of individuals processed through detention facilities.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Arapahoe County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
- Manages the county detention facility where booking occurs
- Maintains digital and physical copies of booking photographs
- Stores images in jail management systems and records databases
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
303-795-4711
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- Maintains statewide criminal history records including mugshots
- Provides access to authorized agencies and individuals

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Arapahoe County have several options:

Submit a Records Request to the Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Records Request Form
- Specify that you are seeking a booking photograph
- Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Section in Person
- Request mugshots during regular business hours
- Provide identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable fees for copies
Check Media Sources
- Local news outlets sometimes publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests
- These publications are at the discretion of media organizations

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Arapahoe County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. While the inmate lookup system provides information about current inmates, it does not display booking photographs.

Some third-party websites collect and publish mugshots, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. The county does not endorse or contribute to these commercial websites.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Arapahoe County is governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Under this law, criminal justice agencies have discretion in releasing certain records, including photographs. Factors that may limit access include:

Active investigations
Privacy concerns
Court orders restricting dissemination
Juvenile status (records generally not public)
Records that have been sealed by court order

Additionally, Colorado has enacted legislation (§ 24-72-305.5) that restricts commercial websites from publishing mugshots and requiring payment for their removal. This law aims to prevent exploitation of individuals whose photographs were taken during the arrest process.

Lookup Arrest Records in Arapahoe County

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