Arapahoe County Public Records /Arapahoe County Court Records

Arapahoe County Court Records

What Is Arapahoe County Court Records

Arapahoe County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-203, which establishes requirements for public records maintenance and access.

Court records in Arapahoe County typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage dissolution decrees and custody determinations
Probate filings and estate administration documents

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by Arapahoe County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. While both categories fall under public records laws, court records are specifically governed by judicial branch policies and access rules established by the Colorado Judicial Branch.

Within Arapahoe County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

District Court (18th Judicial District)
County Court
Municipal Courts (Aurora, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Glendale, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Sheridan)
Probate Court (handled by District Court)
Juvenile Court (handled by District Court)

These courts collectively handle civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, traffic, and small claims matters, generating the official documentation that constitutes Arapahoe County court records.

Are Court Records Public In Arapahoe County

Court records in Arapahoe County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and the Colorado Public Records Law codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 through § 24-72-309. These statutes establish the presumption that court records are public unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Property records related to judgments

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Sealed cases pursuant to court order
Juvenile proceedings (with exceptions)
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain domestic relations matters involving children
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing personal identifying information as defined in § 24-72-204(3)(a)(IX)
Pre-sentence investigation reports
Probation files

Access to court records in Arapahoe County is further governed by Colorado Supreme Court Public Access to Court Records (P.A.C.R.) directives, which establish uniform standards for record access across Colorado's judicial system. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy interests and the efficient administration of justice.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado are governed by federal access policies rather than state law, though similar principles of public access apply.

How To Find Court Records in Arapahoe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Arapahoe County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains comprehensive systems for record access that accommodate both electronic and in-person requests.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County Courthouse - Littleton
1790 W. Littleton Blvd.
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 798-4591
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County

To obtain court records, requesters should:

Identify the specific case of interest (case number, party names, filing date)
Complete a Records Request Form available at the courthouse or through the Colorado Judicial Branch Record Request Form
Submit the request to the appropriate clerk's office
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.75 per page for standard copies)
Present valid identification when collecting sensitive records

For records related to criminal prosecutions, the public may also contact:

18th Judicial District Attorney's Office
6450 S. Revere Parkway
Centennial, CO 80111
(720) 874-8500
Arapahoe County District Attorney

Certified copies of court documents, required for legal purposes, are available for an additional fee and must be requested specifically when submitting the records request.

How To Look Up Court Records in Arapahoe County Online?

Arapahoe County court records can be accessed through several online portals maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch. These electronic systems provide convenient access to case information without requiring a visit to the courthouse.

The primary online resources include:

Colorado Courts E-Filing System (CCE) - This system allows registered users to search for case information, view documents, and track case progress. While primarily designed for attorneys, limited public access is available.
Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search - The public can search basic case information through the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search system. This portal provides:
- Case number lookup
- Party name search
- Hearing dates and times
- Case type and status
- Register of actions (chronological list of filings)
Colorado Court Records Search (CoCourts) - This subscription-based service offers more comprehensive access to court records, including document images for certain case types.

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the appropriate portal
Select Arapahoe County from the jurisdiction list
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
Review search results
Select specific cases to view available details

For criminal case information, users may also access:

Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check system
Colorado Department of Corrections Offender Search
Colorado Sex Offender Registry

It should be noted that online access to court documents may be more limited than in-person requests, as certain sensitive documents and older cases may not be available electronically. Additionally, user fees may apply for certain searches and document retrievals through these systems.

How To Search Arapahoe County Court Records for Free?

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205, the public has the right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Arapahoe County offers several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information.

Free search methods include:

In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the Arapahoe County courthouse during regular business hours to view non-confidential court records at no charge. Public access terminals are available for searching case information.

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County
Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search - This online system provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case types and status
- Upcoming hearing dates
- Register of actions (list of filings)
The docket search system does not require registration or payment for basic searches.
Public Law Library Resources - The Arapahoe County Law Library offers public access to legal research tools that may include court record search capabilities.

Arapahoe County Law Library
7325 S. Potomac Street, 2nd Floor
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6275
Municipal Court Records - Some Arapahoe County municipalities provide free online access to their court records through city websites.

While basic case information is available at no cost, fees apply for:

Document copies ($0.75 per page)
Certified copies (additional certification fee)
Complete case file reproductions
Research assistance from court staff
Subscription-based enhanced online access

Individuals seeking extensive records or requiring assistance with complex searches may incur costs despite the availability of free basic access options.

What's Included in a Arapahoe County Court Record?

Arapahoe County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Standard components of court records include:

Case Information Sheet - Contains basic identifying information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Court division assignment
- Party names and contact information
- Attorney information
- Case type classification
Register of Actions (ROA) - A chronological index of all events and filings in the case
Pleadings - Formal written statements including:
- Complaints/petitions
- Answers/responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Third-party complaints
Motions and Responses - Requests for court action and opposing parties' replies
Court Orders - Judicial directives and decisions on motions and other matters
Judgments - Final determinations of the rights and obligations of parties

Case-specific documents may include:

Civil Cases
- Summonses and returns of service
- Affidavits and declarations
- Exhibits and evidence logs
- Settlement agreements
- Transcripts of proceedings
Criminal Cases
- Charging documents (information, indictment)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond information
- Discovery certificates
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
- Sentencing orders
- Probation terms
Domestic Relations Cases
- Financial disclosures
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
- Separation agreements
Probate Cases
- Wills and codicils
- Letters testamentary/administration
- Inventories and appraisements
- Accountings
- Distribution plans

Court records also include documentation of hearings, trials, and other proceedings, though audio recordings or transcripts may require separate requests and additional fees.

How Long Does Arapahoe County Keep Court Records?

Arapahoe County courts retain records according to the Colorado Judicial Department's Records Retention Schedule, established pursuant to Chief Justice Directive 05-01. This comprehensive schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various document types based on case category, significance, and legal requirements.

Standard retention periods for major case categories include:

Criminal Felony Cases
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 10 years after case closure
- Post-conviction relief matters: 3 years after final judgment
Criminal Misdemeanor Cases
- 3-10 years after case closure, depending on offense classification
Traffic Cases
- Moving violations: 3 years after case closure
- Parking violations: 1 year after case closure
Civil Cases
- General civil matters: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 3 years after case closure
- Forcible entry and detainer: 3 years after case closure
Domestic Relations Cases
- Dissolution/separation with children: 10 years after youngest child reaches 18
- Dissolution/separation without children: 10 years after decree
- Child support enforcement: 10 years after youngest child reaches 18
Probate Cases
- Estates: 10 years after closing
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
Mental Health Cases
- 10 years after case closure

Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:

Adoption cases
Capital punishment cases
Cases establishing precedent
Cases of historical significance
Indexes and dockets
Judgment record books

After the designated retention period expires, court records may be destroyed in accordance with the schedule. Digital preservation initiatives are increasingly being implemented to maintain electronic versions of records beyond physical document retention periods.

Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older records may have been transferred to the Colorado State Archives or local historical societies after their active retention period.

Types of Courts In Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority as established by Colorado law. These courts operate within the state's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Colorado Judicial Branch.

18th Judicial District Court - Arapahoe Division
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County

The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations cases, juvenile matters, probate, and mental health proceedings.

Arapahoe County Court
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County Court - Littleton Division
1790 W. Littleton Blvd.
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 798-4591
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Colorado Judicial Branch - Arapahoe County

County Courts handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil matters under $15,000, and small claims cases up to $7,500.

Municipal Courts (Selected examples):

City of Aurora Municipal Court
14999 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
(303) 739-6444
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Court

City of Littleton Municipal Court
2069 W. Littleton Blvd.
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 795-3711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Littleton Municipal Court

Municipal courts handle violations of city ordinances, including traffic infractions and petty offenses occurring within city limits.

The court hierarchy in Colorado proceeds from Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction) to County Courts (limited jurisdiction) to District Courts (general jurisdiction), with appeals typically proceeding to the Colorado Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Colorado Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Arapahoe County Courts Hear?

Arapahoe County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among different court types based on case nature, complexity, and statutory authority.

District Court (18th Judicial District) handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil matters with claims exceeding $15,000
Domestic relations cases including:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and support
- Property division
- Maintenance (alimony)
Juvenile matters:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Dependency and neglect cases
- Adoption
- Paternity determinations
Probate proceedings:
- Estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health cases
Administrative appeals
Complex commercial litigation
Real property disputes
Water rights adjudications

County Court adjudicates:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Civil matters with claims up to $15,000
Small claims cases (up to $7,500)
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Protection orders
Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
County ordinance violations
Wildlife violations

Municipal Courts within Arapahoe County handle:

Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
Petty offenses
Parking violations
Nuisance abatement
Animal control violations
Building code infractions
Local licensing matters

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-104 (County Court jurisdiction) and § 13-10-104 (Municipal Court jurisdiction), with District Courts exercising general jurisdiction over matters not specifically assigned elsewhere.

Specialized dockets and problem-solving courts within these jurisdictions include:

Drug courts
Veterans treatment courts
Mental health courts
Family treatment courts
DUI courts

These specialized programs provide alternative approaches to case resolution while remaining within the established court structure.

How To Find a Court Docket In Arapahoe County

Court dockets in Arapahoe County provide official chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access these records through several methods established by the Colorado Judicial Branch.

The most efficient methods for locating court dockets include:

Online Docket Search
- Navigate to the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search portal
- Select "Arapahoe County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review results showing case status, upcoming hearings, and filing history
Courthouse Public Access Terminals
- Visit the clerk's office at either Arapahoe County courthouse location
- Use self-service terminals to search case information
- Request assistance from court staff if needed for complex searches
Daily Court Calendars
- Review posted hearing schedules outside courtrooms
- Access daily calendars through the clerk's office
- Check online hearing schedules updated daily
Direct Inquiry
- Contact the appropriate division clerk with case number
- Submit a records request form for specific docket information
- Provide necessary identifying information to locate the correct case

For criminal cases specifically, additional docket information may be available through:

18th Judicial District Attorney's Office records request system
Colorado Bureau of Investigation criminal history search (fee required)
Victim notification services (for registered victims)

When searching for docket information, users should be prepared to provide:

Complete case number (if known)
Full legal names of parties
Approximate filing date
Case type
Identifying information for verification when requesting sensitive case information

Court dockets are updated continuously as new filings and scheduling changes occur. For the most current information, particularly regarding imminent hearings, direct contact with the clerk's office is recommended.

Which Courts in Arapahoe County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Arapahoe County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-111. These "courts not of record" operate under different procedural rules regarding documentation and appeals.

Municipal courts in Arapahoe County generally function as courts not of record, including:

City of Aurora Municipal Court
14999 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
(303) 739-6444
Aurora Municipal Court
City of Englewood Municipal Court
1000 Englewood Parkway
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 762-2335
Englewood Municipal Court
City of Sheridan Municipal Court
4101 S. Federal Blvd.
Sheridan, CO 80110
(303) 438-3246
Sheridan Municipal Court

These courts typically handle:

Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic infractions
Petty offenses
Code enforcement matters

As courts not of record, these tribunals:

Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
May maintain only summary records of dispositions
Process appeals through a "trial de novo" (new trial) in County Court rather than review of a transcript
Follow simplified procedural rules

However, some municipal courts in larger cities within Arapahoe County have elected to operate as courts of record pursuant to § 13-10-102(3), C.R.S., including:

City of Centennial Municipal Court (operates as a court of record)

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly affects appellate procedures. Appeals from courts not of record proceed as entirely new trials in County Court, while appeals from courts of record involve review of the existing record for legal errors.

Small claims divisions of the County Court also operate with modified record-keeping requirements, though they remain technically courts of record under Colorado law.