Arapahoe County Public Records /Arapahoe County Criminal Records

Arapahoe County Criminal Records

What Is Arapahoe County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Arapahoe County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) under C.R.S. § 24-72-301, which establishes the framework for record creation, maintenance, and public access.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories with important legal differences:

Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has found an individual guilty of a criminal offense.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state facilities for terms exceeding one year. Misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public. Juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Colorado Judicial Branch guidelines.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current court orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Multiple agencies maintain different components of Arapahoe County criminal records:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
303-795-4711
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through the Arapahoe County Detention Center.

Arapahoe County District Court
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Arapahoe County District Court

The District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings including charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing for felony cases and more serious misdemeanors.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-4300
Colorado Bureau of Investigation

The CBI maintains statewide criminal history information, including fingerprint records and comprehensive criminal histories.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:

Initial charges and booking information
Arraignment proceedings
Plea agreements or trial outcomes
Sentencing details
Probation or parole status
Post-conviction proceedings

Are Criminal Records Public In Arapahoe County

Criminal records in Arapahoe County are generally considered public information under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified in C.R.S. § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309. This statute establishes the legal framework governing access to criminal justice records throughout Colorado, including Arapahoe County.

The CCJRA specifically states in § 24-72-303(1): "Records of official actions shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided in this part 3 or as otherwise provided by law." This provision establishes the presumption of public access to official actions, which include records of arrests, indictments, charging documents, and court dispositions.

However, the law distinguishes between "records of official actions" and "criminal justice records." While records of official actions must be disclosed upon request, other criminal justice records may be released at the discretion of the records custodian. Under § 24-72-305(1), the custodian may exercise discretion to permit inspection of criminal justice records or may deny access if disclosure would be "contrary to the public interest."

The following categories of criminal records in Arapahoe County are typically accessible to the public:

Adult arrest records and booking information
Court dockets and case indices
Criminal charges filed against adults
Court proceedings and hearing schedules
Conviction records and sentencing information
Sex offender registry information

Conversely, these categories of criminal records are subject to restricted access:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records sealed by court order pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-702
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Victim information in sexual assault cases
Information that would compromise public safety
Records where disclosure would be contrary to the public interest

The Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office and other criminal justice agencies in the county evaluate requests for criminal justice records on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public's right to information against privacy interests and public safety concerns.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Arapahoe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Arapahoe County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures and limitations.

For in-person requests at the Arapahoe County Justice Center:

Visit the Records Department at the appropriate agency:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Arapahoe County Courts

Complete the designated records request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Specific records being requested
- Requestor's contact information
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees (currently $0.75 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification).
Allow processing time, which varies based on record type and complexity.

For mail requests:

Download and complete the Criminal Records Request Form from the county website.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
Mail the completed package to:

Arapahoe County Clerk of Court
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112

For comprehensive criminal history information:

Submit fingerprints and a request to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for a statewide criminal history check.
Pay the required fee (currently $16.50 for name-based searches, $39.50 for fingerprint-based searches).
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

For District Attorney case records:

Submit a written request to the District Attorney's Office specifying the case information.
Complete the CCJRA request form available on the DA's website.
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction.

Requestors should note that certain records may require court orders for access, particularly sealed cases, juvenile records, or records subject to special confidentiality provisions.

How To Find Criminal Records in Arapahoe County Online?

Arapahoe County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.

The primary online resources include:

Colorado Courts Records Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a statewide court records database that includes Arapahoe County cases. Users can search by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
This system provides case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status. Registration is required for full access, with subscription fees for frequent users. Basic case information is viewable without charge, but document downloads incur fees.
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Inmate Search
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court date
This free resource updates regularly but only includes currently incarcerated individuals.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records Check
The CBI's Internet Criminal History Check allows users to conduct statewide criminal history searches. This system:
- Requires payment of a fee (currently $16.50 per search)
- Provides conviction history information
- Includes arrests within the past two years
- Requires subject name and date of birth
- Returns results immediately
Arapahoe County Court Docket Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search provides daily court schedules for Arapahoe County courts, allowing users to:
- View upcoming court appearances
- Check hearing types and locations
- Verify case numbers
- Confirm scheduled court dates
This free resource is updated daily but does not provide case details beyond scheduling information.
District Attorney Case Portal
The Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office provides an online records request system for submitting and tracking requests for case information. While not providing direct record access, this portal facilitates the request process.

Users should note that comprehensive criminal history information, including disposition data and sealed records, may not be available through these online systems. Additionally, certain sensitive case types (domestic violence, sexual assault, juvenile matters) may have restricted online access in accordance with C.R.S. § 24-72-304.

Can You Search Arapahoe County Criminal Records for Free?

Arapahoe County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though limitations exist regarding the scope and comprehensiveness of freely available information. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) under C.R.S. § 24-72-306 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies, but also mandates that certain records be available for public inspection without charge.

Free in-person inspection is available at:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Arapahoe County Courts

Members of the public may inspect records of official actions without charge during regular business hours. While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($0.75 per page, $5.00 for certification).

Free online resources include:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office inmate database provides free access to:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates
This resource is limited to currently incarcerated individuals.
Colorado Courts Docket Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch docket search offers free access to court schedules, including:
- Upcoming hearings
- Case numbers
- Hearing types
- Courtroom assignments
This resource provides scheduling information but not case details.
Basic Case Information Lookup
The Colorado Courts Records Search provides limited free access to:
- Case existence verification
- Case type
- Filing date
- Party names
Detailed information requires registration and may incur fees.
Public Access Terminals
Computer terminals at the Arapahoe County Justice Center provide free access to court records databases with more comprehensive information than available online. These terminals are accessible during regular business hours without charge.

For comprehensive criminal history information, fees typically apply. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation charges $16.50 for name-based criminal history checks and $39.50 for fingerprint-based searches. Similarly, obtaining certified copies of court documents incurs statutory fees.

What's Included in a Arapahoe County Criminal Record?

Arapahoe County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, though content may vary based on the specific case and maintaining agency.

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency
Booking number
Initial charges filed
Arrest location
Bail or bond information
Detention facility
Arresting officer information

Court Case Information:

Case number
Court of jurisdiction (District or County)
Filing date
Formal charges filed
Statutory citations
Offense classification (felony class 1-6 or misdemeanor class 1-3)
Attorney information (prosecution and defense)
Judge assigned
Plea entered
Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

Trial outcome or plea agreement
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs mandated
Appeal information
Probation/parole status and violations
Sentence completion date

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protection or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
Habitual offender status
DUI/DWAI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Probation/parole officer contact information

Criminal records maintained by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest and detention information, while court records contain case proceedings and dispositions. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains the most comprehensive criminal history information, integrating data from multiple agencies statewide.

For cases handled by the District Attorney, prosecution records may include additional details such as witness statements, evidence inventories, and plea negotiation documentation, though access to these materials is often more restricted under C.R.S. § 24-72-305.

How Long Does Arapahoe County Keep Criminal Records?

Arapahoe County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Colorado state law and judicial administrative directives. The duration of record retention varies based on record type, case disposition, and severity of the offense.

The Colorado Judicial Department Records Retention Manual, authorized under C.R.S. § 13-1-306, establishes the following retention periods for court records:

Felony Cases:
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Class 1 and 2 felonies: 75 years after final disposition
- Class 3, 4, 5, and 6 felonies: 50 years after final disposition
- Deferred judgments: 10 years after successful completion; converted to permanent felony record if revoked
Misdemeanor Cases:
- Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
- Class 3 misdemeanors and petty offenses: 3 years after final disposition
- Traffic misdemeanors: 7 years after final disposition
Arrest Records (Sheriff's Office):
- Felony arrests resulting in charges: Maintained with corresponding case file
- Felony arrests without charges: 5 years
- Misdemeanor arrests: 3 years
- Identification records (fingerprints, photographs): 75 years
Probation Records:
- Felony probation: 10 years after termination of supervision
- Misdemeanor probation: 3 years after termination of supervision

The Colorado State Patrol Central Records Unit and other law enforcement agencies maintain their records according to separate but similar schedules.

It's important to note that even after physical or electronic records are purged according to retention schedules, basic index information may be maintained permanently, particularly for felony cases. Additionally, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information indefinitely unless a court order for sealing or expungement is issued pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-702.

Records that have been sealed by court order are not destroyed but are removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for limited purposes. Expunged records, primarily in juvenile cases, are physically destroyed and removed from all databases.

The Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office maintains case files according to its own retention schedule, typically keeping records for periods similar to the corresponding court records.