Arapahoe Public Records /Arapahoe County Warrant Search

Arapahoe County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Arapahoe County?

A search warrant in Arapahoe County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-301, a search warrant constitutes a written order directing law enforcement officers to search for specific property or persons at a particular place.

Search warrants in Arapahoe County must be based on probable cause, which requires sufficient facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence of criminal activity will be found at the location to be searched. The legal foundation for search warrants stems from the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article II, Section 7 of the Colorado Constitution, both of which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

It is important to distinguish search warrants from other types of warrants:

Search Warrant: Authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of particular items
Arrest Warrant: Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date

Search warrants in Arapahoe County must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. This requirement, known as the "particularity requirement," prevents general exploratory searches that the framers of the Constitution sought to prohibit.

Are Warrants Public Records In Arapahoe County?

The public accessibility of warrants in Arapahoe County follows a nuanced framework governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-301. Under these provisions, the status of warrants as public records depends on several factors, including the warrant type, execution status, and ongoing investigation considerations.

Active warrants in Arapahoe County are generally not accessible to the public while investigations are ongoing. This restriction serves to:

Protect the integrity of active investigations
Prevent suspects from being alerted to pending law enforcement actions
Safeguard the safety of law enforcement personnel executing warrants

Once a warrant has been executed and returned to the court, it typically becomes part of the court record. At this point, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-304, these records may become accessible to the public, subject to certain exceptions and redactions to protect:

Personal identifying information
Victim information
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Information related to confidential informants

The Arapahoe County District Court maintains records of executed warrants that have been returned and filed with the court. Members of the public seeking access to these records must follow established procedures for requesting judicial records.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Arapahoe County?

Individuals concerned about potential warrants in Arapahoe County have several official channels through which they may verify their warrant status. The following methods are available to members of the public:

Contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Civil and Warrants Unit:

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

The Civil and Warrants Unit maintains records of active warrants within the county jurisdiction.
Check with the Arapahoe County Combined Courts:

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

Court records may contain information about outstanding warrants issued by judges within the county.
Utilize the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Records Check:

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-4208
Colorado Bureau of Investigation

The CBI provides criminal history record checks that may include warrant information for a nominal fee.
Consult with a Licensed Attorney:

Legal counsel can conduct confidential warrant searches on behalf of clients and provide guidance on appropriate next steps.

When inquiring about warrant status, individuals should be prepared to provide personal identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and potentially a government-issued identification number.

How To Check for Warrants in Arapahoe County for Free in 2026

Members of the public may utilize several no-cost methods to verify warrant status in Arapahoe County. The following procedures are currently available:

Visit the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in person:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals may request warrant information at the public counter by presenting valid government-issued identification.
Access the Colorado Judicial Branch's public portal:

The Colorado Courts E-Filing system provides limited public access to court records. Users must:
- Navigate to the public access portal
- Select Arapahoe County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review any resulting case information
Contact the Arapahoe County Clerk of Court:

Arapahoe County District Court Clerk's Office
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Staff can verify whether court records indicate any outstanding warrants.
Call the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division:

The Warrant Division can be reached at 303-795-4711 during regular business hours. Callers should:
- Provide their full legal name
- Supply their date of birth
- Be prepared to verify their identity

It is important to note that pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-305.5, using public criminal justice records to solicit business for pecuniary gain is prohibited. The information obtained through these channels is intended solely for personal verification purposes.

What Types of Warrants In Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system:

Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Arapahoe County are typically issued:
- Following grand jury indictments
- Upon police officer affidavits establishing probable cause
- After criminal complaints are filed by prosecutors
Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued directly from the bench when an individual:
- Fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
- Violates conditions of probation
- Fails to comply with court-ordered obligations
- Commits contempt of court
Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize particular items. In Arapahoe County, these warrants:
- Must describe with particularity the place to be searched
- Must specify items to be seized
- Require judicial determination of probable cause
- Must be executed within specified timeframes
Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, including:
- Civil contempt proceedings
- Child support enforcement
- Failure to comply with court-ordered appearances in civil litigation
Fugitive Warrants: Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in Arapahoe County. These facilitate interstate extradition proceedings.
No-Knock Warrants: Special warrants that allow law enforcement to enter premises without prior announcement. These require additional judicial findings regarding officer safety or evidence preservation concerns.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Colorado law and the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.

What Warrants in Arapahoe County Contain

Warrants issued in Arapahoe County must contain specific information as mandated by Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-302 and applicable case law. The following elements are typically included:

Caption and Case Information:
- Court of issuance (District or County Court)
- Case number
- Date of issuance
- Judicial officer's signature
Subject Identification:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Date of birth
- Last known address
- Other identifying information when available (e.g., driver's license number)
Legal Basis:
- Statement of probable cause
- Reference to the underlying criminal statute
- Criminal charges and classification (felony or misdemeanor)
Execution Parameters (for search warrants):
- Precise description of premises to be searched
- Detailed inventory of items to be seized
- Time constraints for execution
- Return requirements
Bond Information (for arrest warrants):
- Bond amount
- Bond conditions
- Whether the subject is eligible for release on personal recognizance
Jurisdictional Scope:
- Geographic limitations
- Authority granted to executing officers
Special Instructions:
- Any specific directives to law enforcement
- Safety considerations
- Notification requirements

All warrants must adhere to constitutional requirements regarding particularity and probable cause. The information contained in warrants serves to limit law enforcement discretion and protect against unreasonable searches and seizures as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment.

Who Issues Warrants In Arapahoe County

In Arapahoe County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Colorado law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:

District Court Judges:
- Preside over the 18th Judicial District
- Authorized to issue all types of warrants
- Handle felony cases and more complex matters
- Located at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112
County Court Judges:
- Issue warrants for misdemeanors and petty offenses
- Handle traffic infractions and civil matters under $25,000
- Operate from both the Arapahoe County Justice Center and the Littleton Courthouse at 1790 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120
Magistrates:
- Appointed judicial officers with limited warrant authority
- May issue certain types of warrants as delegated by chief judges
- Typically handle specialized dockets such as domestic relations
Federal Magistrate Judges:
- Issue federal warrants executed within Arapahoe County
- Located at the Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294

The warrant issuance process requires judicial officers to make independent determinations of probable cause based on sworn affidavits or testimony from law enforcement officers. This judicial review serves as a constitutional safeguard against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Pursuant to Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure 41, judicial officers must be neutral and detached from the investigation when considering warrant applications. This requirement ensures impartial evaluation of the evidence presented in support of warrant requests.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Arapahoe County

Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Arapahoe County may utilize several official channels to conduct these inquiries. The following methods are currently available:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search:

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
13101 East Broncos Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112
303-795-4711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Sheriff's Office Civil and Warrants Unit maintains records of active warrants within the county. Individuals may:
- Call the warrant division directly
- Visit in person with valid identification
- Inquire about specific warrant status
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records Check:

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 provides criminal history record checks that include warrant information for a nominal fee. Requestors must:
- Submit fingerprints
- Pay the required processing fee
- Complete the appropriate request forms
Arapahoe County Courts Records Search:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
303-649-6355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Arapahoe County Courts maintain records of warrants issued by judges within the jurisdiction. Individuals may:
- Visit the clerk's office in person
- Request a search of court records
- Provide proper identification
Online Court Records Portal:

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a public access portal for court records. Users can search for case information that may indicate outstanding warrants by:
- Accessing the Colorado Courts E-Filing system
- Entering the required search criteria
- Reviewing any resulting case information

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and potentially a government-issued identification number to ensure accurate results.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Arapahoe County

Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county warrants and require distinct procedures for verification. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be executable in Arapahoe County should utilize the following authorized channels:

United States District Court for the District of Colorado:

Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse
901 19th Street
Denver, CO 80294
303-844-3433
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The federal court clerk's office maintains records of federal warrants issued within the district. Individuals may:
- Visit the clerk's office in person
- Request a search of publicly available court records
- Provide proper identification
United States Marshals Service - District of Colorado:

United States Custom House
721 19th Street, Room 474
Denver, CO 80202
303-335-3400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing federal warrants and may provide limited information regarding:
- Fugitive status
- Publicly available warrant information
- Surrender procedures
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Denver Field Office:

FBI Denver Field Office
8000 East 36th Avenue
Denver, CO 80238
303-629-7171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

The FBI may confirm the existence of federal warrants in certain circumstances, particularly for individuals seeking to resolve their legal status.
Federal Public Defender's Office:

Federal Public Defender's Office
633 17th Street, Suite 1000
Denver, CO 80202
303-294-7002
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may consult with the Federal Public Defender's Office regarding potential federal warrants.

It is important to note that federal warrants are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and may involve different standards and procedures than state or county warrants. Federal warrants typically involve:

Violations of federal criminal statutes
Interstate crimes
Immigration violations
Federal regulatory offenses

Individuals with concerns about potential federal warrants should consider consulting with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Arapahoe County?

Warrants issued in Arapahoe County remain valid and executable according to timeframes established by Colorado law and judicial practice. The duration of warrant validity varies by warrant type and is governed by specific statutory provisions:

Arrest Warrants:

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-108, arrest warrants in Arapahoe County do not expire and remain in effect until:
- The warrant is executed (the subject is arrested)
- The warrant is recalled by the issuing court
- The underlying case is dismissed
- The statute of limitations for the underlying offense expires
Search Warrants:

Search warrants in Arapahoe County have specific execution timeframes as mandated by Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure 41(d)(5)(VII):
- Must be executed within 14 days of issuance
- Must be executed during daytime hours (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) unless specifically authorized for nighttime execution
- Become invalid if not executed within the prescribed timeframe
Bench Warrants:

Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants in Arapahoe County remain active indefinitely until:
- The subject appears before the court
- The court recalls or quashes the warrant
- The underlying case is resolved or dismissed
Civil Warrants:

Civil warrants, such as those issued for contempt proceedings, typically remain active for the duration of the underlying civil case or until specifically recalled by the issuing judge.

The longevity of warrants in Arapahoe County is further influenced by practical considerations, including:

Entry into state and national databases (CCIC/NCIC)
Periodic warrant validation processes
Jurisdictional limitations on execution

It is important to note that while warrants may remain legally valid for extended periods, the statute of limitations for the underlying offense may expire, potentially affecting prosecution of the case once the warrant is executed.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Arapahoe County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Arapahoe County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under standard circumstances, the process typically adheres to the following timeline:

Regular Business Hours (Non-Emergency):

During normal court operating hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM), the search warrant process generally requires:
- 1-3 hours for law enforcement to prepare the affidavit and application
- 30-60 minutes for judicial review and consideration
- 15-30 minutes for warrant issuance if approved
Total estimated time: 2-4 hours from initiation to issuance
After-Hours and Emergency Situations:

Arapahoe County maintains an on-call judge system for urgent warrant requests outside regular business hours. This process typically involves:
- Electronic submission of warrant applications
- Telephonic testimony when necessary
- Digital signature capabilities
Total estimated time: 1-2 hours depending on judge availability and technological factors
Complex Investigations:

Warrants involving extensive probable cause statements, multiple locations, or specialized evidence may require:
- Additional preparation time (4-8 hours)
- More extensive judicial review (1-2 hours)
- Specialized authorization for particular search parameters
Total estimated time: 5-10 hours or potentially longer

The search warrant process in Arapahoe County follows procedural requirements established by Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure 41, which mandates specific content and review standards. Law enforcement must demonstrate probable cause through sworn affidavits or testimony before a warrant will be issued.

In exigent circumstances involving imminent danger to life or risk of evidence destruction, expedited procedures may be employed to accelerate the warrant process. However, constitutional requirements for probable cause determination by a neutral magistrate remain in effect regardless of time constraints.

Search Warrant Records in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Civil and Warrants Unit

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Colorado Judicial Branch

Arapahoe County Courts

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