Criminal records in Arapahoe County, Colorado, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ArapahoeCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office inmate and records tools, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's criminal history check system.
How to Search Criminal Records in Arapahoe
Several methods are available to search for criminal records in Arapahoe County. The information you'll need depends on the search method, but having the person's full legal name, date of birth, or a case number will produce the most accurate results.
Through ArapahoeCourt.us
ArapahoeCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Arapahoe County. Start by entering the individual's name or case number.
Online — State and County Tools
- Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search: The statewide docket search lets you look up cases filed at the Arapahoe County Justice Center or the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Select the appropriate Arapahoe County location from the court dropdown.
- Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: The Arapahoe County Inmate Charges and Bonds search shows current inmates held at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility, including charges and bond amounts. Enter the inmate's first and last name.
- CBI Internet Criminal History Check: The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides a name-based Colorado-only criminal history report. This is a paid service and returns statewide arrest and disposition records.
- Colorado Department of Corrections: If someone has been sentenced to state prison, use the Colorado DOC inmate locator to find current custody status.
In Person
You can visit the Arapahoe County Justice Center to access court records through the Clerk of Court's office. Public access terminals may be available for docket lookups. The Arapahoe Combined Court offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Littleton County Courthouse also handles Arapahoe County Court matters:
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Use the Colorado Judicial Branch Record/Document Request Form to request specific court documents by mail. Select Arapahoe County from the court list and include the case number if known.
- District Attorney records: For closed criminal case files, the Arapahoe District Attorney's Office accepts records requests subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq.).
- Statewide criminal history: Written requests for official criminal history reports can be submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Biometric Identification and Records Unit.
Search Arapahoe Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest and most precise method. Colorado uses a standardized case number format across all state courts:
- Year: The first two or four digits represent the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024).
- Case type code: A two-letter abbreviation indicates the type of case. Common criminal codes include:
- CR — Criminal (felony and misdemeanor cases filed in District Court)
- M — Misdemeanor (County Court)
- T — Traffic
- Sequential number: A numeric sequence assigned in the order the case was filed.
For example, a case number like 2024CR000123 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024. Enter the full case number into the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search and select the appropriate Arapahoe County courthouse to pull up the case record directly.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Arapahoe
Charges
- Statute codes: Each charge references a specific Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) section, such as C.R.S. § 18-4-401 for theft.
- Severity levels:
- Felony — Classes 1 through 6 (Class 1 being the most serious)
- Misdemeanor — Classes 1 through 3, plus unclassified misdemeanors
- Petty offense / Infraction — Minor violations
- Amended charges: Prosecutors may amend charges during the case. The docket will show both original and amended charges when applicable.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing (hearings scheduled, motions pending) |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All matters in the case are concluded, including sentencing and compliance |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: First court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered
- Preliminary hearing: Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness
- Motions hearing: Arguments on legal issues such as evidence suppression
- Trial: Jury or bench trial
- Sentencing: Judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing: Follow-up on probation compliance or other court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Deferred Judgment | Defendant pleads guilty; conviction may be withdrawn upon successful completion of conditions |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the case further |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Arapahoe
Certified copies of court records — stamped and authenticated by the Clerk of Court — are handled through the Colorado Judicial Branch, not Arapahoe County government offices. Arapahoe County government does not provide court documents or records directly.
Where to Submit Requests
- Clerk of Court (Arapahoe Combined Court): Visit in person at the Justice Center or Littleton Courthouse during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the case number.
- Online request form: Submit the Record/Document Request Form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Select Arapahoe County, provide the case number, and specify which documents you need certified.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the Justice Center address. Include the case number, your name, contact information, the specific documents requested, and payment for applicable fees.
Statewide Criminal History Reports
For an official Colorado criminal history record (not limited to Arapahoe County cases), submit a request through the CBI's Internet Criminal History Check online, or contact the CBI directly for fingerprint-based checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Arapahoe
Fees for court records in Colorado are established by the Colorado Judicial Branch and may be updated periodically. The following are standard fees based on current judicial department schedules:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy of court document (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $20.00 |
| CBI Internet Criminal History Check (name-based) | $6.85 |
| CBI fingerprint-based background check | $39.50 |
Processing Times
- In-person court record copies: Often available the same day if the case number is provided and the file is accessible.
- Mail or online court record requests: Typically processed within 5–10 business days, though complex or older files may take longer.
- CBI Internet Criminal History Check: Results are usually returned within minutes of submitting the online request.
- CBI fingerprint-based checks: Processing may take several business days depending on submission method and volume.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Court or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before submitting your request. Payment methods accepted at the courthouse typically include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by location.