Arrest records in Conejos County, Colorado are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq. The CCJRA establishes that criminal justice records, including arrest records, are subject to public inspection with certain statutory exceptions. The Conejos County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as the primary law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records promotes transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their community.
Records custodians may exercise discretion regarding the release of certain investigative records if disclosure would be contrary to the public interest. However, basic arrest information including the arrestee's name, date of birth, charges, and booking information is generally available without restriction. Persons seeking access to arrest records must submit proper identification when requesting records in person.
Digital access to Conejos County arrest records is available through multiple online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Conejos County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website. This digital resource is maintained pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-303, which governs the release of criminal justice records.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Conejos County. Access to this database requires payment of statutory fees as established in C.R.S. § 24-72-306. Records available online may not include complete arrest information, as certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions.
Users of online systems should note that digital records may not be comprehensive and might require supplementation through in-person requests. The Conejos County Court also maintains an electronic case management system that may contain information related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Conejos County arrest records in accordance with C.R.S. § 24-72-304. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels:
Submit a records request in person at the Conejos County Sheriff's Office located at 17044 County Road G, Antonito, CO 81120. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A valid government-issued photo identification must be presented.
Contact the Records Division by telephone at (719) 376-2196 to initiate a records request. Staff will provide guidance regarding required forms and applicable fees.
Visit the Conejos County website to access the online records request portal. Electronic requests require completion of a standardized form and payment of applicable fees via credit card.
Submit a written request via mail to: Records Custodian, Conejos County Sheriff's Office, PO Box 37, Antonito, CO 81120. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Access the Colorado Judicial Branch website for court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges.
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-306 and are subject to annual adjustment. Current fees include $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page. Records requests are typically processed within 3 business days as required by statute.
Conejos County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Colorado law and maintained in accordance with C.R.S. § 16-21-103. Standard arrest records include the following components:
Arrestee biographical information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and identification numbers (including state ID and FBI numbers when applicable).
Arrest details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); arresting agency; and statutory authority for the arrest.
Criminal charges: Complete list of alleged violations with corresponding Colorado Revised Statute citations and charge classifications (felony, misdemeanor, or petty offense).
Booking information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots").
Case disposition: Current status of the case, including bond amount, court dates, and preliminary hearing information.
Prior criminal history: Summary of previous arrests and convictions within Conejos County jurisdiction.
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-305.5, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including the names of sexual assault victims, information related to confidential informants, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
The process for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Conejos County is governed by C.R.S. § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709. Eligible individuals may petition the court to seal records of arrests that did not result in charges or convictions. The legal process requires the following steps:
Determination of eligibility based on case outcome and statutory waiting periods. Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate sealing, while other dispositions require waiting periods ranging from 1-10 years depending on offense classification.
Filing of a petition with the Conejos County District Court located at 6683 County Road 13, Conejos, CO 81129. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone (719) 376-5422.
Payment of filing fees as established by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Current filing fees are $65 per case, with fee waivers available for indigent petitioners.
Notification of the District Attorney's Office and any law enforcement agencies involved in the original arrest.
Attendance at a court hearing if the petition is contested by the District Attorney or other interested parties.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are ordered to seal or destroy those records pursuant to the court order. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies but are removed from public view. Individuals with sealed records may lawfully state they have no record regarding the sealed arrest when completing employment applications or housing forms.