Arrest records are public in Denver County, Colorado, pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) § 24-72-301 et seq. This legislation establishes that criminal justice records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) further supports this transparency by mandating that government records be available for public inspection. This framework ensures citizens can access information about law enforcement activities while maintaining appropriate privacy protections in specific circumstances.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various criminal justice agencies in Denver County, including the Denver Police Department and the Denver Sheriff Department. These agencies maintain custody of arrest records as part of their official duties and are required by law to provide reasonable access to these documents. The public nature of these records serves to promote accountability within the criminal justice system and supports the public's right to information about governmental activities.
Denver County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by local and state agencies. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides a centralized database for criminal history information, including arrest data from Denver County. Additionally, the Denver County Court system maintains electronic records that can be searched by members of the public.
The Denver Sheriff Department offers an online inmate search function that provides information about individuals currently in custody, including their arrest details. This service is available 24 hours per day and is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete arrest records may require additional steps or formal requests through the appropriate agencies.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the provisions of the CCJRA, which allows custodians of criminal justice records to establish reasonable fees for search and retrieval services. Pursuant to § 24-72-306, C.R.S., agencies may charge for the actual costs of providing copies or allowing inspection of such records, including staff time required to process requests.
The process for obtaining Denver County arrest records involves several official channels, each providing different levels of information access. Members of the public seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:
Submit a records request to the Denver Police Department Records Unit at 1331 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204. Requests may be made in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by calling (720) 913-6755.
Access the Colorado Judicial Branch public records search to locate court cases associated with arrests. This system provides docket information and case status for arrests that have resulted in court proceedings.
Visit the Denver County Court Records Department located at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue, Room 160, Denver, CO 80204. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff can be reached at (720) 865-7800.
Request criminal history information through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Internet Criminal History Check system, which provides statewide arrest data for a fee of $5.00 per search.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and, if available, case numbers or dates of arrest. Pursuant to § 24-72-305.5, C.R.S., certain records may require additional verification of the requestor's identity before release.
Denver County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Colorado law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
The Colorado Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who are subsequently convicted and sentenced to state custody. These records include incarceration history, facility assignments, and release information when applicable.
It should be noted that pursuant to § 24-72-305, C.R.S., certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public release, including information that would be contrary to the public interest if disclosed or that would interfere with ongoing investigations.
The expungement process in Denver County allows for the sealing or removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Colorado law. Pursuant to § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709, C.R.S., individuals may petition for record sealing if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The primary pathways for expungement include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Denver District Court located at 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202. Court filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals. The court reviews each petition to determine if the statutory requirements are met and if sealing the record would serve the public interest.
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is removed from public databases, including those maintained by the Denver Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. However, pursuant to § 24-72-703(4), C.R.S., sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities for specific purposes, including subsequent criminal investigations and prosecutions.