Garfield County, Colorado Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Garfield County, Colorado?
Arrest records in Garfield County, Colorado are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). These statutes, codified under C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq. and C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. respectively, establish the framework for public access to criminal justice records throughout the state. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain these records as part of their official duties.
Members of the public may inspect and copy arrest records during normal business hours at the appropriate agency. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, privacy rights of victims, or other statutorily protected information. Law enforcement agencies retain discretion under C.R.S. § 24-72-305 to withhold certain investigative records if disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Garfield County?
Digital access to Garfield County arrest records is available through several official channels. The Garfield County Court provides electronic access to case information through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system. Additionally, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmate information and recent booking records.
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-303, criminal justice agencies may establish reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records. Online access typically requires payment of these statutory fees, which vary depending on the type and volume of records requested. The electronic availability of these records serves the public interest by promoting transparency while reducing administrative burden on county offices.
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive and might require supplementation with in-person requests for complete information. Records available online typically include basic arrest information, charges filed, and case status, but may not contain detailed narrative reports or evidence.
How to Look Up Garfield County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Garfield County. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
Submit a records request directly to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office located at 107 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Phone: (970) 945-0453. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit the Garfield County Courthouse at 109 8th Street, Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Phone: (970) 928-3065. Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are available for public inspection during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Access the Colorado Bureau of Investigation website for statewide criminal history information. The CBI maintains comprehensive records of arrests throughout Colorado and provides both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks for a fee as authorized under C.R.S. § 24-72-306.
Utilize the Colorado Judicial Branch's online docket search to locate case information related to arrests. This system requires basic identifying information such as name and date of birth.
Contact the 9th Judicial District Attorney's Office at 109 8th Street, Suite 308, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Phone: (970) 945-8635. The District Attorney maintains records related to prosecutions stemming from arrests in Garfield County.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Identification may be required for certain requests pursuant to agency policies and state regulations.
Contents of a Garfield County Arrest Record
Standard arrest records in Garfield County contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include the following elements as required by Colorado law and departmental policies:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (driver's license, state ID, or Social Security Number)
Arrest details, including date, time, and location of arrest, arresting agency, officer identification, and circumstances leading to the arrest
Criminal charges filed at the time of booking, including statute citations, offense descriptions, and charge classifications (felony, misdemeanor, or petty offense)
Booking information, such as booking number, fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and property inventory
Custody status, including bond amount, conditions of release, and court appearance dates
Prior criminal history references, if applicable and available at the time of booking
Incident reports associated with the arrest, though these may be subject to redaction under C.R.S. § 24-72-305 if they contain sensitive investigative information
Law enforcement agencies in Garfield County maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Colorado State Archives. The completeness and accuracy of arrest records are essential for the proper functioning of the criminal justice system and for ensuring public transparency.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Garfield County
The process of sealing or expunging arrest records in Garfield County is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709. Under these provisions, certain individuals may petition the court to seal records of arrests that did not result in convictions or convictions for specified offenses after applicable waiting periods.
Eligibility criteria for record sealing in Garfield County include:
- Cases dismissed without conviction
- Cases resulting in acquittal at trial
- Arrests that did not lead to charges being filed
- Certain conviction records after statutory waiting periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity)
- Juvenile records, which follow separate procedures under C.R.S. § 19-1-306
The petition process requires filing with the Garfield County District Court and includes:
- Submission of a formal petition with the court where the case was adjudicated
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $65 as of 2023, subject to change)
- Fingerprinting for verification purposes
- Notification to the District Attorney's Office and any law enforcement agencies involved
- Possible court hearing if objections are raised
Upon successful sealing, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-702(4), the arrest record is removed from public access, and the person may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances. However, sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing bodies for specific statutory purposes.
The Garfield County District Court provides standardized forms for record sealing petitions at the courthouse located at 109 8th Street, Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Petitioners are advised that the process typically takes 30-90 days from filing to completion.
Search Arrest Records in Garfield County
