Arrest records are public in Larimer County, Colorado, pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) § 24-72-301 et seq. and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) § 24-72-201 et seq. These statutes establish the framework for public access to criminal justice records maintained by state and local agencies. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as custodian in accordance with state law, ensuring transparency in governmental operations while balancing privacy considerations.
Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels established by Larimer County law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff Records department processes requests for arrest records, incident reports, and other criminal justice information. Records are categorized as "records of official action," which includes arrests, and are presumptively open to public inspection under Colorado law.
Certain limitations may apply to the release of arrest information in specific circumstances, such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. The custodian of records evaluates each request in accordance with statutory guidelines to determine appropriate disclosure.
Larimer County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office maintains a booking report system that displays recent arrests and bookings into the county detention facility. This system is updated regularly and provides basic information about individuals who have been processed through the county jail.
The inmate information search portal allows users to locate individuals currently in custody at the Larimer County Jail. This resource provides real-time information about incarcerated individuals, including booking date, charges, and bond information. The system is designed to provide transparency while maintaining security protocols for the detention facility.
For court case information related to arrests, the Colorado Judicial Branch maintains an online docket search system that allows users to access case information for Larimer County. This system provides information about court proceedings, scheduled appearances, and case dispositions following arrests.
Digital access to these records is governed by the same statutory provisions that apply to physical records, with certain limitations implemented to protect sensitive information in accordance with § 24-72-304, C.R.S.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Larimer County have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information. The primary methods include:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Records Office
Larimer County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2501 Midpoint Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 498-5150
Sheriff Records
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Requestors must complete a records request form and provide proper identification. Fees apply in accordance with § 24-72-306, C.R.S., with standard document copies priced at $0.25 per page and certified copies at $5.00 per document.
Online Access Through Official Portals
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office maintains several online databases:
Judicial Records Access
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 494-3500
Larimer County Court Records
The Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search provides case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Public Records Request
Formal requests may be submitted under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act by contacting the Public Information Office or submitting a written request to the records custodian.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and volume of records sought. Standard processing typically requires 3-7 business days pursuant to § 24-72-303(3), C.R.S.
Arrest records maintained by Larimer County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard arrest records include:
The level of detail available to the public may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy provisions under § 24-72-305, C.R.S. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, medical information, and victim identifying details, is typically redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with state law.
Law enforcement agencies in Larimer County utilize the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases to record and maintain arrest information. These systems ensure proper documentation and facilitate information sharing between criminal justice agencies while maintaining appropriate security protocols.
Under Colorado law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records sealed or expunged. The process is governed by several statutes, including § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709, C.R.S., which establish the legal framework for record sealing in various circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement or sealing of arrest records include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Larimer County District Court:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 494-3500
Larimer County Court Information
Petitioners must submit appropriate documentation, pay filing fees (approximately $65-224 depending on case type), and may need to attend a hearing. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all custodians of records to seal the specified records.
Once records are sealed, they are removed from public access and the individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances. However, sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain legal proceedings pursuant to § 24-72-702(1)(b)(II), C.R.S.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains oversight of the record sealing process and ensures compliance with court orders directing the sealing of arrest records throughout the state's criminal justice information systems.