Arrest records are public in Craig, Colorado, pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq. This statute classifies arrest records as "criminal justice records" that are generally available for public inspection. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq., further supports this accessibility by establishing the presumption that government-held records should be available to the public. This legal framework ensures transparency in the criminal justice system while maintaining certain protections for privacy and ongoing investigations.
Members of the public may access these records through designated custodians of records at various law enforcement agencies and judicial offices within Moffat County. The custodian may exercise discretion in withholding certain records if their release would be contrary to the public interest, as specified in C.R.S. § 24-72-305(5).
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Craig, Colorado. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-303, criminal justice agencies shall allow inspection of records by any person at reasonable times during normal business hours. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information:
Visit the Craig Police Department: Individuals may submit a records request in person at the department headquarters.
Craig Police Department
800 W 1st Street
Craig, CO 81625
(970) 826-2360
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Moffat County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains booking and arrest records for the county.
Moffat County Sheriff's Office
800 W 1st Street, Suite 100
Craig, CO 81625
(970) 824-4495
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Moffat County Combined Courts: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the judicial system.
Moffat County Combined Courts
221 W Victory Way
Craig, CO 81625
(970) 824-8254
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI): For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Craig.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 239-4208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Fees may apply for record searches and copies pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-306, with standard fees ranging from $5-$25 depending on the agency and type of search requested.
Arrest records maintained by Craig law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information as required by Colorado law. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 16-21-103, these records must include specific elements to ensure proper identification and documentation. Standard components of an arrest record include:
Law enforcement agencies in Craig maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-304, certain information may be redacted from public copies, including details that would compromise ongoing investigations or reveal confidential informants.
The public's right to access arrest records in Craig is governed by a comprehensive legal framework established by the State of Colorado. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified at C.R.S. § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309, serves as the primary statutory authority regulating the disclosure of criminal justice records, including arrest information.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-303(1), "records of official actions shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided in this part 3 or as otherwise provided by law." The statute defines "official actions" to include "an arrest; indictment; charging by information; disposition; pretrial or posttrial release from custody; judicial determination of mental or physical condition; decision to grant, order, or terminate probation, parole, or participation in correctional or rehabilitative programs; and any decision to formally discipline, reclassify, or relocate any person under criminal sentence."
The Moffat County Sheriff's Office and Craig Police Department, as criminal justice agencies, must adhere to these statutory requirements when processing public requests for arrest records. However, custodians retain discretion under C.R.S. § 24-72-305(5) to withhold certain records if disclosure would be "contrary to the public interest."
Courts have interpreted this discretionary authority in cases such as Freedom Colorado Information, Inc. v. El Paso County Sheriff's Department, 196 P.3d 892 (Colo. 2008), which established a balancing test weighing the public interest in disclosure against countervailing public or private interests.
Individuals with arrest records in Craig may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances prescribed by Colorado law. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709, certain records may be sealed or expunged, effectively removing them from public access.
The following categories of arrest records may qualify for expungement or sealing:
The process requires filing a petition with the Moffat County Combined Court, located at 221 W Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625. Petitioners must provide:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will set a hearing date. Notice must be provided to the District Attorney's Office and any law enforcement agencies involved in the original arrest. If the court grants the petition, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to seal or expunge those records pursuant to the court order.
Sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent criminal proceedings or specialized employment background checks. Expunged records are physically destroyed or permanently removed from public access.