Montrose Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Montrose, Colorado?
Arrest records are public documents in Montrose, Colorado, accessible to all citizens under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect and copy most records maintained by state and local government entities, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Montrose Police Department and Montrose County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within their jurisdictions.
Public access to arrest records serves several important governmental functions:
- Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides citizens with information about public safety in their communities
- Supports the constitutional principle of open government
Certain limitations to public access may apply in accordance with C.R.S. § 24-72-305, particularly when:
- Records pertain to ongoing investigations
- Release would compromise witness safety
- Records contain information protected by privacy laws
- Juvenile records are involved (subject to restrictions under C.R.S. § 19-1-304)
- Records have been sealed or expunged by court order
Individuals seeking arrest records in Montrose should be aware that while the information is generally public, specific elements may be redacted to protect privacy interests as determined by statute.
How to Look Up Montrose Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public may access Montrose arrest records through multiple official channels established by local government agencies. The Montrose County Records Department and law enforcement agencies have implemented systems to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity and security.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Montrose Police Department
434 South 1st Street
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 252-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Montrose County Sheriff's Office
1200 North Grand Avenue
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 252-4023
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Montrose County Justice Center
1200 North Grand Avenue
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 252-4747
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:
Direct request to records custodians at the agencies listed above, where requestors must complete a standardized Records Request Form and present valid identification.
Electronic access through the Montrose County Public Records Portal, which allows for remote searching of non-confidential arrest data. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Written requests submitted via mail or email to the Records Division of the appropriate agency, which must include the requestor's contact information, specific records sought, and applicable time frames.
Utilization of public access terminals located at the Montrose Regional Library (320 South 2nd Street) during regular operating hours, where basic arrest log information is available without fee.
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-306, agencies may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication of records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.
Contents of a Montrose Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Montrose law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Colorado Bureau of Investigation reporting requirements and local protocols. These documents serve as the official record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard arrest records in Montrose County typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State identification number and/or FBI number if applicable
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and specific location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed, including citation of relevant Colorado Revised Statutes
- Case/incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Arrest method (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken from front and profile views
- Fingerprint records collected during booking
- Property inventory documenting items in possession at arrest
- Medical screening documentation when applicable
Judicial processing:
- Court docket number
- Bond/bail information including amount and conditions
- Initial appearance date
- Detention facility assignment if applicable
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-305.5, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence
- Information related to confidential informants
- Medical and mental health information
The completeness of arrest records may vary based on case status, with records from closed cases generally containing more comprehensive information than those from active investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Montrose
The expungement or sealing of arrest records in Montrose follows procedures established under Colorado law, primarily governed by C.R.S. § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709. These statutes provide mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition to have their arrest records removed from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Montrose County include:
- Cases resulting in no charges being filed (eligible after one year from date of arrest)
- Cases dismissed by the court or resulting in acquittal (eligible immediately upon dismissal or acquittal)
- Completed diversion agreements or deferred judgments (eligible upon successful completion)
- Certain conviction records after specified waiting periods based on offense classification
- Juvenile records subject to provisions in C.R.S. § 19-1-306
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
File a Petition to Seal Criminal Justice Records with the Montrose Combined Court Montrose Combined Court 1200 North Grand Avenue, Suite 200 Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 252-4312 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pay the required filing fee (currently $65.00, subject to change) or submit a Motion to File without Payment if financially unable to pay
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office and any law enforcement agencies named in the petition 7th Judicial District Attorney's Office 1140 North Grand Avenue, Suite 200 Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 252-4260 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Attend a scheduled hearing if required by the court
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order to Seal, which directs all agencies holding records to seal them from public view. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute but are no longer available through public records searches.
Individuals with sealed records may lawfully state on applications for employment, housing, or licensure that the arrest did not occur, with exceptions for certain professions and circumstances as outlined in C.R.S. § 24-72-702(4).
Search Arrest Records in Montrose
