Colorado Criminal Records

A Colorado criminal record is a detailed report about a person's dealings with the law. It includes information about when they were arrested, what charges were brought against them, whether they were convicted of a crime, and if they are listed as a sex offender. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), part of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, oversees the creation and maintenance of these records.

The CBI operates the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) system, where anyone can quickly look up a person's criminal history in Colorado using their name. This is helpful for employers, landlords, and others who need to know about someone's past. However, some details are kept private, like records of arrests involving young people or traffic offenses committed by those under 16. Also, if a court decides, they can keep certain arrest records confidential to protect someone's privacy.

Are Criminal Records Public in Colorado?

Yes. In Colorado, the accessibility of criminal records is guided by the Colorado Open Records Act, which generally makes all government records, including criminal records, open to the public. However, certain exceptions have been established to define the limits of public access. Notably:

Juvenile Arrests: Records involving individuals aged 17 and younger in criminal incidents are typically kept confidential, except in cases where the juvenile has been adjudicated as an adult.

Traffic Arrests of Individuals Under 16: Records related to traffic arrests for individuals aged 15 and younger are generally not available for public access.

Arrests Sealed by Court Order: Records that have undergone a court-ordered sealing process, indicating a legal decision to limit public access, are also exempt from public disclosure.

Colorado Crime Records by County

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) publishes crime statistics on the Colorado Crime Stats website, an interactive platform allowing users to explore and compare crime data across different categories, such as offense type, location, and period. The website also provides data visualizations, such as charts, maps, and tables, to help users understand the trends and patterns of crime in Colorado.

To access the crime data and records by county, users can visit the Colorado Crime Stats website, select the "Jurisdiction" category, and filter by county name. Users can also choose other categories, such as offense type and year, to refine their search further. Alternatively, users can search the Colorado Judicial Branch website for court dockets by county, case number, or party name. This website provides information on criminal cases, such as charges, disposition, sentence, and probation. However, users may need to pay a fee to access some records.

Colorado Criminal Record Check

Obtaining a criminal background check in Colorado involves accessing an individual's criminal history record information (CHRI) from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). There are two primary avenues for requesting such checks:

• The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) offers an online service for Colorado-only CHRI through a name-based search, providing immediate results. Users can visit the ICHC website, pay a $4 fee per search, and choose to receive a notarized copy of the CHRI for an additional $13.00.
• The Public Request for Criminal History Record Information is a mail-in service allowing users to request a name-based or fingerprint-based search for Colorado-only CHRI. Users can download the request form, fill it out, and mail it to the CBI along with a $13.00 money order or cashier's check per name. The CBI typically responds within 3-5 business days, and users can request a notarized copy of the CHRI at no extra cost. While the fingerprint-based search is more accurate and comprehensive, users must submit fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service.

The CBI sanctions both methods, but users must be mindful of CHRI limitations, exclusions, and state and federal laws governing its use and disclosure. For example, Colorado's "ban the box" law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history in the initial job application. Additionally, users are encouraged to verify the accuracy and completeness of the CHRI and promptly report any discrepancies to the CBI within 30 days.

Find Criminal Records Online in Colorado

Numerous online tools have simplified the task of obtaining criminal records in Colorado, with one notable platform being the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC). This service stands out for its user-friendly approach, providing individuals with immediate access to exclusive Colorado-only Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) through a simple name-based background check.

Another valuable resource is the Public Court Records Search, a service facilitated by the Colorado Judicial Branch. This platform empowers users to search for public court records using parameters such as case number, name, or business name. It's a versatile tool that caters to different needs, offering a comprehensive look at the legal history of individuals.

Free Criminal Record Search in Colorado

Unfortunately, accessing criminal records in Colorado does not come without cost, as official channels such as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation charge fees for their services. To request a Colorado criminal record, individuals must know the fee structure, which depends on the chosen acquisition method mentioned earlier.

Notwithstanding, certain third-party aggregated websites offer free criminal record searches. These platforms often compile publicly available information and provide limited details at no cost to the user. However, it's crucial to approach such sources with caution, as the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information may be compromised, and additional fees might be charged for more detailed reports.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Colorado?

Having a criminal record in Colorado carries various consequences that can significantly affect different aspects of an individual's life. Employment opportunities may be limited, as many employers conduct background checks, especially for positions involving trust or security. Securing housing may become challenging, as landlords often consider criminal history during rental applications. Educational opportunities may also be impacted, as some institutions take criminal records into account during admissions, and professional licensing boards may scrutinize an applicant's history.

Financial implications can arise, affecting loan applications and interest rates, while non-U.S. citizens may face immigration consequences such as deportation or visa denials.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Colorado?

No. In Colorado, an individual's criminal record doesn't automatically clear after 7 years. However, depending on the case's type and outcome, there might be opportunities for expungement or sealing, which will make the records exempt from public disclosure.

Eligibility criteria and waiting periods for expungement or sealing vary, contingent on the case specifics. For instance, records can be expunged or sealed immediately if the individual was found not guilty, completed a diversion program, or had charges dismissed. Alternatively, some records may necessitate a waiting period ranging from one to ten years post-sentence completion or case dismissal. Certain offenses, like violent crimes, sex offenses, or traffic infractions, are ineligible for expungement or sealing.

It's crucial to note that expungement and sealing aren't automatic processes and don't completely erase the criminal record. Some agencies, such as law enforcement or the courts, may retain access to the records for specific purposes. Individuals seeking such relief should seek legal advice to navigate the intricacies of the process.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

Distinguishing between an arrest and criminal records is essential, as they serve different purposes within the legal system. An arrest record indicates whether an individual has been apprehended or detained by the police based on suspicion of criminal activity. In contrast, a criminal record is a comprehensive document revealing whether a person has faced charges or has been convicted of a crime in court.

Notably, an arrest record doesn't automatically imply guilt, as individuals may be released without charges, have charges dropped, or be found not guilty at trial. However, despite the potential absence of guilt, an arrest record can still surface in background checks, influencing an individual's reputation and impacting opportunities related to employment, education, and housing. Additionally, depending on the jurisdiction's laws and circumstances, an arrest record may be presented as evidence in a criminal case.

In contrast, a criminal record is more severe, signifying that an individual has been adjudicated guilty by a judge or jury or has pleaded guilty or no contest to a charge. Consequences of a criminal record may include fines, probation, jail time, or the forfeiture of certain rights and privileges. Furthermore, a criminal record can pose challenges in finding employment, securing housing, traveling abroad, or obtaining a professional license.

Colorado Police Records

In Colorado, police records are generally accessible to the public under the Colorado Open Records Act, which allows anyone to request and inspect criminal justice records from any agency that performs law enforcement functions. However, some documents may be withheld or redacted if considered confidential, privileged, or contrary to the public interest. For example, records that contain personal information, medical information, victim information, witness information, intelligence information, or ongoing investigation information may be restricted or denied.

Police records differ from general criminal records in several ways. General criminal records are usually compiled by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from the information provided by local law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. They provide a statewide overview of a person's criminal history but do not include all the details or incidents in police records. Police records are more specific and comprehensive, as they are created and maintained by the individual agencies that handle the cases. They include police reports, logs, notes, blotters, bookings, mugshots, photographs, dash cam footage, dispatch audio, and incident reports.