Criminal records in El Paso County, Colorado, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ElPasoCOCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The El Paso County courts, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk of Court each maintain records that may be relevant depending on what you need.
How to Search Criminal Records in El Paso County
There are several ways to search for criminal records in El Paso County. What you need to get started depends on the method, but having a full legal name, date of birth, or case number will make any search more effective.
Online Search Options
- ElPasoCOCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in El Paso County.
- Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search — The state court system's docket search tool lets you look up cases filed at the El Paso County Judicial Building. Select "El Paso County Judicial Building" from the location menu, then search by party name or case number.
- Colorado Springs Municipal Court — For city-level offenses such as municipal code violations, the Colorado Springs Municipal Court website provides case and warrant information.
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — For a statewide criminal history check, you can submit a request through the CBI. This is the state criminal history repository and handles fingerprint-based background checks.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's Office at the El Paso County Judicial Building. Public access terminals may be available for looking up case information. Bring a valid photo ID.
The Colorado Judicial Branch's public records access guide outlines what court records are generally available and any restrictions that may apply.
By Mail or Written Request
You can request court records by submitting the Record/Document Request Form provided by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Mail the completed form to the Clerk of Court at the El Paso County Judicial Building. Include the case number if known, the full name of the party, and the specific documents you need. For statewide criminal history records, submit a written request to the CBI.
Search El Paso County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Colorado case numbers follow a standardized format that tells you the court, year, case type, and sequence. A typical case number looks like this:
2024CR001234
- 2024 — The year the case was filed.
- CR — The case type code. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other codes include "M" for misdemeanor, "T" for traffic, and "JD" for juvenile delinquency.
- 001234 — The sequential filing number assigned by the court.
When searching by case number on the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search or at the clerk's office, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, the clerk's office staff may be able to help locate the correct case using the defendant's name and approximate filing date.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in El Paso County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) section the defendant is charged under, such as C.R.S. § 18-4-401 for theft. |
| Severity | Felony (classes 1–6), misdemeanor (classes 1–3), petty offense, or traffic infraction. Felonies carry the most serious penalties. |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be amended by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office as a case progresses — reduced, added, or modified through plea negotiations or new evidence. |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or trial dates are scheduled.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled and the case is administratively closed.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss case status, potential plea agreements, and trial readiness.
- Trial — The case is presented before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — The court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review Hearing — A follow-up to check compliance with probation, treatment, or other court orders.
Court Results
- Guilty — The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict.
- Not Guilty — The defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed — The charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court.
- Deferred Judgment — The defendant pleads guilty, but the conviction may be withdrawn if conditions are met. Common in Colorado for certain offenses.
- Acquitted — Found not guilty after trial.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in El Paso County
Certified copies of court records are handled by the Clerk of Court at the El Paso County Judicial Building. These are official copies bearing the court seal, often needed for legal proceedings, employment verification, or out-of-state filings.
How to Submit a Request
- Online/By Mail — Complete the Record/Document Request Form from the Colorado Judicial Branch. Mail it to the Clerk of Court at the address below, or check with the clerk's office about electronic submission options.
- In Person — Visit Room S101 at the El Paso County Judicial Building during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
What You Need
- Full case number (if known)
- Full legal name of the party
- Specific documents requested
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for applicable fees
For statewide criminal history reports (fingerprint-based), contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation directly. The CBI processes official background checks that cover records from all Colorado jurisdictions.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in El Paso County
Fees for court records in Colorado are set by the Colorado Judicial Branch. The following are standard fees that apply at the El Paso County Clerk of Court:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $20.00 |
| CBI name-based criminal history check | $6.85 |
| CBI fingerprint-based criminal history check | $39.50 |
Fees are established under Colorado Chief Justice Directives and CBI fee schedules. Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office typically include cash, check, and money order. Ask the clerk about credit or debit card acceptance.
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Standard copies are often available the same day. Certified copies may take one to several business days depending on volume.
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- CBI background checks — Name-based checks are typically processed within 3–5 business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer depending on submission method.
The Clerk of Court can restrict access to certain court files or portions of files. If a record is sealed or suppressed by court order, it will not be available through any public search method. Contact the clerk's office directly if you have questions about a specific record's availability.