La Plata County, Colorado court records are available through several channels. LaPlataCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online tools of the Colorado Judicial Branch, directly at the court clerk's office, or via public terminals in the courthouse in Durango.
La Plata Court System & Jurisdictions
La Plata County has two main levels of trial courts — District Court and County Court. Both are located in the same courthouse in Durango, but they handle different categories of cases.
District Court (6th Judicial District)
The District Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal felony cases
- Civil claims over $25,000
- Divorce, custody, and property division cases (domestic relations)
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Juvenile cases
- Protection orders
Appeals from District Court decisions are filed with the Colorado Court of Appeals or, in certain cases, directly with the state Supreme Court.
County Court
County Court handles smaller-scale cases. The typical list includes:
- Small claims — up to $7,500
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Misdemeanors and petty offenses
- Traffic violations
- Municipal ordinance violations
A list of all trial courts by county is available on the Trial Courts by County page. If you are unsure which case to search for, contact the court clerk's office at 970-247-2304.
La Plata Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be checked through a centralized search tool.
- Go to the Docket Search page on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
- Select "La Plata County Courthouse" from the dropdown menu.
- Specify the date or date range. The system requires at least one additional filter besides the date — party name, case number, or case type.
- Click "Search" — results will show the time, courtroom, and judge.
To view current hearings in real-time, the court offers a video stream via the Nomad system. The link is posted on the La Plata County Courthouse page under the "Courtroom Information" section.
If you need information about a specific case and the online search yields no results, call the clerk's office or email laplataclerk@judicial.state.co.us.
How to Get a Copy of a La Plata Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. An uncertified copy is suitable for review, while a certified one is needed when the document is required for another court, government agency, or legal procedure.
Online Request
The Colorado Judicial Branch has a unified document request form. Select "La Plata County" from the list, specify the case number, document type, and delivery method. The clerk's office will contact you regarding payment.
In-Person Visit
Visit the court clerk's office during business hours. Bring as many details as possible: full party name, case number, approximate filing date. The clerk will issue a copy on the spot or prepare it within a few business days.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the court address above, specifying the case number, document type, number of copies (uncertified or certified), and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount. If the exact amount is unknown — call in advance.
Access Restrictions
Not all documents are public. Typically closed to general access are:
- Juvenile cases
- Sealed or expunged records
- Certain documents in domestic violence and protection order cases
- Psychiatric evaluations and probation reports if the court has restricted access
The general rule for Colorado: court records are considered public unless the court or state law explicitly provides otherwise (Chief Justice Directive 05-01).
La Plata Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by the Chief Justice of the State of Colorado and may change. Below are the typical rates applicable to state courts. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before payment.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Uncertified document copy (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification fee | $20.00 per document |
| Record search (by name) | Free through the online system; a fee may be charged at the clerk's office |
| Audio recording copy of a hearing | Depends on duration; check with the clerk's office |
| Transcript request | Paid separately through a certified transcriber |
The clerk's office accepts payment by check or money order made payable to "Clerk of the Combined Court." For credit card payment options, check directly by calling 970-247-2304. Online requests via the form on the Colorado Judicial Branch website usually include payment instructions in the clerk's office response.
For a general search of court records statewide, use the Courts Records Search — the tool is free and does not require registration.