Criminal records of La Plata County, Colorado, are available through several channels. LaPlataCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, official state court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office provide access to case materials, hearing schedules, and proceeding outcomes. Below is a practical guide on how to search, request, and understand criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in La Plata
There are several ways to find criminal records. Each is suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- LaPlataCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information on criminal proceedings in the county.
- Colorado Courts Records Search — a statewide portal of the Colorado judicial branch. Allows searching by party name or case number in all state courts, including La Plata County Courthouse.
- Docket Search — select La Plata County Courthouse from the list to view the schedule of hearings for a specific date. At least one filter, besides the date, is required.
- CBI Sex Offender Registry — a separate search for those convicted of sexual offenses in Colorado. Records are updated hourly, but not all are subject to publication.
In-Person Visit
The La Plata County Courthouse clerk's office has public terminals where court cases can be viewed. A clerk will assist in finding the needed record if you know the defendant's name or case number.
Written Request
To obtain copies of court documents by mail, use the online document request form on the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Select La Plata County from the list. You can also send a written request directly to the court clerk's office at the address above.
For a full criminal history check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a separate request must be submitted — through the CBI portal with fingerprinting.
What You Need for a Search
- Full name of the person (defendant name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number — the most accurate way
Search La Plata Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the quickest way to a specific record. In Colorado, court case numbers follow a standard format:
YYYY + case type code + sequential number
For example: 2024CR30045.
- 2024 — the year the case was opened
- CR — the case type code (CR means criminal case in district court; M — misdemeanor in county court)
- 30045 — a unique sequential number within the court
Other common case type codes:
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CR | Criminal Case (District Court) |
| M | Misdemeanor (County Court) |
| T | Traffic Violation |
| JD | Juvenile Delinquency |
If you have the complete number, enter it into the search portal — the system will return the specific case without needing to filter by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in La Plata
Charges
Each charge in a case includes a reference to a specific statute in the Colorado Revised Statutes. The court classifies charges by severity:
- Felony — serious crime (classes 1–6 in Colorado, with class 1 being the most serious)
- Misdemeanor — less serious offense (classes 1–3)
- Petty offense / Infraction — minor violation
Charges may be amended by the prosecutor during proceedings — for example, reduced as a result of a plea agreement.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, proceedings are ongoing |
| Active | Hearings are scheduled or court action is awaited |
| Disposed | The court has rendered a decision; the case is resolved |
| Closed | All procedures are completed, including sentence execution |
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — the judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed (only for felony)
- Pre-trial conference — discussion between parties before trial
- Sentencing — imposition of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — review of compliance with probation or other order
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Deferred Judgment | Judgment is deferred; charges may be dismissed upon meeting conditions |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in La Plata
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as proof.
Where to Apply
The La Plata County Courthouse issues certified copies of court documents in criminal cases heard in this court.
Ways to Submit a Request
- Online — complete the document request form on the Colorado Judicial Branch website, selecting La Plata County.
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with valid ID (state ID or driver's license).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party name, and type of document needed. Include payment in the form of a money order.
Criminal History Check (CBI)
A full state-level criminal history check is conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. This typically requires fingerprinting at an authorized center. CBI results are a separate document, not associated with the court clerk's office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in La Plata
Fees are set according to Chief Justice Directive 98-01 and Colorado Judicial Branch rules. Specific amounts may be updated — check with the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.75 | Standard rate for most documents |
| Document certification | $20.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check via CBI (name-based) | ~$6.85 | Submitted separately through CBI; amount may vary |
| Criminal history check via CBI (fingerprint-based) | ~$39.50 | Includes FBI processing if federal check is needed |
Processing Times
- In-person request at the clerk's office — copies are usually ready the same day or the next business day
- Online form or mail request — 5 to 10 business days, depending on the clerk's office workload
- CBI check (name-based) — results typically arrive within 3–5 business days
- CBI check (fingerprint-based) — may take up to 2–4 weeks
For urgent requests, call the court clerk's office at 970-247-2304 to inquire about expedited processing availability.