La Plata County Criminal Records Search
La Plata County sits in southwestern Colorado among the San Juan Mountains. The county seat is Durango. Criminal records here include arrest logs, court filings, and inmate data. The La Plata County Sheriff's Office maintains most local records. State databases also cover this region. Residents and employers often need these documents. The process follows Colorado law. Access rules vary by record type.
The Sheriff's Office provides access to booking records and incident reports. Court records go through the local judicial system. Some files remain sealed. Others need formal requests. La Plata County follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. This law sets the rules for police records. The Colorado Open Records Act applies to other public documents. Both laws balance access with privacy needs.
La Plata County Sheriff's Office Records
The La Plata County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas. They maintain arrest records and booking logs. The office also handles incident reports and jail records. Their headquarters sits at 742 Turner Drive in Durango. This facility houses the county detention center. Deputies patrol over 1,700 square miles of terrain.
Records requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through their online portal. The Sheriff's Office charges fees for copies and staff time. Simple requests may be fulfilled quickly. Complex searches take longer. Contact them at 970-247-1157 for general inquiries. Business hours are Monday through Friday. Some records require formal written requests under CCJRA rules.
The detention center holds pre-trial inmates and sentenced prisoners. Visiting hours are scheduled. Mail and commissary rules apply. Family members can check inmate status by phone. Bond information is available through the jail. The Sheriff's Office works with Durango Police for city arrests. Records from city incidents go through that department.
Colorado State Criminal Records Resources
State agencies provide broader search tools for La Plata County residents. These databases cover all of Colorado. They supplement local records. State resources help with background checks. They also track offenders across jurisdictions.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers statewide background checks. Their office is at 690 Kipling Street in Lakewood. You can reach them at 303-239-4208. The CBI maintains criminal history records for all Colorado counties. Name-based searches cost six dollars per request. Fingerprint-based checks are also available. These searches cover convictions statewide. Results take several days to process. Employers often use this service. Private citizens can request their own records too.
Colorado operates a public Sex Offender Registry. Visit Colorado SOR Search to access this database. The registry lists convicted sex offenders by name and location. La Plata County offenders appear in this system. You can search by address to find nearby registrants. The CBI Sex Offender Unit manages this data. They can be reached at 303-239-4222. Note that not all offenders are published. Risk level determines public disclosure.
The Colorado Department of Corrections maintains an inmate locator. Find it at DOC Offender Search. This tool tracks state prison inmates. It does not cover county jails. La Plata County inmates in state custody appear here. The system shows release dates and facility locations. Victims can register for notification through this portal.
La Plata County Court Records Access
Court records in La Plata County fall under the 6th Judicial District. The district covers La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan counties. District Court handles felonies. County Court manages misdemeanors. Both courts maintain public records. The courthouse is at 1060 East Second Avenue in Durango. This building houses court clerks and records.
You can search court dockets through the state system. Visit Colorado Court Dockets for online access. This portal shows case schedules and basic details. Some records require in-person review. Certified copies cost extra. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, or money order. Call 970-247-2304 for the District Court. County Court can be reached at 970-247-2304. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays.
Court records include filings, judgments, and orders. Family court cases have different rules. Juvenile records are sealed by default. Protection orders may be accessible. The clerk redacts sensitive information. Requesters must specify case numbers when possible. Staff can help locate files with partial information.
Colorado Laws Governing Criminal Records
Colorado has two main laws for public records access. These statutes define what you can obtain. They also set limits. Understanding these laws helps with effective requests. Agencies must follow them carefully.
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act applies to law enforcement files. This law is found in C.R.S. § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309. CCJRA controls police reports and investigation records. It allows agencies to withhold certain documents. Active cases may be protected. Internal notes stay confidential. The law balances public interest with investigation needs. Each request is reviewed individually.
The Colorado Open Records Act governs other government documents. C.R.S. § 24-72-200.1 through § 24-72-206 covers this law. CORA applies to administrative records and general files. It has fewer exemptions than CCJRA. Most documents must be released promptly. Agencies can charge for staff time and copies. La Plata County follows both laws depending on record type.
How to Request Criminal Records in La Plata County
Obtaining records requires knowing the right process. Different records need different steps. Some are available online. Others need formal requests. Being specific speeds up results.
For Sheriff's Office records, submit a written request. Include your name, contact information, and specific details. Describe the incident or record you need. Provide dates and locations. Send requests to the Records Division at 742 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303. You can also call 970-247-1157 for guidance. Fees apply for copies and research time.
Court records can be requested at the courthouse. Bring valid identification. Specify if you need certified copies. Fees vary by document type. The clerk can search by name or case number. Allow time for staff to retrieve files. Some older records may be archived.
State background checks go through the CBI. Use their online portal for fastest service. You can also mail fingerprint cards. Results are mailed or emailed. Keep your receipt for reference. Note: CCJRA requests have no fixed deadline. CORA requests must be answered within three business days.
Nearby Counties
These counties border La Plata County. Records for incidents near county lines may be held by these agencies. Check the correct jurisdiction when searching.