Larimer County Court Records

What Is Larimer County Court Records

Larimer County court records are official documents created and maintained by the judicial system within Larimer County, Colorado. These records document legal proceedings that occur within the county's jurisdiction and serve as the official account of court activities. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201, these records constitute public documents that memorialize the actions, decisions, and proceedings of the courts.

Court records typically include:

• Case filings and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts
• Evidence presented during proceedings
• Docket information
• Case dispositions

The Larimer County Justice Center maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and judicial administrative policies. Records are preserved both for administrative purposes and to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings.

Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-6100
Colorado Judicial Branch - Larimer County

Are Court Records Public In Larimer County

Court records in Larimer County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA). These statutes establish the presumption that court records should be available for public inspection, with certain exceptions designed to protect privacy, safety, and other compelling interests.

Members of the public may access most court records through various methods, including:

• In-person requests at the Larimer County Justice Center
• Online access through designated court record portals
• Written requests submitted to the court clerk

However, certain categories of records may be restricted from public access or may require special authorization to view. Pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (C.R.C.P.) 121 § 1-5, these include:

• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile proceedings (except as provided in C.R.S. § 19-1-304)
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Certain domestic relations matters
• Records containing sensitive personal information

The determination of whether specific records are accessible is made in accordance with applicable state laws and court rules. Individuals seeking access to restricted records may need to file a formal motion with the court demonstrating legitimate interest or legal entitlement to the information.

How To Find Court Records in Larimer County in 2025

Individuals seeking court records in Larimer County in 2025 have multiple avenues available to locate and access these documents. The Colorado Judicial Branch has implemented several methods to facilitate public access to court information.

To obtain court records in Larimer County, requestors may utilize the following procedures:

• In-person requests: Individuals may visit the Larimer County Justice Center during regular business hours to request records from the clerk's office. Staff can assist with locating specific case information and providing copies of available documents.

• Electronic access: The Colorado Courts E-Filing system provides online access to certain court records. Users must register for an account and may be subject to fees for document retrieval.

• Written requests: Written requests may be submitted to the court clerk specifying the records sought. Requests should include case numbers when available, names of parties involved, and approximate dates of proceedings.

• Records request form: For sealed cases or specialized requests, individuals may submit the official records request form to 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us as directed by the court.

Larimer County Clerk of Court
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-6100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Public Information & Records

How To Look Up Court Records in Larimer County Online?

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides digital access to court records through several online platforms. These systems allow users to search for and retrieve court information without visiting the courthouse in person.

To access Larimer County court records online, users may utilize the following resources:

• Colorado Courts E-Filing System: This platform allows registered users to access case information and documents for cases in which they are involved. The system is accessible at Colorado Courts E-Filing and operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (MT).

• Docket Search: The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a docket search function specifically for Larimer County at Larimer County Dockets. This tool allows users to view scheduled court proceedings and basic case information.

• CoCourts Records Search: This subscription-based service provides more comprehensive access to court records throughout Colorado, including Larimer County cases.

When conducting online searches, users should have relevant information available, such as:

• Case number
• Party names
• Date range of case filing
• Case type

Pursuant to Colorado court rules, certain information may be redacted from online records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers.

Can You Search Larimer County Court Records for Free?

Limited free access to Larimer County court records is available through several channels, though comprehensive searches may require payment of statutory fees. The Colorado Judicial Branch has established both free and fee-based options for record retrieval.

Free access options include:

• Public terminals: Computer terminals located at the Larimer County Justice Center provide free on-site access to basic case information. These terminals are available during regular business hours.

• Docket search: The online docket search function at Colorado Judicial Dockets allows users to view upcoming court dates and basic case status information at no charge.

• In-person inspection: Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-205, individuals may inspect publicly available records at the courthouse without charge, though fees apply for copies.

Fee-based services include:

• Document copies: $0.75 per page for standard copies
• Certified copies: $20.00 per document
• Record searches: $5.00 per name/record when staff assistance is required
• Electronic access fees: Vary by platform and subscription level

The court clerk may waive fees in cases of indigency upon proper showing of financial hardship. All fees are established pursuant to Chief Justice Directive 06-01 and are subject to periodic revision.

What's Included in a Larimer County Court Record?

Larimer County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings from initiation through disposition. These records serve as the official account of court activities and typically include multiple components that collectively document the legal process.

Standard elements of a court record include:

• Case initiation documents: Complaints, petitions, indictments, or other filings that commence legal proceedings
• Pleadings and motions: Written submissions by parties requesting court action or responding to claims
• Court orders and judgments: Official decisions and directives issued by the presiding judge
• Hearing and trial transcripts: Verbatim accounts of oral proceedings when prepared
• Evidence logs: Records of exhibits and evidence presented during proceedings
• Financial information: Records of filing fees, fines, restitution, and other monetary transactions
• Service documentation: Proof that parties received required legal notices
• Case management information: Scheduling notes, continuances, and administrative details

Pursuant to Colorado court rules, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under restricted access, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children in certain proceedings
• Victim identification in sensitive cases
• Medical and mental health information

The specific content of court records varies by case type and complexity, with criminal proceedings typically generating more extensive documentation than civil matters.

How Long Does Larimer County Keep Court Records?

Larimer County courts retain records according to the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods based on case type, disposition, and historical significance. These retention policies are governed by Chief Justice Directive 05-01 and subsequent amendments.

Standard retention periods include:

• Felony cases:

  • Capital cases: Permanent retention
  • Other felonies: 10 years after final disposition

• Misdemeanor cases: 3 years after final disposition

• Traffic cases:

  • DUI/DWAI: 10 years after final disposition
  • Other traffic: 2 years after final disposition

• Civil cases:

  • Domestic relations: 30 years after final disposition
  • Property disputes: 20 years after final disposition
  • General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition

• Probate matters:

  • Estates: 10 years after closing
  • Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
  • Guardianships: 10 years after termination

Records of historical significance may be preserved permanently or transferred to the Colorado State Archives for long-term preservation. Digital records are maintained according to the same schedule as paper records, though the storage medium may differ.

Individuals seeking older records that may have been transferred to archives should contact:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-2055

Types of Courts In Larimer County

Larimer County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within the framework of Colorado's unified court system and handle various categories of legal matters.

The primary courts operating in Larimer County include:

• District Court: The court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations cases, juvenile matters, probate, and mental health proceedings. The District Court operates within the 8th Judicial District.

• County Court: Limited jurisdiction court handling misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil matters under $15,000, small claims up to $7,500, and preliminary proceedings in felony cases.

• Water Court: Specialized division of District Court with exclusive jurisdiction over water rights matters within Water Division 1, which includes portions of Larimer County.

• Municipal Courts: City courts with jurisdiction limited to municipal ordinance violations within their respective municipalities, including Fort Collins and Loveland.

Additionally, federal cases involving Larimer County residents may be heard in:

United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse
901 19th Street
Denver, CO 80294
(303) 844-3433

United States Bankruptcy Court
721 19th Street
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 904-7300
United States Bankruptcy Court

What Types of Cases Do Larimer County Courts Hear?

Larimer County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with their jurisdictional authority as established by Colorado law. The case types handled by these courts encompass both civil and criminal proceedings across various subject areas.

The Larimer County District Court has jurisdiction over:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil matters with claims exceeding $15,000
• Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody, support)
• Juvenile proceedings (delinquency, dependency and neglect)
• Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Mental health cases
• Water rights adjudications

The Larimer County Court handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Civil actions with claims up to $15,000
• Small claims cases up to $7,500
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Protection orders
• County ordinance violations

Municipal courts within Larimer County adjudicate:

• Municipal code violations
• Local traffic infractions
• Petty offenses within city limits
• Certain municipal ordinance violations

Case assignment is determined by statutory jurisdiction, amount in controversy, and the nature of the legal issue presented. Complex cases may involve proceedings in multiple courts or transfer between courts as circumstances warrant.

How To Find a Court Docket In Larimer County

Court dockets in Larimer County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents for specific cases. These dockets serve as the official record of case progression and are accessible through several methods.

To locate court docket information in Larimer County, individuals may:

• Access online docket search: The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a dedicated docket search function for Larimer County at Larimer County Dockets. Users can search by date, courtroom, or case type to view scheduled proceedings.

• Use statewide docket search: The comprehensive Colorado Judicial Docket Search allows users to access docket information across multiple counties, including Larimer.

• Visit the courthouse: The clerk's office at the Larimer County Justice Center can provide printed docket information upon request during regular business hours.

• Contact court administration: For specialized docket information or assistance with complex searches, individuals may contact court administration directly.

When searching dockets, users should note:

• Docket information is typically updated daily but may not reflect very recent filings or schedule changes
• Some proceedings may be closed to the public and will not appear on publicly accessible dockets
• Case numbers facilitate more precise docket searches when available

Docket information is provided as a public service and does not constitute legal advice regarding scheduled proceedings.

Which Courts in Larimer County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Larimer County, certain judicial forums do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as required for courts of record under Colorado law. These non-record courts typically handle minor matters and operate with simplified procedures.

The primary courts in Larimer County that are not courts of record include:

• Small Claims Court: A division of County Court that handles civil claims up to $7,500 using simplified procedures. While written judgments are issued, verbatim transcripts of proceedings are not created.

• Municipal Courts: Local courts in Fort Collins, Loveland, and other municipalities may operate as non-record courts for certain proceedings, particularly those involving minor ordinance violations. However, some municipal courts may record certain proceedings, particularly those with potential for significant penalties.

Proceedings in non-record courts have important procedural implications:

• Appeals from these courts typically result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) rather than reviews of the record
• Parties cannot obtain official transcripts of proceedings
• The absence of a verbatim record may affect certain appellate rights

Individuals with cases in non-record courts should be aware that:

• They may need to take their own notes during proceedings
• Documentary evidence should be preserved independently
• Appeals must be filed within strict time limits, typically 14-35 days depending on the court and case type

For specific information about record-keeping practices in municipal courts, individuals should contact the relevant municipal court directly.

Lookup Court Records in Larimer County

Colorado Judicial Branch Trial Courts

Larimer County Public Records Information

Larimer County Court Dockets

Colorado Judicial Docket Search System

Larimer County Court Information

Colorado Courts E-Filing Portal