Larimer County Court Records
What Is Larimer County Court Records
Larimer County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's judicial system. These records document various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic violations, and family law matters. Court records typically contain information about the parties involved, case details, hearing dates, judgments, and other relevant legal documentation. These records are maintained by the Larimer County Justice Center and are essential for transparency in the judicial process.
Larimer County Justice Center: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Are Court Records Public In Larimer County
Yes, most court records in Larimer County are considered public information under Colorado's Open Records Act. This means that citizens have the legal right to access and review these documents. However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information, such as cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or matters of national security. Additionally, some personal identifying information like Social Security numbers and financial account details are typically redacted from public documents.
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains these public records and provides various methods for accessing them.
Colorado Judicial Branch: 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
How To Find Court Records in Larimer County in 2025
To find court records in Larimer County in 2025, you have several options:
- Visit the Larimer County Justice Center in person and request records from the clerk's office.
- Use the Colorado Courts Records Search online portal, which provides access to most court records.
- Submit a written request to the Records Department of the specific court where the case was heard.
- Utilize third-party record search services, though these may charge additional fees.
For the most current and accurate information, it's recommended to contact the Larimer County Clerk of Court directly.
Larimer County Clerk of Court: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
How To Look Up Court Records in Larimer County Online?
Looking up court records online in Larimer County is straightforward through the Colorado Judicial Branch's online services:
- Visit the Colorado Courts Records Search website.
- Create an account if you don't already have one.
- Select Larimer County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range.
- Pay any applicable fees for document access or copies.
- View or download available records.
The system is regularly updated, but some very recent filings may not appear immediately. For the most up-to-date information, you can also use the Court Connect system.
Colorado Judicial Department, Court Services: 1300 Broadway, Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80203
Can You Search Larimer County Court Records for Free?
Yes, you can search basic Larimer County court records for free, but there are limitations:
- The Colorado Courts Records Search allows free searches of case listings and docket information.
- Basic case information such as party names, case types, and filing dates is available without charge.
- Viewing or downloading actual court documents typically requires payment of a fee (usually $0.75 per page).
- In-person searches at the Larimer County Justice Center are free, though copying fees apply.
- Public access terminals at the courthouse provide more comprehensive free access than the online system.
For those unable to afford fees, fee waivers may be available through the Self-Help Center at the courthouse.
Larimer County Self-Help Center: 201 LaPorte Avenue, First Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
What's Included in a Larimer County Court Record?
A typical Larimer County court record includes:
- Case information (case number, filing date, court division)
- Party information (names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
- Register of actions (chronological list of all filings and court events)
- Court documents (complaints, motions, orders, judgments)
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence logs (listing exhibits presented in court)
- Financial information (fines, fees, payments)
- Disposition and sentencing details (for criminal cases)
The level of detail varies by case type, with criminal cases often containing more extensive documentation than civil matters.
How Long Does Larimer County Keep Court Records?
Larimer County follows the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 3-10 years depending on severity
- Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final decree
- Probate cases: 10 years after estate closing
- Small claims: 3 years after judgment
Historical records may be transferred to the Colorado State Archives for permanent preservation. Digital records retention policies continue to evolve as more courts transition to electronic filing systems.
Colorado State Archives: 1313 Sherman Street, Room 120, Denver, CO 80203
Types of Courts In Larimer County
Larimer County's court system includes several types of courts:
- District Court - Handles felonies, civil cases over $15,000, domestic relations, juvenile matters, and probate cases.
- County Court - Handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil cases under $15,000, and small claims.
- Municipal Courts - Handle violations of city ordinances within specific municipalities like Fort Collins and Loveland.
- Water Court (Division 1) - Handles water rights cases for the South Platte River Basin, which includes Larimer County.
Each court has specific jurisdiction and procedures for handling different types of legal matters.
8th Judicial District Court: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Larimer County Court: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Fort Collins Municipal Court: 215 North Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Loveland Municipal Court: 810 East 10th Street, Loveland, CO 80537
What Types of Cases Do Larimer County Courts Hear?
Larimer County courts hear a wide variety of cases:
District Court:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $15,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody)
- Juvenile matters (delinquency, dependency and neglect)
- Probate (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Mental health proceedings
County Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil matters with claims under $15,000
- Small claims (up to $7,500)
- Protection orders
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations, including local traffic offenses, noise complaints, and other municipal infractions.
How To Find a Court Docket In Larimer County
To find a court docket in Larimer County:
- Online: Use the Colorado Judicial Branch's docket search tool at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets.
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the Larimer County Justice Center and request to view the docket.
- By phone: Call the clerk's office for information about upcoming hearings.
- Email: Some divisions provide docket information via email upon request.
Court dockets are typically updated daily and provide information about scheduled hearings, including date, time, courtroom, judge, and case details.
For the most accurate information about specific hearings, it's recommended to verify with the clerk's office the day before, as schedules can change.
Larimer County Court Clerk's Office: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Which Courts in Larimer County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Larimer County, the following courts are not courts of record:
- Small Claims Court - While part of the County Court system, small claims proceedings are not recorded verbatim.
- Municipal Courts (except Fort Collins) - Most municipal courts in smaller Larimer County towns operate as non-record courts.
Non-record courts do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings. If a case from these courts is appealed, it receives a completely new trial (trial de novo) in a court of record rather than a review of the original proceedings.
It's important to note that while these courts don't maintain verbatim records of proceedings, they do keep written records of cases, judgments, and outcomes.
Estes Park Municipal Court: 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517 Wellington Municipal Court: 3735 Cleveland Avenue, Wellington, CO 80549
Lookup Court Records in Larimer County
Larimer County | Colorado Judicial Branch
Courts Records Search | Colorado Judicial Branch
Public Records | Larimer County
Docket Search | Colorado Judicial Branch