Bent County Colorado Felony Records

Bent County felony records are maintained at the 16th Judicial District Court. This southeastern Colorado county sits along the Arkansas River with approximately 5,700 residents. The historic town of Las Animas serves as the county seat. The Bent County Courthouse hosts all felony criminal proceedings. Public access to these records is guaranteed under C.R.S. § 24-72-301. The clerk maintains comprehensive case files for this rural community.

16th Judicial District Court in Bent County

The 16th Judicial District includes Bent, Crowley, and Otero Counties in southeastern Colorado. The Bent County court handles all felony matters within its boundaries. District judges rotate through the three-county district on scheduled terms. The district attorney prosecutes criminal charges on behalf of the people. Defense attorneys protect defendant rights throughout proceedings. All court events generate official records subject to public inspection.

The clerk office manages felony case files with professional care. Physical documents preserve the historical record. Electronic filing supplements newer criminal matters. Public terminals provide search capabilities during business hours. Copy services are available for established fees. Certified copies require additional payment. Staff can assist with record location for research requests. Contact the office for assistance.

How to Search Bent County Felony Records

Researchers have several options for accessing Bent County felony records. Each method serves different needs. Online searches provide quick initial results. Courthouse visits deliver complete documentation. The choice depends on your timeline and requirements.

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains free docket searches. This resource covers all district courts including Bent County. Searches use defendant names or case numbers. Results display case status and hearing schedules. Complete files require in-person access. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets to begin.

The CBI Internet Criminal History Check includes Bent County records. Name-based searches cost six dollars per query. They reveal felony convictions from all Colorado courts. Required information includes full name and date of birth. Access at cbi.colorado.gov/ichc. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 governs what records appear.

Criminal Case Records in Bent County

Felony prosecutions create extensive documentation throughout the process. Charging documents commence each case. These allege specific violations of Colorado law. Supporting affidavits establish probable cause. Discovery exchanges reveal trial evidence. These materials constitute the official record.

Criminal cases reach resolution through various mechanisms. Plea agreements settle many cases. These document admissions and negotiated sanctions. Trials generate testimony and verdicts. Sentencing orders impose penalties under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401. This statute defines sentencing ranges.

Typical Bent County felony file contents include:

• Criminal complaints and arrest warrants
• Bail orders and release conditions
• Preliminary hearing records
• Plea agreement documentation
• Judgments and commitment orders

Bent County Sheriff Office Records

The Bent County Sheriff Office generates law enforcement records. Deputies patrol and respond to incidents. Arrests trigger booking procedures. Each creates documentation. These records precede court filings.

Detention records track current inmates. The sheriff operates the county jail. C.R.S. § 24-72-301 makes booking data available. Some details may be restricted. Contact the sheriff for recent arrests.

Colorado State Felony Record Databases

State systems include Bent County felony records. These expand research capabilities. Multiple databases ensure coverage.

The Department of Corrections tracks inmates. Their tool shows custody and conviction details. Bent County offenders appear here. Access at doc.state.co.us/oss.

CoCourts.com offers court record subscriptions. This covers Colorado trial courts. Cross-jurisdictional searches are possible. Visit cocourts.com.

Sex Offender Registry in Bent County

Felony sex offenders must register locally. C.R.S. § 16-22-101 establishes this requirement. The Bent County Sheriff Office handles registrations. Registrants update information regularly. Violations result in charges.

Colorado provides public registry access. Search statewide at apps.colorado.gov/sor. SOTAR offers alerts at sotar.us.

Sealing Bent County Felony Records

Colorado permits sealing certain felony records. This removes them from public searches. Law enforcement retains access. Sealing differs from expungement. Violent and sexual felonies remain open.

Eligibility varies by case outcome. Dismissals and acquittals have more options. Convictions require completed sentences and waits. Courts approve sealing petitions. Judges consider multiple factors. Attorneys help applicants navigate.

Other Counties in the 16th Judicial District

The 16th Judicial District covers three southeastern counties. Criminal matters may involve multiple jurisdictions.