Las Animas County Felony Records

Las Animas County felony records are kept at the 3rd Judicial District Court in Trinidad. The county sits in southern Colorado along the New Mexico border. It covers over 4,700 square miles of varied terrain. The historic courthouse has served the region for decades. All felony cases from Trinidad and surrounding areas come here. The court applies sentencing rules under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 for all felony convictions.

Las Animas County District Court

The 3rd Judicial District Court serves Las Animas County. The courthouse stands in downtown Trinidad at 200 East First Street. This court handles all felony matters for the county. The district also includes Huerfano County to the north. Judges rotate between courthouses to serve both counties.

The Clerk of Court keeps all case files at the Trinidad location. You can visit in person to request records. Staff will assist you in finding specific cases. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Some files may need time to retrieve from storage. Older cases from decades past may take longer. The court follows public records laws under C.R.S. § 24-72-301.

How to Search Las Animas County Felony Records

You can search Las Animas County felony records several ways. Each option has different benefits. Online searches work well for recent cases. In-person visits help with older records. Pick the method that fits your needs.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides free docket searches. Go to coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Choose the 3rd Judicial District from the list. Then select Las Animas County. You can search by defendant name or case number. The system shows case summaries and hearing dates. Documents are not available online.

CoCourts.com offers detailed court records for a fee. This service covers Las Animas County District Court. It includes full docket entries and case events. Visit cocourts.com to start your search. Fees vary based on the level of detail you need.

The CBI Internet Criminal History Check covers Las Animas County. This statewide search costs $6.00 per name. You need the full name and date of birth. Results show arrests and convictions from across Colorado. Access it at cbi.colorado.gov.

Las Animas County Government Resources

The Las Animas County Sheriff's Office patrols the county. Deputies respond to calls across the large rural area. They make arrests and file reports. The records division handles requests for incident reports. Not all reports are public under C.R.S. § 24-72-301. Contact them through their website.

The combined courthouse houses both court and clerk offices. This makes it easier to access records in one visit. The Clerk and Recorder handles property records and elections. They do not keep criminal case files. Those stay with the District Court Clerk.

Record Sealing in Las Animas County

Colorado law permits sealing of some criminal records. The process is found in C.R.S. § 24-72-706. You must file a motion in the Las Animas County District Court. The judge decides whether to grant your request. Not all felonies qualify for this relief.

Eligible felonies include Class 4, 5, and 6 offenses. Level 3 and 4 drug felonies may also qualify. You must complete your full sentence first. This includes prison time, parole, and probation. Then you must wait three years. Some offenses need longer waiting periods.

Many serious crimes cannot be sealed. Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies stay public forever. Level 1 and 2 drug felonies remain open. Any crime of violence cannot be hidden. Sex offenses stay on your record permanently. Domestic violence convictions are not sealable. DUI and DWAI records remain accessible to the public.

After the court grants a sealing order, notify the CBI. Send the order to cdps_cbi_ident_seal@state.co.us. The CBI will remove the record from their database. Other agencies must also seal their copies. Law enforcement can still see sealed records for investigations.

Cities in Las Animas County

Las Animas County includes several small communities. All felony cases go to the District Court in Trinidad. The county covers a large area in southern Colorado. Major communities include Trinidad, the county seat and largest city. Aguilar and Cokedale are smaller towns in the area. The county also includes unincorporated communities like Starkville and Segundo.

Statewide Resources for Las Animas County

State databases include Las Animas County records. These tools help when searching beyond local court files. They provide information from multiple sources across Colorado.

The CBI maintains criminal history records for the state. Their Internet Criminal History Check searches all counties. This includes Las Animas County felony records. Visit cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks for details.

The Department of Corrections tracks inmates statewide. You can search for current prisoners and parolees. This helps find incarceration records from Las Animas County. Visit doc.state.co.us to search.

The Sex Offender Registry lists offenders by location. Search for registrants in Las Animas County. The database updates regularly with new information. Check it at apps.colorado.gov. SOTAR provides email alerts at sotar.us.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Las Animas County. Check these courts if you cannot find records here. Cases are filed where the crime occurred.