Montezuma County Felony Records

Montezuma County felony records are maintained by the District Court in Cortez. The 22nd Judicial District serves this Four Corners region county. The courthouse holds files for all felony criminal cases. Records are public under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.

Montezuma County Combined Court

The Montezuma County Combined Court is in Cortez. This facility handles all felony criminal matters. The 22nd Judicial District manages the court. The District Attorney files felony charges. The Clerk of Court maintains case records.

Public access is guaranteed by C.R.S. § 24-72-301. This is the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Most adult felony records are open. Some restrictions protect ongoing investigations. Victim information is confidential.

How to Search Montezuma County Felony Records

You can search Montezuma County felony records multiple ways. The court provides in-person access. State databases offer online search options. Each method has unique advantages.

The CoCourts.com portal is the best starting point. Search by name for Montezuma County cases. The system displays case summaries. Court dates and charges are listed. Document access varies by case.

The CBI Internet Criminal History Check provides statewide data. This shows felony convictions from all counties. Montezuma County cases appear here. The system requires detailed subject information.

For local arrest information, contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office. They operate the county jail. Booking records are maintained daily. You can reach them at (970) 565-1111. The office is at 730 East Driscoll Street.

Felony Classifications in Montezuma County

Colorado categorizes felonies into six classes. C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 establishes the framework. Each class carries specific penalties. The District Court applies these ranges.

Class 1 felonies are the most serious. They include first-degree murder and kidnapping. Penalties range from life imprisonment to death. These cases always go to District Court.

Classes 2 through 6 cover other felonies. Severity decreases with higher numbers. Drug offenses follow separate classifications. Extraordinary risk crimes carry enhanced sentences. The court considers criminal history at sentencing.

Records reflect the charged class. This affects filing and processing. Higher classes involve more complex procedures. It also impacts sealing eligibility later. Understanding the class helps interpret records.

Finding Prison and Jail Records

Felony convictions may result in prison sentences. The Colorado Department of Corrections maintains inmate records. You can search the CDOC offender search system online. This database is publicly accessible.

Results show current facility location. Sentence information is displayed. Parole eligibility dates are calculated. Release dates appear when scheduled. Historical data may require additional requests.

The Montezuma County Detention Center holds local inmates. Pre-trial defendants are housed here. Short sentences may be served locally. The Sheriff's Office manages these records.

Probation records are court documents. The probation department handles supervision. Reports go to the judge regularly. These records are part of the case file. Public access may be limited.

Sex Offender Registry Information

C.R.S. § 16-22-101 creates the sex offender registration program. Montezuma County offenders must register with law enforcement. This is a public record system. Community notification is the goal.

Search the Colorado Sex Offender Registry for statewide information. This includes Montezuma County registrants. Photographs and addresses are displayed. Conviction details help identify offenders.

SOTAR provides enhanced tracking capabilities. This system offers detailed search options. It covers all Colorado counties. Regular updates maintain accuracy.

The Sheriff's Office handles local registration. Offenders must appear in person regularly. They verify residence and employment. Failure to register results in new felony charges.

Sealing Records Under Colorado Law

Some Montezuma County felony records can be sealed. This process hides cases from public access. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 governs eligibility. Not all offenses qualify.

First, check if the offense is eligible. Class 1 and 2 felonies are excluded. Most crimes of violence cannot be sealed. Drug felonies have different rules. Read the statute carefully.

Complete all sentence requirements. This includes custody and supervision. Pay all fines and restitution. Wait the required period. This varies by offense class.

File a petition with the District Court. Pay the required filing fee. The District Attorney receives notice. They can object to the request. A hearing may be scheduled.

The judge decides whether to grant sealing. If approved, orders go to all agencies. Records are removed from public databases. You may deny the arrest occurred. Law enforcement retains access.

Statewide Criminal Record Resources

Montezuma County connects to statewide systems. These provide comprehensive searches. They cover all Colorado jurisdictions.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation manages criminal history data. They offer official background checks. Fingerprint-based searches provide accuracy. These are used for official purposes.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides court access. Their docket search covers multiple courts. Search across county boundaries. Find related cases easily.

Available state resources include:

• CBI Internet Criminal History Check
• CoCourts.com case search
• Colorado Judicial Branch docket search
• CDOC inmate locator
• Colorado Sex Offender Registry and SOTAR

Nearby Counties

Montezuma County is in the Four Corners region. Neighboring counties share borders. Defendants may have cases in multiple jurisdictions.