Otero County Colorado Felony Records
Otero County felony records are maintained by the 16th Judicial District Court in La Junta. This rural county sits in southeastern Colorado with a population near 18,000 residents. The court handles all felony criminal cases filed within Otero County boundaries. Under C.R.S. § 24-72-301, these records are available for public inspection during regular business hours. The court clerk maintains files that date back many decades.
Otero County Quick Facts
16th Judicial District Court in Otero County
The 16th Judicial District serves Bent, Crowley, and Otero Counties from its main location in La Junta. This court hears all felony cases that occur within Otero County. Staff members file new cases, maintain existing records, and process requests for copies. The court follows procedures set forth under Colorado law and the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure. Visitors can access public terminals to search for case information.
Felony cases in Otero County include serious criminal charges. These range from drug offenses to property crimes and violent acts. Each case receives a unique case number when filed. The district attorney prosecutes felony matters on behalf of the state. Defense attorneys represent those accused of crimes. Judges preside over hearings, trials, and sentencing proceedings. All of these actions create records that become part of the permanent court file in Otero County.
| Court Location |
Otero County Courthouse 13 W 3rd Street La Junta, CO 81050 |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | (719) 384-4951 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
How to Search Otero County Felony Records
You have several options for finding felony records in Otero County. The method you choose depends on how much information you need and when you need it. Some searches can be done from home using online tools. Others require a visit to the courthouse in La Junta. Each approach has its own benefits for researchers and interested parties.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers online docket searches through its official website. This service allows you to look up cases by name or case number. Basic case information is available at no cost. More detailed records may require a visit to the clerk office. The online system covers cases from all district courts in Colorado. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets to begin your search of Otero County felony records.
For comprehensive criminal history checks, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides name-based searches. This service costs six dollars per search. Results include conviction records from courts across Colorado. This includes felony convictions from Otero County. Access this tool at cbi.colorado.gov/ichc. Under C.R.S. § 24-72-706, certain records may be sealed or expunged from public view.
Types of Felony Records Available in Otero County
Felony records in Otero County contain many documents related to criminal cases. The charging document begins each felony case. It lists the specific crimes the defendant faces. Police reports provide facts about the investigation and arrest. Court filings show motions filed by attorneys on both sides. These records paint a complete picture of the criminal justice process in Otero County.
Disposition records show how each case ends. Some cases result in guilty verdicts after trial. Others end with plea agreements between the parties. Dismissals occur when charges are dropped. Sentencing orders spell out punishment under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401. This statute governs felony sentencing in Colorado. Penalties may include prison time, fines, probation, or community service.
Common records found in Otero County felony files include:
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Bond and bail documents
- Plea agreements and court orders
- Judgment and sentence orders
- Restitution orders for victims
Otero County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Otero County Sheriff Office maintains arrest records for incidents within county boundaries. These records document bookings at the county jail. Each arrest creates a record that includes the suspect's name and charges. Booking photos may be available depending on the case. Arrest records often serve as starting points for locating court files.
The sheriff office works closely with the 16th Judicial District Court. Deputies make arrests based on warrants issued by judges. They also conduct investigations that lead to criminal charges. Booking information is generally public record under Colorado law. Some details may be withheld during ongoing investigations. Contact the Otero County Sheriff Office for recent arrest information and jail roster details.
Colorado State Resources for Felony Records
Several state agencies maintain databases that include Otero County felony records. These resources provide broader search capabilities than single county systems. Researchers often use multiple sources to build complete criminal histories. Each agency has its own scope and access procedures. Understanding these differences helps you find the records you need.
The Colorado Department of Corrections operates an inmate search system. This tool locates prisoners in state facilities. It shows current inmates and those released under supervision. Search results include conviction details and sentence information. This covers felons sentenced to prison from Otero County. Access this resource at doc.state.co.us/oss.
CoCourts.com provides access to Colorado court records. This paid service offers detailed case information from participating courts. Users can search across multiple jurisdictions at once. Results include case summaries, parties, and scheduled events. Some documents are available for download. Visit cocourts.com to explore this option.
Sex Offender Registry Information
Under C.R.S. § 16-22-101, convicted sex offenders must register with local law enforcement. This applies to residents of Otero County who have felony sex convictions. The registry helps communities stay informed about potential risks. Registration requirements vary based on the offense level. Some offenders must register for life.
The Colorado Sex Offender Registry is available online. The public can search by name, location, or offense type. The main registry is at apps.colorado.gov/sor. SOTAR provides multi-state search capabilities at sotar.us. These tools help residents of Otero County identify registered offenders in their area.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Otero County
Not all felony records remain public forever. Colorado law allows some records to be sealed under specific conditions. This process limits who can see the criminal history. Sealed records do not appear in most background checks. However, law enforcement and certain agencies may still access them. The process for sealing records involves court proceedings.
Eligibility for sealing depends on several factors. The type of offense matters greatly. Some felonies cannot be sealed under any circumstances. The outcome of the case also affects eligibility. Dismissed cases have different rules than convictions. A waiting period must pass before filing a petition. Consult an attorney to understand your options for sealing Otero County felony records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Otero County and are also part of the 16th Judicial District. Criminal activity sometimes spans multiple jurisdictions. Records from nearby counties may provide additional context for your search.