Rio Grande County Felony Records
Rio Grande County felony records are maintained at the 12th Judicial District Court. This south-central Colorado county has approximately 11,500 residents. The county stretches across the beautiful San Luis Valley. The Rio Grande County Courthouse in Del Norte serves as the venue for 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 agricultural community.
Rio Grande County Quick Facts
12th Judicial District Court in Rio Grande County
The 12th Judicial District includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties. The Rio Grande County court handles felony matters arising within its San Luis Valley boundaries. District judges rotate through the six-county district on regular schedules. The district attorney prosecutes criminal charges on behalf of the people. Defense attorneys protect defendant rights throughout all proceedings. All court events generate official records subject to public inspection under Colorado law.
The clerk office manages felony case files with professional care. Physical documents preserve older cases in secure storage. Electronic filing supplements newer criminal matters. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours. Copy services are provided for established fees. Certified copies require additional payment. Staff can assist with record location for complex requests. Contact the office for research assistance or document orders.
| Court Location |
Rio Grande County Courthouse 925 6th Street Del Norte, CO 81132 |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | (719) 657-3394 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
How to Search Rio Grande County Felony Records
Researchers can access Rio Grande County felony records through multiple channels. Each method serves different research needs and timelines. Online searches provide quick initial information from any location. Courthouse visits deliver complete documentation for thorough review. The choice depends on your specific requirements and how quickly you need the information.
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains free docket searches for all courts statewide. This resource covers the 12th Judicial District including Rio Grande County. Searches can be conducted using defendant names or known case numbers. Results display current case status and upcoming hearing schedules. Complete file contents require in-person access at the courthouse. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets to begin your search.
The CBI Internet Criminal History Check includes Rio Grande County records. Name-based searches cost six dollars per query and return instant results. They reveal felony convictions from all Colorado courts in one search. Required information includes the subject's full name and date of birth. Access this service at cbi.colorado.gov/ichc. C.R.S. § 24-72-706 governs what records appear in these comprehensive searches.
Criminal Case Records in Rio Grande County
Felony prosecutions create extensive documentation throughout the criminal justice process. Charging documents formally commence each case in the system. These legal papers allege specific violations of Colorado criminal statutes. Supporting affidavits establish probable cause for the charges filed. Discovery exchanges reveal evidence that may be presented at trial. These materials together constitute the complete official court record.
Criminal cases reach resolution through various legal mechanisms in practice. Plea agreements settle the majority of felony matters before trial. These documents record admissions and negotiated sanctions between parties. Trials generate witness testimony and jury verdicts when cases cannot be settled. Sentencing orders impose penalties under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 guidelines. This statute establishes presumptive sentencing ranges for each felony class in Colorado.
Typical Rio Grande County felony case file contents include:
- Criminal complaints and arrest warrants
- Bail orders and pretrial release conditions
- Preliminary hearing transcripts and orders
- Plea agreement documentation and disposition records
- Judgments and sentencing commitment orders
Rio Grande County Sheriff Office Records
The Rio Grande County Sheriff Office generates important law enforcement documentation daily. Deputies patrol the county and respond to citizen calls for service. Arrests trigger booking procedures at the county detention facility. Each incident creates records that precede formal court filings. These materials form the foundation of subsequent criminal prosecutions in the district.
Detention records track individuals currently in custody at the jail. The sheriff operates the county jail facility according to state standards. Colorado law makes basic booking information available to the public. C.R.S. § 24-72-301 provides the statutory basis for this public access. Some details may be restricted for active criminal investigations. Contact the sheriff for information about recent arrests. Their records complement the court files maintained by the clerk of courts.
Colorado State Felony Record Databases
Statewide database systems include Rio Grande County felony records. These resources expand research capabilities beyond local county boundaries. Multiple databases ensure comprehensive coverage of criminal history information.
The Department of Corrections maintains records of state prison inmates. Their online tool shows current custody status and conviction details. It includes offenders sentenced from Rio Grande County. Access this resource at doc.state.co.us/oss.
CoCourts.com offers subscription access to court records across Colorado. This service covers all trial courts including Rio Grande County. Cross-jurisdictional searches are possible through this platform. Document images accompany many electronic records. Visit cocourts.com for subscription information.
Sex Offender Registry in Rio Grande County
Felony sex offenders must register with local law enforcement as required by law. C.R.S. § 16-22-101 establishes this requirement throughout Colorado. The Rio Grande County Sheriff Office handles local registrations and updates. Registrants must update their information on scheduled intervals. Failure to comply results in additional criminal charges and penalties.
Colorado provides public access to the sex offender registry database online. Citizens can search statewide for registered offenders by various criteria. Access the registry at apps.colorado.gov/sor. SOTAR offers expanded notification features at sotar.us.
Sealing Rio Grande County Felony Records
Colorado law permits sealing certain felony records from public view. This process limits access for most background checks conducted. Law enforcement retains viewing rights for legitimate investigative purposes. Sealing differs from expungement under Colorado law terminology. Violent and sexual felonies typically remain open to public inspection permanently.
Eligibility for sealing varies based on case outcome and history. Dismissals and acquittals provide more favorable options for petitioners. Convictions require completed sentences and statutory waiting periods. Courts approve sealing petitions after careful judicial review processes. Judges consider multiple factors including public safety interests and rehabilitation.
Other Counties in the 12th Judicial District
The 12th Judicial District covers six south-central Colorado counties. Criminal matters may involve multiple jurisdictions. Records could exist in any of these locations.