Saguache County Felony Records

Saguache County felony records are maintained at the 12th Judicial District Court. This rural mountain county sits in south-central Colorado with approximately 6,400 residents. The Saguache County Courthouse 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 dating back many decades.

12th Judicial District Court in Saguache County

The 12th Judicial District includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties. The Saguache County court handles all felony matters within its boundaries. District judges rotate between these six south-central Colorado counties. The district attorney prosecutes criminal charges on behalf of the people. Defense attorneys protect the rights of the accused. All court proceedings generate official records subject to public inspection.

The clerk office manages felony case files with care. Physical documents preserve older cases in secure storage. Electronic filing supplements newer criminal matters. Public terminals at the courthouse provide search capabilities. Copy services are available for established fees. Certified copies require additional payment. Staff can assist with record location for complex requests. Contact the office for extensive research assistance or document orders.

How to Search Saguache County Felony Records

Researchers have multiple options for accessing Saguache County felony records. Each method serves different research needs. Online searches provide quick initial information. Courthouse visits deliver complete case documentation. The choice depends on your specific requirements and timeline.

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains free docket searches statewide. This resource covers all district courts including Saguache County. Searches can be conducted using defendant names or case numbers. Results display current case status and hearing schedules. Complete file contents require in-person access at the courthouse. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets to begin your online search.

The CBI offers statewide criminal history checks through the Internet Criminal History Check system. Name-based searches cost six dollars per query. They reveal felony convictions from all Colorado courts. Saguache County felonies appear in these comprehensive reports. 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 searches.

Criminal Case Records in Saguache County

Felony prosecutions create extensive documentation throughout the process. Charging documents commence each criminal case. These formal papers allege specific violations of Colorado law. Supporting affidavits establish probable cause for the charges. Discovery exchanges reveal evidence that may be presented at trial. These materials together constitute the official court record.

Criminal cases reach resolution through various mechanisms. Plea agreements settle the majority of felony matters. These documents record admissions and negotiated sanctions. Trials generate witness testimony and jury verdicts. Sentencing orders impose penalties under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401. This statute defines presumptive sentencing ranges for each felony class. Prison, fines, and probation are standard outcomes.

Typical Saguache 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
• Judgments and commitment orders

Saguache County Sheriff Office Records

The Saguache County Sheriff Office generates important law enforcement records. Deputies patrol the vast county and respond to incidents. Arrests trigger booking procedures at the detention facility. Each incident creates documentation that precedes formal court filings. These records form the foundation of subsequent prosecutions.

Detention records track current inmates in county custody. The sheriff operates the local jail facility. Colorado law makes basic booking data available to the public. C.R.S. § 24-72-301 provides the statutory basis for this access. Some details may be restricted for ongoing investigations. Contact the sheriff for information about recent arrests. Their records complement the court files maintained by the clerk.

Colorado State Felony Record Databases

Statewide database systems include Saguache County felony records. These resources expand research capabilities beyond local boundaries. Multiple databases ensure thorough coverage of criminal history information.

The Department of Corrections maintains records of prison inmates. Their online tool shows custody status and conviction details. It includes offenders sentenced from Saguache County. Access this resource at doc.state.co.us/oss.

CoCourts.com offers subscription access to court records. This service covers Colorado trial courts including Saguache County. Cross-jurisdictional searches are possible through this platform. Document images accompany many electronic records. Visit cocourts.com for subscription details.

Sex Offender Registry in Saguache County

Felony sex offenders must register with local law enforcement. C.R.S. § 16-22-101 establishes this statewide requirement. The Saguache County Sheriff Office handles local registrations. Registrants must update their information regularly. Failure to comply results in additional criminal charges.

Colorado provides public access to the sex offender registry. Citizens can search statewide for registered offenders. Access the database at apps.colorado.gov/sor. SOTAR offers expanded notification features at sotar.us. Saguache County residents use these tools to monitor their communities.

Sealing Saguache County Felony Records

Colorado law permits sealing certain felony records from public view. This process removes them from standard background checks. Law enforcement retains access for legitimate purposes. Sealing differs from expungement under Colorado law. Violent and sexual felonies typically remain open to public inspection.

Eligibility for sealing varies by case outcome. Dismissals and acquittals have more favorable options. Convictions require completed sentences and statutory waiting periods. Courts approve sealing petitions after careful review. Judges consider multiple factors including public safety. Attorneys can help applicants navigate the process. Court staff explain procedural requirements upon request.

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.