Arapahoe County Court Records Search
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Arapahoe County sits within Colorado’s 18th Judicial District and is served by two courthouse locations—one in Centennial and one in Littleton. The District Court and County Court operate out of both facilities, handling everything from felony prosecutions and complex civil litigation to small claims disputes and probate administrations. Municipal courts in cities like Aurora, Englewood, Centennial, and Littleton also adjudicate local ordinance violations and traffic matters. For anyone who needs to verify a judgment, research a pending case, or obtain certified copies of court documents, knowing how the county’s courts are organized and which office holds a particular record is the essential first step.
Court records generated in Colorado can be located through a combination of official resources. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains online tools for docket searches and record requests, while individual clerk offices provide in-person access to case files and copies. Public access terminals are available at the courthouses during business hours, and the state courts website at ColoradoCourts.us may also assist users in identifying publicly available court case information across Colorado’s judicial districts.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Arapahoe County?
There are multiple methods for looking up an Arapahoe County court case, depending on what information you already have and whether you need to view a docket, obtain copies, or simply confirm case status.
Online Docket Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides a Docket Search tool that can be used to find scheduled court proceedings. To locate an Arapahoe County docket:
- Navigate to the Docket Search page.
- Select “18th Judicial District” in the judicial district filter.
- Choose “Arapahoe County” in the county field.
- Select the specific courthouse (Centennial or Littleton).
- Enter the applicable date range or division number if known.
- Click “Find Dockets” to view results.
Online Record/Document Request
To obtain copies of actual court documents, use the Colorado Judicial Branch Record/Document Request Form. The form requires the case number (if known), the county where the record is located, party names, and the specific documents being requested. Requests are typically processed within three business days.
In-Person Access
Both Arapahoe County courthouses allow the public to inspect most case files during business hours. Bring as much identifying information as possible—case number, party names, case type—to expedite your search.
Court Locations
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe County Justice Center | 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112 | (303) 645-6600 | Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Arapahoe County Courthouse | 1790 West Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80120 | (303) 645-6600 | Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Fees for Record Copies and Searches
Fees are governed by Chief Justice Directive 06-01 and Colorado statute:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy per page (single-sided) | $0.25 |
| Copy per page (double-sided) | $0.50 |
| Certified or exemplified copy (per document) | $20.00 |
| Name search | $5.00 |
| Research/redaction fee (per hour, after first hour) | $30.00 |
| Off-site case file retrieval | Actual cost |
| Transcript of judgment | $25.00 |
| Certificate of satisfaction | $20.00 |
| Fax fee (per page) | $1.00 |
Parties to a case and their attorneys are subject to a maximum copy fee of $15.00 regardless of the number of pages.
Are Court Records Public in Arapahoe County?
Colorado law establishes broad public access to government records, including court files. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified at Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-201 et seq., grants the public the right to inspect and copy records maintained by state and local government agencies. Court records specifically are governed by Chief Justice Directive 05-01, which outlines what court records are accessible and under what conditions.
Most case files at the Arapahoe County District Court and County Court are open for public inspection. Anyone may visit the clerk’s office during business hours to review case files or submit a written request for copies.
Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
Certain categories of court records are restricted by statute or court order. Records that are generally not available to the public include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency and neglect case files
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Sealed records (by court order)
- Criminal justice records protected under separate statutory provisions (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-301 et seq.)
- Personnel files containing personal or financial information about employees
- Medical and mental health records filed in court proceedings
- Sexual harassment investigation records
Additionally, Colorado law permits individuals to petition the court to seal certain criminal records. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-706, a motion to seal a criminal conviction carries a $65 filing fee at the county court level, while a petition to seal records in district court costs $224. Petitions to seal non-conviction records carry no filing fee under § 24-72-705.
Arapahoe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Arapahoe County are split between the District Court and the County Court based on the severity of the offense. The District Court has jurisdiction over felonies, while the County Court handles misdemeanors and petty offenses. Both courts operate from the Centennial and Littleton locations.
Searching Criminal Court Cases
Criminal case dockets can be looked up using the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. Select the 18th Judicial District and Arapahoe County, then filter by the appropriate courthouse and date. To obtain copies of criminal case documents, submit a request through the online Record/Document Request Form or visit the clerk’s office in person.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Criminal History Checks
For official criminal history information that goes beyond a single court case, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains a statewide criminal records database. The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) system allows the public to search Colorado criminal history records online by entering an individual’s name and date of birth. Each ICHC search costs $6.00. For a more detailed Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report, the CBI charges $13.00.
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office maintains law enforcement records including accident reports, incident reports, booking photos, and background check documentation. Records can be requested through the Sheriff’s online records request portal. Online requests are generally processed within three business days.
The Sheriff’s Office also provides an inmate lookup tool where members of the public can search for current inmates at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility by name, viewing charges, bond amounts, and custody status. For automated inmate information by phone, call (720) 874-3500.
Record Sealing
Individuals convicted of qualifying criminal offenses may petition the court to seal their records. Filing fees vary depending on whether the petition is filed in county court ($65) or district court ($224). Non-conviction record sealing petitions are filed at no cost.
Arapahoe County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Arapahoe County is divided between the County Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the case.
County Court Civil Jurisdiction
The County Court hears civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000 and all small claims matters (up to $7,500). Filing fees for county civil cases depend on the claim amount:
| Claim Amount | Plaintiff Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $999.99 | $95 |
| $1,000 – $14,999.99 | $115 |
| $15,000 – $25,000 | $145 |
Small claims filings range from $31 (claims up to $500) to $55 (claims from $500.01 to $7,500).
District Court Civil Jurisdiction
The District Court handles civil cases of any dollar amount, including complex commercial litigation, personal injury suits, breach of contract actions, property disputes, and appeals from county court. The standard plaintiff filing fee for a district civil case is $265.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case files are publicly accessible. Records can be obtained by:
- Visiting the clerk’s office at either the Centennial or Littleton courthouse during business hours
- Submitting the Colorado Judicial Branch Record/Document Request Form online, selecting Arapahoe County and checking the desired document types
- Using the Docket Search to identify upcoming hearings and case scheduling information
Standard copy fees of $0.25 per page apply, along with a $20 fee for each certified copy.
Property-Related Records
Property records in Arapahoe County—including deeds, liens, titles, and ownership histories—are maintained by the Arapahoe County Assessor. A property search tool allows online searches by address, assessor identification number, or property index number. Recorded documents such as deeds and liens can also be searched through the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder’s online Document Search portal.
Arapahoe County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters in Arapahoe County are adjudicated by the District Court. Colorado does not maintain a separate family court division; instead, the District Court handles the full range of family law proceedings.
Types of Family Law Cases
The District Court hears cases involving divorce, legal separation, annulment, allocation of parental responsibilities (custody), child support, spousal maintenance, adoption, parentage, and civil protection orders related to domestic violence.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for divorce, separation, or annulment | $260 |
| Petition for custody (allocation of parental responsibilities) | $252 |
| Response to a family law petition | $146 |
| Motion to modify a decree or final order (after 60 days) | $105 |
| Petition for adoption | $197 |
| Action for parentage | $268 |
Requesting Family Court Records
Most family law case files are open to public inspection, though certain documents within a file—such as financial disclosures, mental health evaluations, and records related to minors—may be restricted or redacted. To obtain copies of family court records:
- Visit the Clerk of the District Court at either the Centennial or Littleton location
- Submit the online Record/Document Request Form, selecting Arapahoe County and the appropriate case type
- Mail a completed paper records request form to the courthouse
Adoption records are confidential and are not available to the general public. Juvenile dependency and neglect proceedings are similarly restricted.
Marriage Licenses and Divorce Certificates
Marriage and civil union licenses in Arapahoe County are issued and recorded by the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder. Recorded marriage licenses from February 1996 onward can be searched using the Clerk’s online Document Search tool. For older marriage records or historical divorce records, the Colorado State Archives maintains Arapahoe County marriage certificates (1903–1975), marriage licenses (1902–1958), and divorce records (1904–1992). Archives records can be searched through the Archives Search database, and formal requests can be submitted online or by email.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Petitions for civil protection orders under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-109 can be filed at the County Court level with a $95 filing fee. Protection order forms and form packets are provided at no charge.
Arapahoe County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Arapahoe County fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court. The court handles estate administration, will contests, trust disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, and personal injury settlements involving minors or incapacitated individuals.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Decedent’s estate (non-small), guardianship/conservatorship, or personal injury settlement | $229 |
| Small estate | $113 |
| Supervised administration | $198 |
| Trust registration statement | $198 |
| Trust action petition | $229 |
| Deposit of will | $18 |
| Demand for notice | $36 |
| Jury demand (probate) | $231 |
Searching Probate Records
Arapahoe County probate case dockets can be looked up through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search by selecting the 18th Judicial District and Arapahoe County. To request copies of probate documents, use the online Record/Document Request Form or visit the District Court clerk’s office in person.
Historical Probate Records
Older probate records may be stored off-site and require retrieval at actual cost. The Colorado State Archives also holds historical Arapahoe County court records, including probate files. Researchers can search the archives’ online database or submit requests by email to dpa_research@state.co.us or by mail to:
Colorado State Archives
Request Desk
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203-2274
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Guardianship and conservatorship petitions are filed in the District Court and carry a $229 filing fee. Registration of a foreign guardianship or conservatorship costs $201. These case files are generally open to public inspection, though records involving minors or containing sensitive medical information may have restricted access.
Wills on Deposit
Wills can be deposited with the District Court for safekeeping at a cost of $18. These deposits are maintained by the clerk’s office and can be requested when needed for probate administration.