Boulder County Public Records /Boulder County Criminal Records

Boulder County Criminal Records

What Is Boulder County Criminal Records

Boulder County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Boulder County, Colorado. These records are maintained pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-301, which defines criminal justice records as "all books, papers, cards, photographs, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials, regardless of form or characteristics, that are made, maintained, or kept by any criminal justice agency in the state for use in the exercise of functions required or authorized by law."

Criminal records in Boulder County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Boulder County Sheriff's Office or Boulder Police Department
Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal cases
Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Boulder County Jail

The fundamental distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through either a court verdict or plea agreement.

Criminal records also differentiate between:

Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
Adult Records: Generally accessible to the public
Juvenile Records: Typically sealed and not available for public inspection under Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-1-304

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Boulder County:

Boulder County Sheriff's Office
5600 Flatiron Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
303-441-3600
Boulder County Sheriff's Office

Boulder County Combined Courts
1777 6th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
303-441-3750
Boulder County Courts

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-4211
Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Boulder County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system within the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Boulder County

Criminal records in Boulder County are generally accessible to the public under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), specifically Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-301 through § 24-72-309. This legislation establishes that "records of official actions shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided in this part 3 or as otherwise provided by law."

The CCJRA defines "official actions" to include "an arrest; indictment; charging by information; disposition; pretrial or posttrial release from custody; judicial determination of mental or physical condition; decision to grant, order, or terminate probation, parole, or participation in correctional or rehabilitative programs; and any decision to formally discipline, reclassify, or relocate any person under criminal sentence."

Under current law, the following criminal records are generally available for public inspection:

Adult arrest records (after formal charges have been filed)
Court proceedings and documents in adult criminal cases
Conviction records
Sentencing information
Booking reports and jail records
Sex offender registry information

However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records sealed by court order
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Victim information in sexual assault cases
Records where disclosure would be contrary to public interest
Intelligence information and investigative files

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office Records Section maintains and provides access to many criminal records within the county. The custodian of records has discretion regarding the release of certain criminal justice records that are not defined as "records of official actions." In exercising this discretion, the custodian weighs factors including privacy interests, public safety concerns, and the public interest in disclosure.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Boulder County must follow established procedures for record requests, which may include completing specific forms and paying applicable fees as permitted under state law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Boulder County in 2026

Members of the public may access Boulder County criminal records through several established channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and the maintaining agency. Currently, the following methods are available for criminal record searches:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate agency during regular business hours
Complete the required request form
Present valid identification
Pay any applicable fees
Receive records immediately or await processing

For Sheriff's Office records:

Boulder County Sheriff's Office Records Section
5600 Flatiron Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
303-441-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Boulder County Sheriff's Records

For police reports:

Boulder Police Department Records Unit
1805 33rd Street
Boulder, CO 80301
303-441-4330
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Boulder Police Records

For court records:

Boulder County Combined Courts
1777 6th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
303-441-3750
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Boulder County Courts

Written Requests:

Download and complete the appropriate request form from the agency website
Include a copy of valid identification
Include payment for applicable fees
Mail or email the completed form to the appropriate agency
Allow processing time as specified by the agency

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office requires completion of their Records Request Form for written requests. Similarly, the Boulder Police Department requires their specific form for crime reports and records requests.

Electronic Requests:

Some records may be requested through online portals:

Navigate to the appropriate agency website
Locate the records request section
Complete the online form with all required information
Submit payment if required
Receive records electronically or instructions for pickup

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-306, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies. Current fees include:

Research and retrieval: Up to $33.58 per hour (first hour free)
Standard copies: $0.25 per page
Certified copies: Additional certification fee
Electronic records: May have separate fee structure

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on record type, complexity, and agency workload. Some requests may be fulfilled immediately, while others may require several business days or longer.

How To Find Criminal Records in Boulder County Online?

Boulder County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system. Currently, the following online resources are available:

Colorado Courts Records Search (CCRS)
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a comprehensive database of court records, including Boulder County cases. Users may search by:

Party name
Case number
Filing date range
Case type

The system provides case information including:

Charges filed
Court dates
Case status
Disposition
Sentencing information

Registration is required for full access, with subscription fees for frequent users. The portal is accessible at Colorado Courts Records Search.

Boulder County Sheriff's Office Jail Listing
The Sheriff's Office maintains a daily updated roster of current inmates at the Boulder County Jail. This searchable database includes:

Inmate name
Booking date
Charges
Bond information
Next court date

This information is freely accessible without registration at Boulder County Jail Listing and Booking Reports.

Boulder County Clerk & Recorder's Public Records Search
The Recording Division provides access to recorded documents, which may include:

Property records
Marriage licenses
Liens and judgments
Other official filings

The search portal is available at Boulder County Public Records Search.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Records Check
For statewide criminal history information, the CBI offers an online records check system. This fee-based service provides:

Arrest history
Conviction information
Disposition data

Users must create an account and pay the required fee per search. The system is accessible at CBI Records Check.

Sex Offender Registry
Boulder County maintains a searchable database of registered sex offenders residing within the county. The registry includes:

Offender names and photographs
Addresses
Conviction information
Risk assessment data

This information is available at Boulder County Sex Offender Registry.

Users should note that certain records remain unavailable online and require in-person requests, including:

Complete case files
Evidence documentation
Juvenile records
Sealed or expunged records
Ongoing investigation materials

Online systems typically provide summary information rather than complete records. For comprehensive documentation, requestors may need to contact the appropriate agency directly.

Can You Search Boulder County Criminal Records for Free?

Boulder County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is limited to specific record types and search methods. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-305, custodians of criminal justice records may charge reasonable fees for research, retrieval, and duplication of records, but certain inspection rights are preserved without cost.

Free In-Person Inspection:

The following records may be inspected without charge at their respective agencies:

Court dockets and registers at the Boulder County Combined Courts
Daily jail booking and release reports at the Boulder County Sheriff's Office
Sex offender registry information at the Boulder County Sheriff's Office
Records of official actions as defined in C.R.S. § 24-72-302(7)

Inspection is available during regular business hours at:

Boulder County Combined Courts
1777 6th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
303-441-3750
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Boulder County Sheriff's Office
5600 Flatiron Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
303-441-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, agencies may charge for copies of records viewed in person.

Free Online Resources:

Several online portals provide free access to limited criminal record information:

Boulder County Jail Listing and Booking Reports - Provides current inmate information and recent bookings without charge
Boulder County Court Docket Search - Offers basic case information including upcoming court dates without registration
Boulder County Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin - Lists recent law enforcement activity and arrests

Fee-Based Services:

Other record searches typically involve fees:

Complete criminal history reports from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation ($5-$13 per search)
Certified court documents ($0.75 per page plus certification fee)
Research and retrieval fees for extensive record searches (up to $33.58 per hour after first hour)
Background check services through third-party providers (various fees)

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-306, agencies may waive fees when doing so would be in the public interest. Requestors may submit a fee waiver request explaining the public benefit of their research when seeking records.

While free options exist, comprehensive criminal record searches typically require payment of established fees. The most complete information is generally available through formal record requests rather than free resources.

What's Included in a Boulder County Criminal Record?

Boulder County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content varies based on the record type and maintaining agency, but typically includes several categories of information as outlined below:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
Probable cause statement
Bail or bond amount and status
Pre-trial detention information

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (County, District, Municipal)
Judge assigned
Formal charges filed by prosecution
Statute citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor class)
Plea entered
Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
Court appearance dates
Motions filed and rulings

Disposition and Sentencing:

Verdict or case outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Dismissed or amended charges
Sentence imposed, including:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
Post-conviction proceedings
Appeal information
Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protection or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
Habitual offender status
DUI/DWAI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Pending charges in other jurisdictions

Criminal records maintained by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office may contain different information than those held by the Boulder County Courts or the Boulder Police Department. A comprehensive criminal history typically requires obtaining records from multiple agencies.

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-305.5, certain information may be redacted from public criminal records, including victim identifying information in sexual assault cases, information that would endanger public safety, and data protected by other privacy statutes.

How Long Does Boulder County Keep Criminal Records?

Boulder County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Colorado law and administrative policies. The Colorado State Archives establishes minimum retention periods for government records, including criminal justice records, through the Colorado Municipal Records Retention Schedule and the Colorado County Records Retention Schedule.

Different types of criminal records are subject to varying retention periods:

Arrest Records and Police Reports:

Felony cases: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
Petty offense cases: 3 years after case closure
Unfounded reports: 5 years
Arrest-only records (no charges filed): 5 years

Court Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case disposition
Traffic cases: 10 years after case disposition
Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
Restraining orders: 20 years
Probation records: 10 years after termination of probation

Jail Records:

Booking and intake records: 10 years after release
Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
Jail incident reports: 10 years
Visitor logs: 3 years

Sex Offender Registry:

Registration information: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement, which may be 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, or lifetime depending on offense

Juvenile Records:

Automatically sealed at age 18 or 19 for most offenses under Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-1-306
May be maintained longer for certain serious offenses
Expunged according to statutory requirements

Records may be maintained beyond these minimum periods at the discretion of the custodian agency. Additionally, even after physical or electronic records are purged from active systems, information may persist in archival databases, particularly for serious offenses.

Digital conversion has extended the practical retention of many records beyond traditional schedules. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office and court system have digitized many older records, making them retrievable even after the required retention period for paper records has expired.

Sealed or expunged records receive special handling. While physically maintained by agencies, they are removed from public access and may only be viewed with a court order. Expungement results in the physical destruction of records as directed by court order.