Weld County Court Records
What Is Weld County Court Records
Court records in Weld County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-203, court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records, and tax documents.
The Weld County court system maintains records from several judicial bodies:
- District Court (19th Judicial District)
- County Court
- Municipal Courts
- Water Court (Division 1)
- Probate matters (handled by District Court)
- Juvenile Court (handled by District Court)
- Small Claims Court (division of County Court)
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and water rights disputes. The Colorado Judicial Branch defines court records as "any document, information, or other item that is collected, received, or maintained by a court or clerk of court in connection with a judicial proceeding."
Are Court Records Public In Weld County
Court records in Weld County are generally accessible to the public under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 through § 24-72-206. This statute establishes the presumption that most court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order.
Records typically available to the public include:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. The Colorado Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through Public Access to Court Records (P.A.C.R.), which provides detailed guidance on which records are accessible and which contain restricted information.
Certain records may be restricted from public view, including:
- Sealed cases or documents
- Juvenile records (with exceptions)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Certain domestic relations matters
- Records containing sensitive personal information
How To Find Court Records in Weld County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Weld County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
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Online Access: The Colorado Courts E-Filing system (ICCES) provides online access to certain court records. Registered users may search for cases and view publicly available documents through this portal.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Weld County courthouse to request records in person:
Weld County Combined Courts
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County Courts
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (windows close promptly at 4:00 p.m.)
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Written Requests: Submit a written request for records to the clerk of the court where the case was filed. Include:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case
- Specific documents requested
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Colorado Courts Records Search: The public may access non-confidential court records through the Colorado Courts Records Search portal.
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Municipal Court Records: For cases heard in municipal courts, contact the specific municipal court directly as these records are maintained separately from the county and district courts.
Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205, requestors may be charged reasonable fees for research time, copying, and certification of records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Weld County Online?
Weld County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different types of information:
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Colorado Courts Records Search (CCRS): This statewide system allows users to search for cases by party name, case number, or business name. The system includes:
- District Court cases
- County Court cases
- Water Court cases
- Search steps:
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website
- Select "Records Search"
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter search criteria
- Pay applicable fees for document access
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Colorado Courts E-Filing (ICCES): Attorneys and registered users can access case documents through this system:
- Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Allows viewing of register of actions
- Permits document downloads for registered users
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Docket Search: The Colorado Judicial Branch docket search allows users to find upcoming court dates:
- Search by date range
- Filter by judicial officer
- Filter by case type or division
- Results show hearing dates, times, and locations
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Weld County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office Arrest Reports provide information on recent arrests in the county.
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Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI): For criminal history information, users can request records through the CBI's online records system.
How To Search Weld County Court Records for Free?
Colorado law provides for free public inspection of court records under certain circumstances. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205(1), "inspection of any public records shall be without charge." However, fees may be assessed for copies, printouts, or if research and retrieval time exceeds a certain threshold.
Free options for accessing Weld County court records include:
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In-Person Inspection: Visit the Weld County Combined Courts during business hours to view non-confidential records without charge. Staff will assist in locating records, though research time exceeding 15 minutes may incur fees.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for free searches of the court's electronic case management system. These terminals provide access to:
- Case information
- Register of actions
- Upcoming court dates
- Party information
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Colorado Courts Records Search (Guest Access): Limited information is available without charge through guest access, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Register of actions (list of filings)
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Docket Search: The Colorado Judicial Branch docket search is free to use and provides information about scheduled hearings.
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Municipal Court Websites: Some municipal courts in Weld County offer free online case lookup services through their individual websites.
What's Included in a Weld County Court Record?
Weld County court records typically contain the following components, though content varies by case type:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition
- Summons
- Service of process documentation
- Answers and responses
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment filings
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information
- Arraignment records
- Discovery motions
- Pretrial motions
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Post-conviction motions
Family Law Records:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage or legal separation
- Financial disclosures (may be restricted)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Mediation agreements
- Final decrees
- Post-decree modifications
Probate Records:
- Wills
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Distribution plans
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Register of Actions:
- Chronological list of all filings and proceedings
- Hearing dates
- Document filing dates
- Court orders
- Case status information
How Long Does Weld County Keep Court Records?
Weld County courts retain records according to the Colorado Judicial Department Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory retention periods for various document types. Pursuant to Chief Justice Directive 05-01, these retention periods vary by case type and document importance:
Criminal Cases:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
Civil Cases:
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final decree
- Mental health cases: 10 years after case closure
- Probate cases: 10 years after estate closing
- General civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims cases: 3 years after final disposition
Other Records:
- Indexes to cases: Permanent retention
- Judgment record books: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Typically returned to parties after appeal period expires
- Transcripts: Retained with case file according to case type schedule
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to the schedule unless specifically ordered to be preserved. Historical records of significant value may be transferred to the Colorado State Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Weld County
Weld County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction:
19th Judicial District Court
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Weld County Court
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Greeley Municipal Court
1001 11th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 350-9230
Greeley Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evans Municipal Court
1100 37th Street
Evans, CO 80620
(970) 475-1170
Evans Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Windsor Municipal Court
200 N 11th Street
Windsor, CO 80550
(970) 674-3400
Windsor Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The court hierarchy in Colorado proceeds from Municipal Courts to County Courts to District Courts, with appeals going to the Colorado Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Colorado Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Weld County Courts Hear?
Each court in Weld County has jurisdiction over specific types of cases:
District Court (19th Judicial District):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody)
- Juvenile matters (delinquency, dependency and neglect)
- Probate (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Mental health proceedings
- Water rights cases (Water Division 1)
- Appeals from County and Municipal Courts
County Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases with claims up to $15,000
- Small claims cases (up to $7,500)
- Protection orders
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Municipal Courts:
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions within city limits
- Petty offenses
- Animal control violations
- Zoning violations
- Some misdemeanors occurring within city limits
Small Claims Court (division of County Court):
- Civil disputes up to $7,500
- Simplified procedures for self-represented litigants
- No jury trials
- Informal rules of evidence
How To Find a Court Docket In Weld County
Court dockets in Weld County can be accessed through several methods:
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Online Docket Search: The Colorado Judicial Branch docket search allows users to search for upcoming court proceedings:
- Select "19th Judicial District" (Weld County)
- Enter search criteria (date range, judicial officer, case type)
- View results showing hearing dates, times, and locations
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Courthouse Public Access Terminals: Visit the Weld County Combined Courts to use public terminals that display daily dockets and scheduled hearings.
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Clerk's Office Inquiry: Contact the clerk's office by phone at (970) 475-2400 to inquire about specific case dockets.
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Posted Daily Dockets: Daily dockets are typically posted on bulletin boards near courtrooms showing the day's scheduled proceedings.
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Case Information Online: Registered users of the Colorado Courts Records Search can view docket information for specific cases.
For municipal court dockets, contact the specific municipal court directly as these are maintained separately from the county and district court systems.
Which Courts in Weld County Are Not Courts of Record?
A "court not of record" is a judicial body that does not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of its proceedings. In Colorado, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-101, municipal courts are generally considered courts not of record unless they have specifically elected to become courts of record.
In Weld County, courts not of record include:
- Greeley Municipal Court (unless operating as a court of record by city ordinance)
- Evans Municipal Court (unless operating as a court of record by city ordinance)
- Windsor Municipal Court (unless operating as a court of record by city ordinance)
- Other municipal courts in smaller Weld County municipalities
These courts typically:
- Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Have appeals heard "de novo" (completely new trial) in County Court
- Follow more simplified procedures
- Often handle minor offenses and ordinance violations
By contrast, Weld County Court and the 19th Judicial District Court are courts of record, maintaining complete records of all proceedings through court reporters or electronic recording systems.
Lookup Court Records in Weld County
Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search