Weld County Criminal Records
What Is Weld County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Weld County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), codified under § 24-72-301 et seq., C.R.S., which establishes the framework for record creation, maintenance, and access.
Criminal records in Weld County typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Weld County Sheriff's Office, Greeley Police Department, and other municipal police departments
- Court Records: Official proceedings in the Weld County District Court and County Court, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration in the Weld County Jail or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision terms and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt, either through trial verdict or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Weld County are categorized as follows:
- Felonies: Serious offenses punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Less severe offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year
- Petty Offenses: Minor infractions usually punishable by fines
Juvenile records (individuals under 18) receive special protection under Colorado law and are generally not accessible to the public unless specifically ordered by the court.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Weld County include:
Weld County Sheriff's Office
1950 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 356-4015
Weld County Sheriff's Office
Weld County Combined Courts
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County Courts
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 239-4300
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Are Criminal Records Public In Weld County
Criminal records in Weld County are generally considered public information under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), § 24-72-301 et seq., C.R.S. This statute 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 distinguishes between "records of official actions" and "criminal justice records." Records of official actions, which include arrests, indictments, charges filed, pleas, sentencing, and correctional supervision, are presumptively open to public inspection. Criminal justice records, which include all other records maintained by criminal justice agencies, may be subject to discretionary release based on a balancing of public and private interests.
Under § 24-72-305, C.R.S., custodians of criminal justice records may exercise discretion in determining whether disclosure would be contrary to the public interest. Factors considered in this determination include:
- The privacy interests of individuals
- The agency's interest in pursuing ongoing investigations
- The public interest in accessing the information
- Any specific statutory provisions limiting disclosure
Several categories of criminal records in Weld County are explicitly restricted from public access:
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed from public view under § 19-1-304, C.R.S., unless the juvenile is charged as an adult
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to § 24-72-702, C.R.S.
- Ongoing Investigations: Records that, if released, could compromise active investigations
- Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in sensitive cases
- Intelligence Information: Data collected to anticipate, prevent, or monitor criminal activity
Court proceedings in Weld County are presumptively open to the public, as established by both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article II, Section 6 of the Colorado Constitution, which states that "courts of justice shall be open to every person." However, certain proceedings may be closed by judicial order to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or fair trial rights.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Weld County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Weld County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing these records:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Weld County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a Records Request Form, providing specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.
Weld County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1950 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 356-4015 ext. 2800
Weld County Sheriff's Office
Court Records Requests:
- Visit the Weld County Combined Courts Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a Court Records Request Form, specifying the case number if known, or the individual's name and approximate date of case filing.
- Pay applicable search and copying fees as established by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
- For certified copies, additional fees apply.
Weld County Combined Courts
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County Courts
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or Court Clerk).
- Include specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
- Provide contact information and preferred method of delivery.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing, as stipulated under § 24-72-303(3), C.R.S.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Background Checks:
For comprehensive criminal history information that may include records from multiple jurisdictions within Colorado:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved fingerprinting vendor.
- Complete the CBI Identification Unit request form.
- Pay the required fee ($16.50 for name-based checks, $39.50 for fingerprint-based checks).
- Results are typically provided within 3-5 business days.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 239-4208
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
How To Find Criminal Records in Weld County Online?
Weld County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Weld County Sheriff's Daily Arrest Reports:
The Weld County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrests. This resource:
- Updates daily with new booking information
- Includes arrestee name, charges, and booking date
- Provides limited historical data (typically 30 days)
- Requires no registration or fees to access
- Does not include case disposition information
Colorado Courts E-Filing System (ICCES):
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers online access to court records through its ICCES portal:
- Requires registration and acceptance of terms of use
- Provides case information including filings, hearings, and dispositions
- Allows document viewing for non-confidential filings
- Charges fees for document downloads
- Excludes sealed or restricted cases
To use this system:
- Create an account on the ICCES website
- Select "Weld County" as the jurisdiction
- Search by party name or case number
- Review available case information
- Purchase documents as needed
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records Check:
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers an online criminal history check system:
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- Requires the subject's full name and date of birth
- Charges a fee of $16.50 per name-based search
- Returns only conviction data, not arrest-only information
- Results available immediately in most cases
Colorado Department of Corrections Offender Search:
For information on individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities:
- Visit the Colorado Department of Public Safety website
- Search by offender name or DOC number
- View current status, location, and projected release date
- Access limited case information
- No registration or fees required
Limitations of Online Records:
Users should be aware of several important limitations when accessing Weld County criminal records online:
- Not all records are digitized or available electronically
- Older cases (generally pre-2000) may require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive case types are excluded from online systems
- Information may not be updated in real-time
- Online systems do not provide certified copies for official purposes
Can You Search Weld County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), § 24-72-306, C.R.S., custodians of criminal justice records may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records. However, several options exist for members of the public to access certain criminal records in Weld County without payment.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The CCJRA establishes that "records of official actions" shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. Accordingly, the following agencies permit free in-person inspection of certain records:
Weld County Combined Courts
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 475-2400
Weld County Courts
- Court dockets may be viewed at public terminals during business hours
- Case indices are available for searching by name
- Basic case information is viewable without charge
- Fees apply only for printed copies or certified documents
Weld County Sheriff's Office
1950 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 356-4015
Weld County Sheriff's Office
- Current inmate roster is available for public viewing
- Daily arrest logs are posted for public inspection
- Research assistance for specific records may incur fees
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to limited criminal records information:
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Weld County Sheriff's Daily Arrest Reports: This free online resource provides information about recent arrests and bookings into the Weld County Jail.
-
Colorado Judicial Branch - Court Records Search: Basic case information is available without charge, though document downloads require payment.
-
Colorado Department of Corrections Offender Search: Information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities is freely accessible.
Fee Waivers:
Under certain circumstances, fees for criminal records may be waived:
- Indigent individuals may request fee waivers by demonstrating financial hardship
- Government agencies conducting official business may be exempt from fees
- Certain non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations may qualify for reduced fees
It is important to note that while inspection of records may be free, reproduction costs typically apply. Current fee schedules include:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $0.75 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Research and retrieval fees: Up to $33.58 per hour after the first hour (pursuant to § 24-72-205(6)(a), C.R.S.)
What's Included in a Weld County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Weld County agencies typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary depending on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case, but generally includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI Number (if applicable)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Statutory charges at time of arrest
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention status and facility
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction
- Court division assignment
- Filing date and type (felony, misdemeanor, traffic)
- Statutory charges filed by prosecuting attorney
- Charge classification (felony class 1-6, misdemeanor class 1-3)
- Attorney information (prosecution and defense)
- Judge or magistrate assigned
- Hearing dates and purposes
- Motions filed and rulings
- Discovery information
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Verdict (if trial conducted)
- Conviction date
- Dismissed or amended charges
- Sentence imposed, including:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Post-conviction motions and appeals
- Probation or parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or protection orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender designations
- Domestic violence notations
- Restraining orders or protection orders
- DUI/DWAI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
Records maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation may include criminal history information from multiple jurisdictions throughout the state, providing a more comprehensive overview of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system.
How Long Does Weld County Keep Criminal Records?
Weld County's retention of criminal records is governed by the Colorado State Archives Records Management Manual, which establishes minimum retention periods for various document types. Additionally, specific retention schedules are mandated by § 24-80-103, C.R.S., which authorizes the State Archives to establish records management programs for state and local agencies.
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
- Booking information: Permanent retention in electronic format
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- Mugshot photographs: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrest warrants (executed): 10 years after execution
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until expiration or recall by issuing court
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 10 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual assault cases: Permanent retention
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 80, unless sealed earlier
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after termination of supervision
Correctional Records:
- Inmate files (county jail): 10 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years after incident
- Visitor logs: 3 years after last entry
Special Circumstances Affecting Retention:
Several factors may alter the standard retention periods:
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Court Orders: Judicial orders for record sealing or expungement supersede standard retention schedules. Pursuant to § 24-72-702, C.R.S., sealed records are removed from public access but maintained by the custodial agency.
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Historical Significance: Records deemed to have historical value may be transferred to the State Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction after the retention period expires.
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Electronic Conversion: Many agencies now convert paper records to electronic format after a specified period (typically 2-5 years), with the electronic version becoming the official record.
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Statute of Limitations: Records related to offenses with no statute of limitations (such as murder) are typically retained permanently.
The Colorado Department of Public Safety maintains certain criminal history information indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses. This centralized repository ensures that comprehensive criminal history information remains available even if local records have been purged according to retention schedules.
It is important to note that while records may be scheduled for destruction after their retention period expires, practical limitations often result in records being maintained for longer periods, particularly as agencies transition to electronic record-keeping systems.
Lookup Criminal Records in Weld County
Weld County Sheriff's Daily Arrest Reports