Common Questions About Public Records in Durango

Real questions from people researching records in Durango. Each answer is verified against official agency sources — no third-party services.

🔍 Where do I get an official criminal history report in Colorado? ▼

An official Colorado criminal history report comes from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — the state-level agency that runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. Two routes: (1) Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) at https://www.cbirecordscheck.com or https://cbi.colorado.gov/sections/biometric-identification-and-records-unit/internet-criminal-history-check-ichc — name-based, instant, $6.85 per search under SB 17-237; covers Colorado-only convictions reported to CBI (does NOT include some sealed records or arrests without conviction). Useful for employers, landlords, self-checks. (2) Fingerprint-based CHRI through the Colorado Applicant Background Service (CABS) at https://cbi.colorado.gov/records-background-checks/employment-and-background-checks — the gold standard. Fee: $16.50 Colorado fingerprint-based CHRI plus surcharge for fingerprinting at the IdentoGO site (typically $30–$40 rolling fee). FBI national check adds $14.50. CBI processes fingerprint cards in less than 2 weeks currently. The CCH database includes detailed arrest information based on fingerprints submitted by Colorado law enforcement. (3) Court records (separate): Colorado Judicial Branch case search at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts-records-search — NOTE: Denver District Court records are included in the Colorado State Courts Data Access program; Denver County Court records are NOT included (separate system). Third-party paid: CoCourts.com at https://cocourts.com. (4) Sex-offender check (separate): Colorado Sex Offender Registry at https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/dps/sor/. (5) Records sealing: Colorado allows automatic and petition-based sealing of certain records under C.R.S. §§ 24-72-701 et seq.; CBI has guidance at https://cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks. For employment, FCRA-compliant vendors (Checkr, Sterling, GoodHire) wrap CBI, FBI, court, and MVR into one report. Limits: CBI check covers Colorado only; federal cases need PACER. Sources: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, CBI Records Check, Colorado Judicial Branch, C.R.S. § 24-72-701.

Tagged: Colorado · background check

🏠 How do I look up property records in Colorado? ▼

Colorado has no statewide property database — each of the 64 counties runs its own Clerk and Recorder + Assessor offices. Two offices for any given parcel: (1) County Clerk and Recorder for recorded documents (deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, plats, surveys). Most counties offer free online document search. Major examples: Denver Clerk & Recorder at https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Clerk-and-Recorder; El Paso County (Colorado Springs) at https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/recorded-documents/; Larimer County (Fort Collins) at https://www.larimer.gov/clerk/recording; Boulder County at https://www.bouldercounty.org/records; Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Weld, Pueblo, Mesa all have public portals. (2) County Assessor for parcel valuation, ownership, and parcel maps — same county sites typically host both. (3) County Treasurer for tax-payment status. Recording fees (per C.R.S. § 30-1-103, current as of 2026): typically $13 first page + $5 each additional page for most documents; +$3 surcharge for documentary preservation; Documentary Fee of $0.01 per $100 (1 cent per $100 of consideration) on most real estate transfers — Colorado has one of the lowest transfer taxes in the U.S. Certified copies typically $1 first page + $0.25 each additional. Statewide aggregators (paid services covering all 64 counties): Colorado CAD Property Search at https://esearch.coloradocad.org; Colorado Deed Records at https://deedrecords.coloradoofficialrecords.com; Colorado PropertyChecker at https://colorado.propertychecker.com. Free statewide directory: Colorado Division of Property Taxation at https://dpt.colorado.gov/assessors-office-resources lists every county Assessor. CORA (Colorado Open Records Act): records are public unless specifically exempted. Sources: Colorado Division of Property Taxation, Colorado Deed Records, El Paso County Clerk & Recorder, C.R.S. § 30-1-103.

Tagged: Colorado · property

🔍 What's the right way to do a background check on someone in Colorado? ▼

Two paths in Colorado depending on what kind of check you need. Path one — official state criminal history through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at https://cbi.colorado.gov. Two products: (a) Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) at https://www.cbirecordscheck.com — name-based, instant, $6.85 per search; Colorado-only convictions. (b) Fingerprint-based CHRI through the Colorado Applicant Background Service (CABS) — $16.50 fingerprint-based CHRI fee + IdentoGO rolling fee ($30–$40); FBI national check adds $14.50. Turnaround under 2 weeks. Important: ICHC and CABS are public-facing — anyone can run a name-based ICHC; for fingerprint-based you need a permissible use under Colorado law (employer with notice, licensing board, criminal-justice agency). Subject's signed consent typically required for fingerprint check on someone other than yourself. Path two — court records (case-level, public visibility) — Colorado Judicial Branch at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts-records-search. Note: Denver District Court records included; Denver County Court NOT included (separate system). CoCourts.com at https://cocourts.com is a popular paid alternative ($X per search) covering more counties. Path three — sex-offender registry: Colorado Sex Offender Registry at https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/dps/sor/. Path four — federal cases: PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov, $0.10/page (capped $3/document). U.S. District Court District of Colorado at 901 19th St, Denver CO 80294. Colorado Chance to Compete Act (C.R.S. § 8-2-130, effective 2019) bans employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications (ban-the-box) for most positions. Records sealing: Colorado offers automatic and petition-based sealing under C.R.S. §§ 24-72-701 et seq. Accuracy disputes: contact CBI Records section for corrections. Sources: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Judicial Branch, C.R.S. §§ 8-2-130 and 24-72-701, CoCourts.com.

Tagged: Colorado · background check

Have a question about records in Durango? The agencies that hold these records are listed throughout this page — start there.

Durango, Colorado · Public Records

Durango Public Records, Court Cases & Arrests

Search court records, arrest information, criminal history, and police reports for Durango, located in La Plata County, Colorado. All records linked here come from official government sources.

Records access in Durango

Law enforcement in Durango is primarily managed by the Durango Police Department, which provides a range of services to ensure public safety. Arrest records and criminal records are carefully kept, allowing residents access to important information. For those interested in checking on inmate status or obtaining background checks, the La Plata County Jail offers resources to help the public navigate these processes efficiently. This facility, located just outside of Durango, can provide insights into recent arrests and ongoing cases, contributing to community awareness. The department also emphasizes community policing initiatives, supporting openness and collaboration between law enforcement and residents. Residents looking to access public records are encouraged to use the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), which allows for straightforward requests for various documents. The La Plata County Clerk's Office is the primary point of contact for vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, ensuring that residents have easy access to essential documentation. Property records, which are managed by the La Plata County Assessor's Office, can be searched online or in person, while court records are available through the La Plata County Superior Court. For added convenience, many of these records can be accessed via online portals, streamlining the process for those needing public information.

Where to file a records request in Durango

Police records: file with the local Durango police department or via the La Plata County Sheriff for unincorporated areas.

Court records: La Plata County courts handle criminal, civil, family, and probate matters.

Booking and inmate records: La Plata County Sheriff publishes a public inmate roster including booking photos and charges.