Colorado Warrant Search

A warrant is a written order authorizing the arrest and/or search of the person named or described in the order. It allows Colorado law enforcement officers to arrest and detain the subject of a warrant or search/confiscate private property. Warrants are typically issued and signed by a judge or magistrate on behalf of the state or local jurisdiction. 

Colorado warrants are issued if there is probable cause and evidence to believe someone is guilty of an accused crime. It may also be issued over one's failure to obey a court order. They must be executed according to the law; otherwise, it will be reported as a gross violation of citizens' rights, and the executor will bear civil or criminal liability.

While no central repository exists for checking active warrants in Colorado, interested persons may query law enforcement offices to request a warrant search. Likewise, interested persons may search the Colorado Bureau of Investigation office and database since criminal history information typically highlights executed warrants in an individual's history.

Are Warrants Public Records in Colorado?

Yes, warrants are public in Colorado according to the Colorado Open Records Act except otherwise specified by law or judicial order. Hence, interested persons may request a Colorado warrant search at the designated office in charge of issuing or executing the warrants. 

However, pursuant to the provision of the Colorado Code of Criminal Procedures, selected warrant information may be exempt from public disclosure. This confidentiality provision applies when the court deems that releasing or granting public access to an active warrant may jeopardize the security and safety of a person or impede the success of an ongoing investigation. Also, bench, juvenile, and sex offender warrant information are considered confidential records. 

Warrant information filed with the court to secure an arrest warrant is confidential until the warrant is executed and returned.

Types of Warrants in Colorado

Colorado courts may issue warrants to a peace officer on probable causes for defined judicial purposes. Types of warrants in Colorado include: 

Search Warrant: This is a written order authorizing the search of a person, property, or item (as described in the search warrant). Search warrants also authorize the confiscation of said property.

No-knock Search Warrant: A no-knock search warrant (CRS § 16-3-303) is a search warrant served by entry without prior identification.

Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant authorizes the arrest and detention of the subject named or described in the order.

Bench Warrant: Colorado bench warrants are issued for the apprehension and detention of a person who defies a court order and procedure.  

Governor's Warrant: A Governor's warrant, also called a "Warrant for Extradition," is an official order issued by the governor to arrest a named subject or fugitive. It is typically sealed and directed to a peace officer or any individual determined by the governor's office.

Recall Warrant: This is a court order issued by the court of order if there are probable causes to withdraw, cancel, quash, or otherwise render a warrant of arrest invalid.

Fugitive Warrant: A fugitive warrant or fugitive from justice warrant is typically issued for the immediate arrest of someone who flees one jurisdiction to avoid sentencing after a conviction. This warrant differs from other warrant types because it is issued in one jurisdiction and executed in another.

What is a Search Warrant in Colorado?

A Colorado search warrant is an official document issued by a judicial officer authorizing a property's search or seizure. Search warrants are typically issued for items determined to be:

• Stolen or embezzled
• Intended as a means of committing a criminal offense
• A criminal weapon
• Contraband material
• Material evidence in a criminal prosecution
• Useful in the location of a fugitive

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant?

A warrant is typically obtained after a judge or magistrate verifies probable grounds for its issuance. This process varies and primarily determines how long it takes to get a search warrant in Colorado. Hence, the timeline for getting a search warrant may be anywhere from a few minutes to days.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Colorado?

A Colorado arrest warrant authorizes any peace officer to arrest the named subject and present them before the presiding judge of a court of record. 

A valid arrest warrant will include the following:

• The full information and physical descriptors of the subject person 
• The criminal offense
• The warrant's issuing date and place 
• The issuing judge's name, title, and signature
• Bail amount
• The warrant's execution time and place

Arrest warrants can be issued because of a criminal investigation or non-compliance with court procedures. When an arrest warrant application is made to a court the applicant will be required to provide details such as:

• The subject's residence
• The subject's employment
• The subject's intimate relationships
• The subject's past history of response to legal process
• The subject's criminal record

Colorado courts issue a summons in place of a warrant for all petty offenses, class 3 misdemeanors, and certain unclassified offenses punishable by a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or less. This is unless:

• The subject has failed to respond to a summons for an offense.
• There is a significant chance that the subject will not answer a summon
• The law enforcement agency cannot identify the defendant's whereabouts, and only the issuance of an arrest warrant will get them to surrender.

Arrest Warrant Lookup in Colorado

Colorado maintains policies on disclosing warrant information to the general public. Depending on the agency's policy regarding releasing such information, anyone who wishes to perform an active arrest warrant lookup in Colorado should consult the local law enforcement agency within their jurisdiction. Colorado law enforcement agencies do not maintain a central repository for performing an arrest warrant search. 

The sheriff's office can only disclose specific information on warrants issued specifically to the sheriff. Colorado sheriffs, like Douglas County, Jefferson County, and Adams County sheriff's offices warrant units, provide active warrant search tools for interested persons and a published list of the most wanted subjects. 

Typically, requesters will need the subject's first name, last name, and date of birth to find warrant information. Search results may include:

• Warrant subject's information (Full name, Address, Date of birth)
• Warrant subject's physical descriptors (Sex, race, height, weight, hair color, and eye color) 
• Warrant number
• Warrant type
• Entry date
• Crime
• Docket Number
• Original charge
• Issuing Date
• Issuing agency
• Bond amount
• Bond type
• Entry date of the warrant

One may also run a statewide search via the Colorado Judiciary. Colorado County courts also maintain a warrant search feature for interested persons who wish to perform an arrest warrant lookup in Colorado. 

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Fugitive Unit also partners with the United States Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force to apprehend sex offender fugitives. Thus, one may find a published list of the 100 most wanted sex offenders on the website. CBI, however, does not release warrant information to the public. Interested persons need to identify the agency where the warrant is out of, for information. 

Alternatively, third-party sites also provide arrest warrant lookups in Colorado for interested persons.

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Colorado

Anyone who wants to find out if they have a warrant in Colorado should visit the state or municipal courts that issued the warrant for information. Colorado County courts also maintain a warrant search feature for interested persons who wish to perform an arrest warrant lookup in Colorado. For instance, Aurora County Court, Denver County Court, and the City of Colorado Springs usually have sufficient active warrant information, including how to resolve them. One may also run a statewide search via the Colorado Judiciary. 

An alternative to the courts is to visit the local sheriff's office, as earlier explained. Typically, the sheriff's office has information on any warrant issued to them. Most sheriff's offices, like Jefferson County maintain an online warrant search system for public inquiries. One may also call the office or visit in person to determine if they have a warrant. In-person visits, however, demand that the requester present the subject's ID and may often result in an arrest. Thus, it may be wise to consult a legal representative before taking this step.

Free Warrant Search in Colorado

Colorado residents and inquirers wishing to perform a free warrant search should visit, call, or search the online tool provided by the state, county court, or law enforcement agencies where the warrant is issued. 

How to Find Out If Someone Has A Warrant Online

To find out if someone has a warrant online, use the local courts' and sheriff's offices' online search tools. Typically, the agency's official website features this tool, and one can retrieve warrant information with a subject's last or first name and date of birth for free. Inquirers may also find out if someone has a warrant online via independent or third-party websites for a fee.

How Long Do Warrants Last in Colorado

Warrants in Colorado do not have an expiry date. Once a warrant is issued for one's arrest or search and seizure, the arrest remains active until the subject is apprehended. There are only 3 ways to get rid of a warrant: arrest, surrender, or recall. People who willingly turn themselves in will avoid physical arrest and possible jail time. Depending on the offense, the court may release offenders on bail or for free.