Broomfield County Public Records /Broomfield County Court Records

Broomfield County Court Records

What Is Broomfield County Court Records

Court records in Broomfield County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to the Colorado Public Records Act § 24-72-203, these records constitute official government documents maintained by judicial authorities.

Broomfield County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the judicial system.

The Broomfield Combined Courts maintain records for various case types, including:

District Court (felony criminal, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations)
County Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $15,000, small claims, traffic)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships)
Juvenile Court (dependency, neglect, delinquency)

All court records are subject to the provisions of Colorado Court Rule of Public Access 2, which governs public accessibility while balancing privacy concerns.

Are Court Records Public In Broomfield County

Court records in Broomfield County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act § 24-72-301 and the Colorado Public Records Act. These statutes establish the presumption of openness for most judicial records while recognizing certain exceptions.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments, orders, and decrees
Hearing schedules and courtroom assignments

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:

Juvenile proceedings (except when a juvenile is charged as an adult)
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving sexual assault victims
Certain domestic relations matters involving children

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains specific policies regarding record access, implementing the constitutional principle of open courts while protecting legitimate privacy interests. Access policies are further defined in Chief Justice Directive 05-01, which establishes uniform standards for public access to court records throughout Colorado.

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 separate federal regulations and access systems.

How To Find Court Records in Broomfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Broomfield County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Colorado Judicial Branch currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

Online Access
- Visit the Colorado Courts Records Search portal
- Create a user account if accessing non-public case information
- Enter case number, party name, or business name
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if required
In-Person Requests
- Visit the Broomfield Combined Courts clerk's office
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party names
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Written Requests
- Submit a formal written request to the court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
Attorney Access
- Attorneys of record may access case documents through the court's e-filing system
- Colorado attorneys can register for expanded access privileges

The Broomfield Combined Courts maintain records at:

Broomfield Combined Courts
17 DesCombes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: 303-464-5020
Broomfield Combined Courts

Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding legal holidays. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205, the custodian of records must respond to requests within three working days, though this period may be extended by an additional seven working days under extenuating circumstances.

How To Look Up Court Records in Broomfield County Online?

Broomfield County court records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide convenient access to various court documents and case information:

Colorado Courts Records Search
- Navigate to the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search
- Select "Broomfield County" from the county dropdown menu
- Search by case number (most precise method)
- Search by party name (last name, first name)
- Search by business name for commercial entities
- Review search results showing case type, filing date, and status
- Access publicly available documents for viewing or download
Colorado Courts E-Filing System (CCES)
- Available primarily to attorneys and registered users
- Provides comprehensive access to case documents
- Allows electronic filing of new documents
- Enables tracking of case developments and notifications
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records Check
- Offers criminal history information for a fee
- Provides statewide criminal record verification
- Requires basic identifying information
Broomfield County Court Calendar
- View upcoming court dates and hearings
- Search by date, courtroom, or judicial officer
- Verify hearing times and locations

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Some documents may require payment to view or download
Certain case types (juvenile, sealed cases) have restricted access
Historical records (pre-2000) may have limited online availability
Technical assistance is available through the judicial branch helpdesk

For optimal search results, users should gather as much identifying information as possible before initiating a search, including exact name spellings, approximate case dates, and if possible, the case number.

How To Search Broomfield County Court Records for Free?

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information in Broomfield County. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205(6)(a), the public has the right to inspect most court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Broomfield Combined Courts clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Self-service research is permitted during regular business hours
Basic Online Docket Search
- The Colorado Courts Records Search provides free access to basic case information
- Search results display case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case types
- View case registers (lists of documents filed) without charge
- Check hearing dates and times at no cost
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to electronic court records
- More comprehensive than the public website
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
Law Library Resources
- The Broomfield County Law Library offers free access to legal research tools
- Public computers with access to court databases
- Reference assistance from library staff

While basic record inspection is free, users should be aware of the following potential costs:

Document copies: $0.75 per page
Certified copies: $20.00 per document
Record searches by court staff: $20.00 per hour (if staff assistance is required)
Electronic document access fees: Varies by document type

The court clerk's office can provide a complete fee schedule for all record-related services as established by the Colorado Supreme Court.

What's Included in a Broomfield County Court Record?

Broomfield County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits and evidence admitted
Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment filings and collection documents

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arrest warrant or summons
Bond information and conditions of release
Discovery motions and responses
Pretrial motions and rulings
Plea agreements or trial information
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be restricted)
Appeal notices and post-conviction motions

Family Law Records:

Petition for dissolution of marriage or legal separation
Financial disclosures (may be restricted)
Parenting plans and child support worksheets
Temporary orders
Mediation reports
Final decree and separation agreement
Post-decree modification requests

Probate Records:

Will and testament
Petition for probate
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Accountings and distributions
Guardian/conservator reports
Final settlement documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a procedural history of the litigation.

Pursuant to Colorado Court Rule of Public Access 3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public view, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children in specific case types.

How Long Does Broomfield County Keep Court Records?

Broomfield County courts retain records according to the Colorado Judicial Department Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various document types. These retention periods are established pursuant to Chief Justice Directive 15-02 and vary significantly based on case type and document importance.

Standard retention periods include:

Criminal Records:

Felony cases: Permanent retention for Class 1 and 2 felonies; 25 years for other felonies
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
Traffic infractions: 3 years after case closure
Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal

Civil Records:

General civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
Small claims: 5 years after case closure
Domestic relations: 30 years after final decree
Protection orders: 10 years after expiration
Probate matters: 10 years after estate closing

Other Case Types:

Juvenile delinquency: Until child reaches age 21, then destroyed
Dependency and neglect: 7 years after child reaches age 18
Mental health proceedings: 7 years after case closure
Adoption: Permanent retention

Certain historically significant cases may be preserved indefinitely regardless of the standard schedule. Additionally, the Colorado State Archives may assume custody of older court records that have permanent historical value.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper documents. Once the retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with approved procedures unless a court order mandates longer preservation.

Researchers seeking historical court records that may have been transferred should contact:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-2055
Colorado State Archives

Types of Courts In Broomfield County

Broomfield County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority. The county's courts operate within Colorado's 17th Judicial District and include:

Broomfield Combined Courts
17 DesCombes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: 303-464-5020
Broomfield Combined Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Combined Courts facility houses:

District Court
- Handles felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $15,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody)
- Juvenile matters
- Probate and mental health proceedings
- Appeals from County Court decisions
County Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases with claims up to $15,000
- Small claims (up to $7,500)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Protection orders
Small Claims Court (Division of County Court)
- Simplified procedures for claims up to $7,500
- Self-representation is common
- Expedited hearing process
Water Court (Division 1 - South Platte River Basin)
- Located in Greeley, serves Broomfield County
- Handles water rights determinations
- Water use disputes and applications

The Colorado court system hierarchy places these courts under the supervision of the Colorado Court of Appeals and ultimately the Colorado Supreme Court, both located in Denver. Cases originating in Broomfield County courts may be appealed to these higher courts according to established procedural rules.

For federal matters, Broomfield County residents would utilize:

United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse
901 19th Street
Denver, CO 80294
Phone: 303-844-3433
U.S. District Court - Colorado

What Types of Cases Do Broomfield County Courts Hear?

Broomfield County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority. The case distribution among the courts is as follows:

District Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (Class 1-6 felonies)
Civil litigation with claims exceeding $15,000
Domestic relations matters:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support and maintenance
- Property division
Probate proceedings:
- Will validation
- Estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
Juvenile matters:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Dependency and neglect cases
- Adoption and relinquishment
Mental health certifications and proceedings
Appeals from County Court judgments
Complex commercial litigation
Real property disputes and foreclosures

County Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations and infractions
Civil actions with claims up to $15,000
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Protection/restraining orders
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Small claims matters (up to $7,500)
Municipal ordinance violations (in some instances)
Search and arrest warrant applications
Bond hearings

The allocation of cases between these courts is established by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-104 for County Courts and § 13-5-102 for District Courts. This statutory framework ensures appropriate case assignment based on severity, complexity, and monetary value.

Specialized dockets may also exist within these courts to address specific case types, such as drug court, veterans court, or mental health court, which provide alternative approaches to traditional adjudication for eligible participants.

How To Find a Court Docket In Broomfield County

Court dockets in Broomfield County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Search
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search
- Select "Broomfield County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search using one of the following criteria:
  - Case number (format: YYYY CV/CR/DR #####)
  - Party name (last name, first name)
  - Business name
- Review search results showing upcoming hearings and case events
- Note that some case types may have restricted public access
Courthouse Electronic Displays
- Daily docket sheets are displayed on monitors in the courthouse lobby
- Shows current day's hearings by courtroom, judge, and time
- Updated in real-time to reflect schedule changes
Clerk's Office Inquiry
- Visit the Broomfield Combined Courts clerk's office
- Request docket information for specific cases
- Public terminals available for self-service searching
Telephone Information
- Call the court clerk's office at 303-464-5020
- Provide case number or party name
- Basic docket information may be provided by phone

For attorneys and registered users, the Colorado Courts E-Filing system provides enhanced docket access with automatic notifications of new filings and hearing changes in their cases.

When searching for docket information, users should be prepared with:

Complete case number (if known)
Full legal names of parties involved
Approximate date range for case filing
Case type (civil, criminal, domestic, etc.)

Docket information is typically updated within 24-48 hours of court activity. For the most current information about imminent hearings, contacting the clerk's office directly is recommended.

Which Courts in Broomfield County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Colorado judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-111 as a court whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and preserved for potential appellate review. These courts follow formal rules of evidence and procedure, with judgments that can be appealed based on the official record.

Within Broomfield County, the following are not courts of record:

Small Claims Court

A division of County Court handling claims up to $7,500
Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
Simplified rules of evidence and procedure
Appeals from Small Claims Court decisions are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in County Court
Governed by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-401 through § 13-6-417

Municipal Court of Broomfield
One DesCombes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: 303-438-6262
Broomfield Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Handles violations of municipal ordinances only
Not statutorily designated as a court of record
Appeals from Municipal Court are heard de novo in District Court
Operates under municipal authority rather than state judicial branch

All other courts in Broomfield County—including District Court and County Court—are courts of record. These courts maintain verbatim records of all proceedings, typically through digital audio recording or court reporters. Transcripts from these recordings can be ordered for appeal purposes or personal reference.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts an entirely new trial rather than reviewing the proceedings for legal errors based on a transcript.