Pueblo County Court Records
What Is Pueblo County Court Records
Pueblo County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the jurisdiction of Pueblo County, Colorado. These records are maintained pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-203, which establishes requirements for public records maintenance and access.
Court records in Pueblo County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate documents and estate settlements
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) maintained by the County Clerk and Recorder
- Vital records (birth and death certificates) maintained by the County Health Department
- Tax assessment records maintained by the County Assessor
The Pueblo County District Court maintains records for cases heard in the following courts:
- 10th Judicial District Court (district-level cases)
- Pueblo County Court (county-level cases)
- Pueblo Municipal Court (city ordinance violations)
- Pueblo County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Pueblo County Family Court (domestic relations matters)
- Pueblo County Small Claims Court (minor civil disputes)
Court records document proceedings across various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains these records in accordance with state archival requirements and public access provisions.
Are Court Records Public In Pueblo County
Court records in Pueblo County are generally accessible to the public under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 through § 24-72-309. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
- Criminal case files after charges have been formally filed
- Court orders, judgments, and decrees
- Docket sheets listing case events and scheduled hearings
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate proceedings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-204, which outlines specific exemptions. These may include:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic relations matters involving child custody
- Pre-sentence investigation reports in criminal cases
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
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 Public Access to Court Records (P.A.C.R.) directives that provide detailed guidance on which records are accessible and the procedures for obtaining them.
How To Find Court Records in Pueblo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Pueblo County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Colorado Judicial Branch currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Pueblo Combined Court facility during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification to court staff
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.75 per page for standard copies)
Online Access:
- Access the Colorado Courts Records Search portal
- Create a user account if required for certain document types
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay applicable online access fees for document downloads
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal records request letter to the Clerk of Court
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form. Certification carries an additional fee of $20.00 per document under current fee schedules.
Researchers seeking historical court records that may have been archived should contact the Pueblo County Clerk's Office directly:
Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder
215 W 10th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 583-6520
Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder
For specialized court records such as probate files or domestic relations cases, requestors may need to contact the specific division of the court that handles these matters.
How To Look Up Court Records in Pueblo County Online?
Pueblo County court records can be accessed through several online portals maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Each system provides access to different types of court documents and case information:
Colorado Courts Records Search:
- Visit the Colorado Courts Records Search portal
- Select "Pueblo County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select desired case
- Pay applicable fees to view or download documents ($0.50 per page)
Pueblo County Docket Search:
- Access the Pueblo County Docket Search system
- Enter at least one search parameter plus date range
- Review docket listings for scheduled hearings and events
- Note that this system provides scheduling information but not document access
Colorado State Court Administrator's Office Records:
- Visit the Access Guide to Public Records page
- Select the appropriate vendor for record retrieval
- Create an account with the selected vendor
- Search using case parameters and pay vendor fees
CoCourts Premium Access:
- Register for a subscription account with CoCourts
- Access expanded search capabilities and document retrieval
- Pay monthly subscription fee plus per-document charges
- Receive notifications for case updates and new filings
Each online system contains different record types and search capabilities. The Colorado Courts Records Search provides access to most civil and criminal case records, while specialized systems may be required for probate, domestic relations, or water court records. Users should note that certain sensitive documents may be viewable only at courthouse terminals even when the case itself appears in online searches.
How To Search Pueblo County Court Records for Free?
Colorado law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-205(1), which states that public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. While copy fees apply, viewing records in person is available without charge.
Free access options for Pueblo County court records include:
In-Person Courthouse Access:
- Visit the Pueblo Combined Courts facility during public hours
- Use public access terminals in the clerk's office at no charge
- View case information and non-confidential documents
- Take notes on case information without incurring fees
Pueblo County Law Library:
- Access public terminals at the Pueblo County Law Library
- View basic case information and public dockets
- Receive assistance from law library staff for record searches
- No fees for viewing records (copying fees still apply)
Limited Online Free Access:
- Use the Colorado Judicial Branch website to view court calendars
- Access basic case status information without charge
- View limited docket information through the public portal
- Check hearing schedules and judge assignments at no cost
Public Defender Case Information:
- Defendants represented by the Public Defender may access their own case records
- Visit the Public Defender's Office with identification
- Review case documents related to their representation
- Receive one free copy of essential documents
While comprehensive document access typically involves fees, these free options provide basic case information and docket details. Researchers should note that even when using free access methods, certification of documents or obtaining official copies will incur standard fees as established by the Colorado Judicial Department fee schedule.
What's Included in a Pueblo County Court Record?
Pueblo County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment filings and collection documents
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information and conditions of release
- Defendant's plea
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Discovery disclosures (limited)
- Trial exhibits and evidence logs
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing orders
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal documents if applicable
Domestic Relations Records:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Financial disclosures (may be restricted)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Mediation agreements
- Final divorce decree
- Post-decree modification requests
- Contempt citations
Probate Records:
- Will or intestate proceeding documents
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Personal representative appointments
- Guardian/conservator reports
- Estate accounting documents
- Orders for distribution
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events, filings, and proceedings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a summary of the case progression.
How Long Does Pueblo County Keep Court Records?
Pueblo County courts retain records according to the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule, which is established pursuant to Colorado Judicial Department Rule 1.10. Retention periods vary based on case type and disposition:
Criminal Cases:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Sealed criminal records: Maintained according to sealing order
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Forcible entry and detainer (eviction): 3 years after judgment
- Civil protection orders: 10 years after expiration
- Judgments: 20 years from entry (renewable)
Domestic Relations:
- Dissolution of marriage: 30 years after final decree
- Child custody determinations: Until youngest child reaches 19
- Child support orders: 5 years after youngest child reaches 19
- Paternity cases: 5 years after youngest child reaches 19
Probate Matters:
- Formal probate proceedings: 10 years after closing
- Informal probate: 5 years after closing
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 5 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Colorado State Archives or destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule.
The Colorado State Archives maintains some historical court records that have exceeded their retention periods but have been deemed to have historical or research value. Researchers seeking older court records should contact both the Pueblo County Court Clerk and the State Archives.
Types of Courts In Pueblo County
Pueblo County's court system consists of several jurisdictional levels, each handling specific case types:
10th Judicial District Court
501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 404-8700
Colorado Judicial Branch - Pueblo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations cases, juvenile matters, probate proceedings, and mental health cases. It serves as the court of general jurisdiction for Pueblo County.
Pueblo County Court
501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 404-8700
Colorado Judicial Branch - Pueblo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, small claims cases (under $7,500), and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Pueblo Municipal Court
200 S. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 553-2633
Pueblo Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, including traffic violations within city limits, code enforcement issues, and minor criminal matters occurring within Pueblo city limits.
Water Court, Division 2
501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 404-8832
Colorado Water Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Water Court handles matters related to water rights, including applications for water rights, changes of water rights, and plans for augmentation.
The court hierarchy in Colorado proceeds from Municipal/County Courts to District Courts, then to the Colorado Court of Appeals, and finally to the Colorado Supreme Court. Appeals from Pueblo County Court decisions are heard by the 10th Judicial District Court, while appeals from District Court decisions are heard by the Colorado Court of Appeals located in Denver.
What Types of Cases Do Pueblo County Courts Hear?
Pueblo County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among several courts:
10th Judicial District Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Dependency and neglect cases
- Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Mental health proceedings
- Water rights disputes (Water Division 2)
- Administrative appeals from government agencies
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
- Complex commercial litigation
- Class action lawsuits
Pueblo County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims cases (maximum $7,500)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Protection orders and restraining orders
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Name change petitions
- County ordinance violations
- Limited wildlife, parks, and gaming violations
Pueblo Municipal Court Cases:
- City ordinance violations
- Municipal traffic infractions
- Petty offenses within city limits
- Parking violations
- Noise complaints and nuisance violations
- Animal control violations
- Building code violations
- Parks and recreation violations
- Business licensing violations
- Public intoxication and minor disturbances
Each court operates with specific jurisdictional limits established by Colorado state law. The District Court serves as the court of general jurisdiction, while County and Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over specific case types. More complex or serious matters are typically heard in the District Court, while minor offenses and smaller civil disputes are handled by the County and Municipal Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Pueblo County
Court dockets in Pueblo County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search portal
- Select "Pueblo County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (at least one filter plus date range is required)
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, or judicial officer
- Review results showing hearing dates, times, and locations
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Pueblo Combined Courts facility during business hours
- Request to view the daily docket sheets at the clerk's office
- Provide case information if seeking a specific case docket
- Public docket monitors in courthouse lobbies display daily hearings
Telephone Information:
- Call the Pueblo Combined Courts at (719) 404-8700
- Provide case number or party name to court staff
- Request information about upcoming hearings or case status
- Note that detailed docket information may require in-person or online access
Attorney Access:
- Attorneys registered with Colorado Courts E-Filing system have enhanced docket access
- Legal representatives can view comprehensive docket information for their cases
- Electronic notifications of docket updates are available to registered attorneys
When searching for docket information, users should note that certain case types (such as juvenile, mental health, or sealed cases) may have restricted docket access. The Colorado Courts Records Search system provides more comprehensive case information beyond just docket listings, though additional fees may apply for document access.
For historical docket information that may not be available online, researchers should contact the Clerk of Court directly to inquire about archived docket sheets and case registers.
Which Courts in Pueblo County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Colorado's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-111 as a court whose proceedings are recorded, maintained, and capable of being transcribed. Courts not of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, though they do keep other case documentation.
In Pueblo County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Pueblo Municipal Court:
- Handles violations of city ordinances and municipal code
- Proceedings are not recorded by a court reporter or electronic recording system
- Appeals from Municipal Court are heard as trials de novo (new trials) in County Court
- While case files are maintained, verbatim transcripts are not available
Small Claims Division of Pueblo County Court:
- Adjudicates civil claims up to $7,500
- Proceedings are not recorded for transcript purposes
- Informal procedures without court reporters
- Appeals are heard as trials de novo in District Court
Certain Administrative Hearings:
- Some local administrative proceedings (zoning, licensing)
- Hearing officer determinations without formal court reporting
- May maintain summary records rather than verbatim transcripts
- Appeals typically proceed to District Court for review
Courts of record in Pueblo County include:
- 10th Judicial District Court (all divisions)
- Pueblo County Court (except Small Claims Division)
- Water Court, Division 2
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 case receives a completely new hearing (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record. This provides litigants with a fresh opportunity to present evidence and arguments at the higher court level.