Crowley County Records Search

Public records in Crowley County include court files, property deeds, marriage licenses, and government documents. Colorado's Open Records Act requires these to be available to the public. You can request records by visiting county offices in Ordway, submitting written requests by mail or email, or using online databases when available. Each office has a custodian who manages specific types of files. Some records can be viewed for free online, while others require fees for copies or staff research time. How fast you get records depends on what you request and how busy the office is when you submit your request.

How to Get Records

The Colorado Open Records Act requires that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. This law covers documents made or kept by Crowley County offices. To get records, you must contact the custodian of the specific files you want. There is no single place that holds all county records. Different offices manage different types of documents.

Crowley County offices respond to CORA requests within three working days. If your request is large or complex, they can extend this by seven more days. You will be notified in writing if more time is needed. The first hour of research and retrieval is free under state law. After that, offices can charge up to $41 per hour. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records sent by email are usually free.

Be specific when you make a request. Include names, dates, document types, and other details that help staff find what you need. The Colorado Secretary of State provides tips for writing effective CORA requests. You can submit requests by email, mail, or in person at most county offices.

Not all records are public. Exemptions include personnel files, ongoing criminal investigations, work product, and certain medical data. If your request is denied, the office must cite the specific law that allows them to withhold records. You can challenge denials in court if you believe they are improper.

Property Records Office

The Crowley County Clerk and Recorder maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real estate. This office also issues marriage licenses and keeps voter registration files. The office is in Ordway at the county courthouse. You can visit in person during business hours or call ahead for information.

Property records may be searchable online if the county has a digital database. You can look up deeds by name, address, or document number. Viewing the index is usually free. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the clerk's office. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certification adds $1 per document. Oversize documents like plats have higher fees.

Marriage licenses are public records. You can get copies by visiting the clerk's office or submitting a written request. Include the names of both parties and the approximate date. Birth and death certificates are not kept by the county. For those, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.

Divorce records are court documents. You must request them from the District Court where the case was filed. The court clerk can help you locate a case if you have the names or case number.

Court Files and Case Records

Crowley County is part of the 16th Judicial District. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law. You can search some records online or visit the courthouse in person.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides some online access through third-party vendors. One option is LexisNexis Colorado Courts, which charges fees for searches and document viewing. This service shows case summaries and docket entries. Full documents must be requested from the court clerk.

To get copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court at the Crowley County courthouse. You can request records in person, by mail, or through the state's record request form. Fees include $0.75 per page for paper copies and $0.25 per page for electronically filed documents. Research time costs $30 per hour after the first free hour. Certified copies are $20 each.

Some files are not public. Juvenile cases are sealed in most situations. Certain domestic cases have restricted access. Mental health proceedings are confidential. If a record is not available, the clerk will tell you why and cite the law that restricts access.

Sheriff Records and Arrests

The Crowley County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and jail rosters. These records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some are public, while others can be withheld during active investigations or to protect victims and witnesses.

Current jail bookings may be available online. This includes names, photos, charges, and booking dates for people in custody. Historical arrest records require a formal CORA request. Submit your request in writing to the Sheriff's Office. Include as much detail as possible, such as dates, names, and case numbers.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. You can search for a person's arrest and conviction history through the CBI's online system. The search costs $5.00 online or $13 by mail. This database only includes arrests where fingerprints were taken. It does not show out-of-state convictions or sealed records.

Some law enforcement records are exempt from disclosure. These include ongoing investigations, informant identities, surveillance methods, and certain victim information. If your request is denied, the Sheriff's Office will cite the specific exemption under state law.

Other County Records

The Crowley County Assessor keeps property tax records. You can search ownership, assessed values, and tax history online or in person. The Assessor's office may show property details like lot size, year built, and sale history. Most of this information is public. For certified records, contact the Assessor's office directly.

The Treasurer's office handles tax payments and collections. You can look up tax bills and payment history online in some cases. For older records or detailed information, submit a CORA request. Make sure you contact the right office for the type of records you need.

Building permits and zoning records are usually public. Contact the county Planning office for building permits, zoning decisions, and land use files. These show permit applications, inspections, and approvals. Some may be available online, while others require an in-person visit or written request.

Archives and Historical Files

Older public records may be held by the Colorado State Archives. The Archives keeps historical documents from counties across the state, including death records, divorce files, probate cases, and land records from the 1800s and early 1900s.

You must make an appointment to visit the Archives in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. The Archives is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff can help you locate records. Some are searchable online, while others require an in-person visit.

Nearby Counties

For records from surrounding areas in southeast Colorado, check nearby county pages.