Lake County Records Search

Lake County public records are maintained by various offices in Leadville, the county seat located at Colorado's highest elevation. Most government documents are accessible under state law. The clerk and recorder manages property deeds, marriage licenses, and recorded documents. District and county courts maintain case files. Law enforcement agencies keep criminal justice records. Anyone can request copies of most public records by contacting the appropriate office during business hours. Some records are searchable through online state databases. Others require in-person visits or written requests. Processing time varies based on the complexity and volume of records requested.

County Clerk and Recorder

The Lake County Clerk and Recorder maintains official county records in Leadville. This office records property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. They issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records. The clerk's office also handles election administration and motor vehicle registrations.

Visit the office during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Staff can help you search for documents and request copies. It helps to know what you're looking for before you arrive. Bring names, dates, and document descriptions if possible.

You can also make requests by phone or mail. Be specific about the records you need. Include identifying information like names and dates. The clerk will check availability and provide fee estimates. Payment is usually required before copies are released.

Recording fees vary by document type and page count. Existing records cost twenty-five cents per page for standard copies. Certified copies have an additional fee of one dollar per document. Oversize documents like maps and plats cost more. Ask for current fee schedules.

Court Records in Lake County

Lake County is part of the 5th Judicial District Court. This district serves Lake and several other counties. The district court handles felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, family law matters, and probate. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims.

Court records can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The judicial branch provides access guides for court records. Third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts offer online searches for some case types.

Some court records are sealed or confidential. Juvenile cases are not public. Adoption proceedings are sealed. Mental health cases have restricted access. Cases involving child protection may be confidential. Ask court staff if you have questions about sealed records.

To request copies of court documents, contact the clerk of court for the 5th Judicial District. Include case numbers if you have them. Staff will determine if records can be released. Fees apply for copies and research time.

Property Records

Property ownership records are kept by the clerk and recorder. Every real estate transaction must be recorded to be legally effective. Deeds show ownership. Mortgages and liens show debts secured by property. These create a public record of property history.

Search property records by owner name, legal description, or reception number. The reception number is assigned when a document is recorded. This unique number helps locate specific documents quickly.

The county assessor maintains separate property records focused on taxation. Assessor records show property values, improvements, and tax assessments. Both the clerk and assessor provide different types of property information.

CORA Requests

The Colorado Open Records Act is codified at C.R.S. § 24-72-201 through 24-72-206. CORA requires that most public records be open for inspection. Lake County must comply with CORA like all Colorado government agencies.

Submit CORA requests in writing to the custodian of the records you want. Each office or department controls its own files. There is no central records repository. Contact the specific agency that created or maintains the documents.

Lake County has three working days to respond to requests. The county can extend this by seven days in certain situations. A response means they'll tell you if records exist and provide cost estimates. Actual production may take longer.

CORA allows agencies to charge fees. The first hour of research and retrieval is free. Additional time costs up to forty-one dollars per hour. Copies are twenty-five cents per page. Electronic records emailed to you are usually free. Some agencies require advance payment.

Certain records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files are exempt. Attorney-client communications are protected. Medical and mental health records are confidential. Work product of attorneys is exempt. If a request is denied, the agency must explain the legal basis.

Vital Records

Birth certificates and death certificates are not issued by county offices. Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for vital records. The state health department maintains statewide birth and death records.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Lake County Clerk and Recorder. Couples apply at the clerk's office regardless of where the wedding takes place in Colorado. The county keeps copies of marriage certificates. Certified copies are available for a fee.

Divorce records are court records maintained by the district court clerk. If a divorce was granted in Lake County, contact the 5th Judicial District Court. For divorces in other counties, contact that county's court. The state only provides index verification services, not copies.

Criminal Records

Statewide criminal records are maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. CBI maintains computerized criminal history records based on fingerprints. The database only includes Colorado arrests and convictions.

Run a background check through the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System. Online searches cost five dollars. Mail-in requests cost thirteen dollars. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions from Colorado only.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains local law enforcement records. This includes incident reports, arrest records, and investigation files. These are subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some records may be withheld to protect ongoing investigations.

Court records contain criminal case information separate from CBI records. District court handles felonies. County court handles misdemeanors. Search court files for case details, outcomes, and sentencing information.

Historical Documents

The Colorado State Archives holds historical records from counties across Colorado. The archives have death records, probate files, and other historical documents. Not all Lake County records are in the state archives.

Visit the archives by appointment only. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, ten a.m. to four p.m. Many records are searchable online through the archives website.

Some historical records remain with Lake County. Check with the county clerk about older documents. Very old records may have different storage and access procedures.

Additional Resources

The Colorado Secretary of State provides CORA guidance and tips. Their website explains how to make effective records requests. The Secretary of State also maintains business entity records and UCC filings.

Business records are searchable online for free. This includes corporations, limited liability companies, and other registered entities. UCC filings show security interests in personal property. Both databases are available on the Secretary of State website.