Logan County Records Database

Logan County public records are maintained at various offices in Sterling, the county seat. The clerk and recorder manages property deeds, marriage licenses, and recorded documents. District and county courts keep case files for legal proceedings. The sheriff's office maintains law enforcement records. Most government documents are accessible under the Colorado Open Records Act. Residents can request copies by contacting the appropriate county office directly. Some records are available through online state databases and portals. Others require visiting offices in person or submitting written requests. Fees apply for research time, copying services, and document certification. Processing times depend on the type and volume of records requested from county staff.

Clerk and Recorder Services

The Logan County Clerk and Recorder maintains official county records. This includes property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. The office issues marriage licenses and keeps marriage records. They also handle elections and motor vehicle services.

The clerk's office is in Sterling at the county courthouse. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Staff can help you search for documents and request copies. It helps to know what you're looking for. Bring names, dates, and document types if you have them.

You can visit in person or make requests by phone or mail. Be clear about the records you need. Include any identifying information you have. The clerk will check availability and provide fee information. Payment is required before copies are released.

Recording fees vary by document type and page count. Copy fees for existing records are twenty-five cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional dollar per document. Oversize documents like plats and maps cost more to copy.

Court Records Access

Logan County is part of the 13th Judicial District Court. This district serves Logan, Kit Carson, Phillips, Sedgwick, and Yuma Counties. District court handles felonies, major civil cases, family law, and probate. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims.

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

Not all court records are public. Juvenile cases are sealed. Adoption records are confidential. Mental health proceedings have restricted access. Some domestic violence cases may have protective orders. Ask court staff about sealed records before making requests.

To obtain copies of court documents, contact the clerk of court for the 13th Judicial District. Include case numbers if you have them. Staff will check if records can be released. Fees apply for copies and research time spent locating documents.

Property and Land Records

Property records are maintained by the clerk and recorder. Real estate transactions must be recorded to be legally effective. Deeds transfer ownership. Mortgages and liens secure debts against property. These documents create a chain of title for each property.

Search property records by owner name, legal description, or reception number. Each recorded document gets a unique reception number. This number makes it easy to find specific documents in the county filing system.

The county assessor maintains separate property records for tax purposes. Assessor records show property values, improvements, and tax assessments. Both the clerk and assessor maintain property data but serve different functions.

Making CORA Requests

Colorado's Open Records Act governs public access to government documents. The law is found at C.R.S. § 24-72-201 through 24-72-206. CORA requires that most public records be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times.

Submit CORA requests in writing to the custodian of the records. Each office or department controls its own files. Logan County does not have a central records office. Contact the specific agency that created or maintains the documents you want.

Agencies must respond within three working days. They can extend this by seven days if circumstances require it. A response means they'll tell you if records exist and provide cost estimates. Actual production may take longer than the initial response.

CORA allows fees for research and copying. The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, agencies can charge up to forty-one dollars per hour. Copies cost twenty-five cents per page. Electronic records emailed to you are often free. Some agencies require advance payment.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files are exempt. Medical and mental health records are confidential. Attorney-client communications are protected. Work product is exempt. Security information may be withheld. If denied, the custodian must cite the legal exemption.

Vital Records

Birth 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 centralized birth and death records since 1910.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Logan County Clerk and Recorder. Couples apply at the clerk's office in Sterling. The license is valid for use anywhere in Colorado. The county keeps copies of marriage certificates. Certified copies are available for a fee.

Divorce records are maintained by the district court. If a divorce was granted in Logan County, contact the 13th Judicial District Court. For divorces in other counties, contact that county's court. The state only provides index verification, not certified copies.

Criminal Justice Records

Statewide criminal records are maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. CBI maintains computerized criminal history records based on fingerprints. The database includes only Colorado arrests and convictions. Out-of-state records are not included.

Run a background check through the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System. Online searches cost five dollars per name. Mail-in requests cost thirteen dollars. Results show Colorado arrest records, charges, and case dispositions.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains local law enforcement records. This includes incident reports, arrest records, and investigation files. These records are subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some records may be restricted if release could harm investigations.

Court records contain criminal case information. District court handles felony cases. County court handles misdemeanor and traffic cases. Search court files for case details, proceedings, and sentencing information. Court records are separate from CBI records.

Historical Documents

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

Archives visits require appointments. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule a visit. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from ten a.m. to four p.m. Many records can be searched online through the archives website before visiting.

Some older records remain with Logan County. Check with the county clerk about historical documents. Very old records may be stored differently than current files and may have different access procedures.

State Resources

The Colorado Secretary of State provides information about CORA and public records. Their website has tips for making effective records requests. The Secretary of State also maintains business entity records and UCC filings.

Business records can be searched online for free. This includes corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities registered in Colorado. UCC filings show security interests in personal property. Both databases are accessible through the Secretary of State website.