Colorado Warrant Search: How to Find Warrant Information in Colorado

Colorado's average crime rate varies from district to district compared to other states in the country. 

Common crimes in Colorado which call for warrants include felony offenses (homicide, robbery, and sex assault), drug-related charges (possession and distribution of illegal drugs, fraud, and embezzlement offenses, domestic violence offenses, white-collar crimes (money laundering and racketeering), violations of probation or parole, and failure to appear in court or pay fines.

Law enforcement officials use warrants to search a property for evidence of criminal activity and arrest or detain suspects in criminal activities and persons who fail to comply with the courts. This article sheds more light on obtaining warrant information in Colorado by answering common frequently asked questions. 

Why would I need to do a warrant search in Colorado?

You may need to search for warrants in Colorado for many reasons. Generally, it provides valuable information that helps people make informed and safe decisions. Most times, people do so to find out if there's a warrant for their arrest after they've been charged with a crime. 

By running this search on time, you can retrieve all warrant information and take quick steps to mitigate the situation. Another instance where you might need to do a warrant search is when you're about to begin a professional or business relationship with a person. 

Searching for available warrant information on the person helps you know if the person has an undisclosed criminal history. It is also essential for landlords to run criminal background searches on potential tenants to make sure you're not renting to a person who may be a security risk to the property and other occupants. 

How to obtain Colorado warrant searches? 

Anyone can perform a Colorado warrant search using their phone or computer. You do not have to visit the department except if you have further inquiries or cannot find enough information online. 

The local sheriff's website is the best place to check using your phone. Colorado Sheriff's offices provide online warrant searches for residents and non-residents. But you'll need to input specific keywords like the record bearer's first name, surname, and date of birth. 

Colorado sheriff warrant search 

Searching through sheriffs' online databases for warrant information can reveal information like: 

● Warrant type 
● Docket Number 
● Physical characteristics of the suspect 
● The warrant's complete biodata 
● Original charge 
● Warrant number 
● Issuing date and agency 
● Bond type and amount 
● The validity period of the warrant

All courts have warrant information because they wield the authority to issue the order. Colorado's county courts have warrant search buttons on their homepage. 

First, conduct a statewide search with Colorado Judiciary search tools to have a seamless search on the county website. Alternatively, you can search online on a county court's website. 

Third-party Websites: Access to Colorado Warrant Information

The maintenance of records on warrants issued or executed across different jurisdictions in Colorado is also facilitated by third-party websites. These sites offer an easier way to access such warrant records. Note that the quality and quantity of information provided cannot be guaranteed as they are not official sources affiliated with the government.

 
However, you can obtain accurate and verifiable information from such websites. To do this, you have to provide the following information:

 
● Personal information of the alleged suspect
● Information about the issuing officer
● The location where the warrant was issued.

Overview of Colorado Warrant Types 

Here are the common forms of Colorado warrants: 

Colorado Search warrant 

Colorado search warrants authorize police officers to enter a property or location without the owner's consent to look for evidence of criminal activity. The Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure allows a judge to authorize a warrant if the property in focus was used to commit a crime, is in illegal possession, and is vital to a criminal investigator. 

A magistrate requires probable cause from the requesting officer before approving the order. Upon the issuance of a search warrant by a Colorado court, it is imperative that specific details, such as the identity or description of the property or location to be searched, the legal grounds for the warrant's issuance (probable cause), the names of individuals whose statements were taken in support of the warrant's issuance, and any other pertinent information as determined by the judge, be included.

Colorado Bench warrant 

In Colorado, police officers have the authority to detain individuals and bring them to court under a bench warrant. It is issued by a judge when a person fails to comply with a court order or procedure. It includes actions such as: 

● Paying child support, 
● Not attending a court hearing, or 
● Failure to pay a court fine.
Failure to comply with these orders can result in an active bench warrant, which may lead to additional fines and fees, loss of driving privileges, and, worse, jail time. 

Colorado Arrest warrant 

An arrest warrant in Colorado grants the police the authority to apprehend or detain a person. A judge must endorse the warrant, and it needs to contain specific information to be considered valid. The judge can only authorize the warrant if sufficient probable cause indicates that the individual has committed a crime or been indicted by a grand jury.

 
This warrant can only be described as "valid" if it contains this information: 

● First name and surname of the offender 
● Physical description 
● Alleged crime 
● Issuing court name 
● Judge's name 
● Issuing the judge's official signature 
● Total bail amount 
● Warrant's execution details

What Does FTA Mean in Colorado? 

Failure to Appear, aka FTA, is a special warrant issued to persons who miss their court days without good reason. It authorized the police department to arrest and detain the individual until they complied with the court's wishes. If you receive an FTA warrant, some of the punishments you can prepare for include: 

● Additional court costs 
● Additional fines 
● Probation 
● Suspension of driving rights 
● Jail time