Broomfield Court Records are publicly accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch’s official online portal at judicial.colorado.gov, giving anyone a direct path to case dockets filed at the Broomfield County Combined Court. Most people searching Broomfield County court records need only three pieces of information: a party name, a case number, or a filing date range. The state portal accepts all three search filters, returns docket summaries within seconds, and covers civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims matters heard at the courthouse on 17 Des Combes Drive. You pay nothing for basic search results. Court fees only appear when you request a certified copy or download a full document image. This free Broomfield Colorado court case search works on desktop and mobile browsers, requires no account creation, and pulls live data straight from the clerk’s office database. Anyone can search Broomfield court records online without registering an account. The system supports a Broomfield court docket lookup by case number and a Broomfield County court case lookup by attorney bar number for faster results.
Broomfield Court Records come from a unified state system that handles every Colorado county through one search interface, but Broomfield’s setup carries distinguishing traits worth knowing before you start clicking. Broomfield became Colorado’s newest county in 2001, so its docket archive is younger and smaller than Denver’s or El Paso’s. Felony cases filed in Broomfield transfer to Boulder District Court under the 17th Judicial District’s regional case management model, which means a Broomfield County court docket search may return Boulder docket numbers for certain case types. Broomfield judicial records search results cover protection orders, civil disputes up to $15,000, traffic infractions, misdemeanor criminal matters, and small claims filings up to $7,500. Broomfield County judicial records remain available to anyone conducting legitimate research, background checks, or legal preparation. Sealed juvenile, adoption, and mental health records stay hidden under C.R.S. § 24-72-701. Knowing which cases appear in Broomfield public court records and which stay sealed helps you set realistic expectations before running a Broomfield court record search through the portal.
Definition and Legal Classification of Broomfield Judicial Records
Judicial records refer to all paperwork, electronic entries, and docket data a court creates or receives during a case. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13 defines court records and sets the rules for keeping them. The Broomfield County Combined Court follows these state rules because Colorado runs a unified court system across all 63 counties.
Distinction Between Court Records and Public Records
Court records come from judicial proceedings. Public records cover a wider scope, including government documents, property deeds, and meeting minutes. A Broomfield court docket search returns only items filed with the court. Property records, vital statistics, and sheriff’s logs live in different databases managed by other county offices.
Statutory Definition Under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13
Title 13 of the C.R.S. covers Courts and Court Procedure. Section 13-1-101 sets the general duties of court clerks. Section 13-1-117 spells out the rules for providing copies of court records to requesters. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), found at C.R.S. § 24-72-200.1 et seq., adds another layer of public access rules for government records.
What Information Is Contained in a Broomfield Court Case File?
A typical Broomfield case file holds the following data points:
- Case number and docket entry list
- Names of the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent
- Filing date and disposition date
- Assigned judge or magistrate
- Charge code or statute cited
- Hearing schedule and minute orders
- Filed motions, briefs, and orders
- Final judgment or sentence
Older cases may have scanned images only, while recent filings often include full text and electronic signatures.
Are Broomfield Court Records Public?
Yes, with specific limits. Colorado follows a strong presumption in favor of public access to court records. The Broomfield County Combined Court makes its docket available online for free. You can view party names, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes without paying any fee.
Records Sealed by Statute
Some records are sealed by Colorado law. Juvenile cases, adoption files, and mental health commitment records stay permanently sealed. Expunged criminal records are redacted from public search but remain visible to law enforcement.
Records Restricted by Court Order
A judge can seal a record to protect a victim, guard a trade secret, or shield a witness. Some financial affidavits in divorce cases receive partial restriction. Sealed records show a generic case caption in the public docket but block all underlying documents.
Which Court Maintains Broomfield Court Records
The Broomfield County Combined Court maintains these records. This court sits within the 17th Judicial District, which also covers Boulder and Gilpin counties. The clerk’s office in Broomfield handles filings, while the Colorado Judicial Department runs the shared online portal.
The 17th Judicial District
The 17th Judicial District covers three counties: Boulder, Gilpin, and Broomfield. The district headquarters sit in Boulder. Broomfield became part of the district when it formed as a new county in 2001.
Difference Between Broomfield Combined Court and Broomfield Municipal Court
The Broomfield County Combined Court handles state-level matters. The Broomfield Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, such as local traffic codes, animal control, and municipal code misdemeanors. The county court belongs to the state judicial branch. The municipal court belongs to the city government.
Broomfield County Court System Structure and Divisions
Broomfield County is served by the Broomfield County Combined Court, a unit of Colorado’s 17th Judicial District. A single courthouse handles misdemeanor, traffic, civil cases under $15,000, small claims, and protection order matters. Felony, divorce, and larger civil cases are typically heard in Boulder County under the district’s regional case management system.
How Broomfield Became Colorado’s Newest County
Broomfield voters approved a measure to consolidate four municipalities into a home-rule city and county in 1998. The new entity took effect on November 15, 2001. Before that date, the Broomfield area fell under Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, and Weld counties. Court cases filed before 2001 still belong to those predecessor jurisdictions.
Court Divisions Operating in Broomfield County
The Broomfield County Combined Court operates four main divisions:
| Division | Case Types Handled | Jurisdiction Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | County civil, small claims | Up to $15,000 |
| Criminal | Misdemeanors, felony preliminaries, traffic | Class 1–3 misdemeanors, traffic infractions |
| Domestic Relations | Dissolution, custody, protection orders | Filed in Boulder (overflow in Broomfield) |
| Probate | Wills, estates, guardianships | District-wide registry |
Address and Phone Number of the Broomfield County Courthouse
The Broomfield County Combined Court is located at 17 Des Combes Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020. The clerk’s office phone number is (720) 887-3740. Business hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The courthouse is closed on federal and state holidays.
Judges and Magistrates Serving Broomfield County
The 17th Judicial District Chief Judge oversees the court system. Broomfield County has a presiding judge, several district court judges, and a magistrate who handles the combined court docket. Judicial assignments can change, so check the current roster on the Colorado Judicial Branch website for accurate information.
Appellate Path from Broomfield
Appeals from the Broomfield County Combined Court go to the Colorado Court of Appeals. Final appeals on constitutional matters may reach the Colorado Supreme Court. The appellate courts sit in Denver, and their records are searchable through the same state portal.
How to Search Broomfield Court Records Online
Anyone can run a free Broomfield court docket search through the Colorado Judicial Branch’s online docket portal. The “Search Court Records” function at judicial.colorado.gov accepts case numbers, party names, attorney bar numbers, and date ranges. The portal covers Broomfield and all 63 Colorado counties.
Official Broomfield Court Records Search Portals
Three official sources provide Broomfield court records access:
Colorado Judicial Branch Statewide Docket Search
The state portal at judicial.colorado.gov is the main search engine. It pulls live data from the clerk’s database and updates within minutes of new filings.
Broomfield County Combined Court Public Access Terminal
A public access terminal sits inside the courthouse at 17 Des Combes Drive. Visitors can search the same database in person and print documents for the standard per-page fee.
Broomfield County Government Records Portal
The county government’s records portal covers property, tax, and land records. It does not include court dockets. Court records require the separate state portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Find Broomfield Court Records by Name
Follow these steps to run a name search:
- Navigate to judicial.colorado.gov and click “Search Court Records” on the homepage.
- Select “Broomfield County” from the Court Location dropdown menu.
- Enter the party name in the “Last Name, First Name” format.
- Click the “Search” button to view matching cases.
- Click the case number link to open the full docket detail page.
The docket detail page shows all filings, hearing dates, and disposition entries. You can print or save the page as a PDF for your records.
Step-by-Step: Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, the search is faster:
- Go to judicial.colorado.gov and open the docket search.
- Select Broomfield County as the court location.
- Enter the full case number in the “Case Number” field.
- Click “Search” to view the case directly.
Case numbers from 2018 forward follow the format YY-DIVISION-XXXXX. For example, 26-C-12345 means a 2026 civil case. Older cases may use legacy formats like 05B1234.
Searching by Attorney or Firm Name
The portal supports attorney searches by name or bar number. Enter the attorney’s full name and select Broomfield County to see all cases where that attorney appears as counsel. Bar number searches produce exact matches and are the fastest method.
Searching Broomfield Criminal vs. Civil Records
Use the “Case Type” filter to separate criminal from civil matters. The filter options include:
- Civil (C)
- Criminal Misdemeanor (M)
- Traffic (T)
- Small Claims (S)
- Protection Order (R)
- Probate (P)
Apply the filter before clicking search to narrow results and avoid scrolling through irrelevant cases.
Is There a Free Broomfield Court Records Search?
Yes. The state portal charges nothing for basic docket searches. You can view party names, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes without paying a fee. Certified copies and full document images require a per-page fee paid to the clerk.
Limitations of the Free Public Portal
The free portal has three key limits:
- Sealed cases do not appear in public search results.
- Archived cases from before 2010 may show only summary data, not full documents.
- Document images of older paper filings may not be digitized and require an in-person request.
For any of these situations, contact the clerk’s office directly or visit the courthouse during business hours.
Types of Broomfield Court Records Available to the Public
The Broomfield County Combined Court makes seven primary record categories publicly available through its docket search. These cover civil cases, criminal misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, protection orders, probate, and appeals. Felony cases originating in Broomfield transfer to Boulder District Court. Juvenile and sealed records remain permanently restricted under Colorado law.
Broomfield Civil Court Records
The Civil Division handles disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $15,000. These include contract disagreements, property damage claims, and debt collection actions. Cases above $15,000 go to the Boulder District Court. Civil case numbers begin with “C” in the docket system.
Broomfield Criminal Court Records
The Criminal Division handles Class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanors. Felony cases start in Broomfield for preliminary hearings and bind over to Boulder District Court. Criminal case numbers use the prefix “M” for misdemeanors and “CR” for felony preliminary filings.
Broomfield Traffic Court Records
Traffic infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses fall under the Broomfield court’s jurisdiction. This includes speeding tickets, careless driving, driving under suspension, and DUI charges filed as misdemeanors. The Broomfield Municipal Court handles separate city ordinance traffic matters. Traffic case numbers use the prefix “T.”
Broomfield Small Claims Court Records
Small Claims handles disputes up to $7,500. The process is simplified and designed for self-represented parties. Hearings are usually short, and judgments can be appealed to the County Court. Small claims case numbers use the prefix “S.”
Broomfield Domestic Relations and Protection Order Records
Divorce, custody, and protection order cases filed by Broomfield residents are typically heard at the Boulder County Courthouse. The Broomfield Combined Court handles overflow domestic relations matters and some temporary protection order hearings. Domestic relations case numbers use the prefix “DR.”
Broomfield Probate Court Records
Probate matters include wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. The 17th Judicial District operates a centralized probate division. Broomfield residents file probate cases in the district-wide registry. Probate case numbers use the prefix “P.”
Sealed and Restricted Records
Several record categories stay sealed under Colorado law. Juvenile cases, adoption files, mental health commitment records, and properly sealed criminal records are not available through public search. Some financial affidavits in divorce cases receive partial restriction by court order.
Quick-Reference Table: Broomfield Court Record Types and Accessibility
| Record Type | Publicly Searchable | Online Access | Certified Copy Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil (under $15,000) | Yes | Yes | $0.25/page plus $20 certification |
| Criminal Misdemeanor | Yes | Yes | $0.25/page plus $20 certification |
| Traffic and Infraction | Yes | Yes | $0.25/page plus $20 certification |
| Felony Preliminary (Boulder) | Yes | Yes | $0.25/page plus $20 certification |
| Small Claims | Yes | Yes | $0.25/page plus $20 certification |
| Domestic Relations | Partial | Limited | Varies by document |
| Juvenile | No | No | Not available |
| Adoption | No | No | Not available |
| Sealed or Expunged | No | No | Not available |
Requesting Certified Copies and Official Documents from Broomfield Court
To get a certified copy of a Broomfield court record, submit a written or in-person request to the Broomfield County Combined Court Clerk at 17 Des Combes Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020. Certified copies cost $20 for the certification plus $0.25 per page. Requesters can use the online e-filing system, mail, or in-person delivery. Routine processing takes 3 to 10 business days.
How to Request Certified Copies of Broomfield Court Records
Follow these steps to order certified documents:
- Search the docket first at judicial.colorado.gov to identify the exact case number and document you need.
- Complete the Records Request Form (JDF 31) or the clerk’s standard request form.
- Calculate your fee: $20 certification plus $0.25 per page for each copy.
- Submit the form and payment in person, by mail, or through the Colorado Judicial Department’s e-filing system.
- Pick up certified copies at the clerk’s window or receive them by mail.
Fees and Payment Methods for Broomfield Court Documents
The standard fee structure applies to most requests:
- Certification fee: $20 per document
- Per-page copy fee: $0.25 per page
- Expedited same-day service: additional fee applies
Accepted payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards for in-person transactions. Mailing requesters should include a check or money order payable to the Broomfield County Combined Court Clerk.
How Long Does Broomfield Keep Court Records?
Colorado follows a state records retention schedule. Most civil and criminal case files are kept for a minimum of 10 years after final disposition. Felony case files are kept permanently. Adoption and juvenile records are kept permanently but remain sealed. Older records that exceed the active retention period are transferred to the Colorado State Archives.
Requesting Archived Broomfield Records from the Colorado State Archives
Records transferred to the Colorado State Archives require a separate request. The archives hold historical court files for the entire state. To access archived Broomfield records, contact the State Archives with the case number and party names. Processing times range from 2 to 4 weeks depending on document location and condition.
Mail and Online Request Submission Channels
Mail requests should be sent to the clerk’s office address with payment enclosed. Online requests go through the Colorado Judicial Department’s e-filing portal, which accepts credit card payments. In-person requests are processed the same day at the clerk’s window.
Sealing, Expungement, and Privacy of Broomfield Court Records
Colorado law under C.R.S. § 24-72-701 allows qualifying Broomfield County defendants to seal criminal records for certain misdemeanors, petty offenses, and dismissed cases. Under the 2022 Colorado Chance to Compete Act and successor legislation, most non-violent convictions become eligible after a waiting period. Sealed records are removed from the public docket search but remain visible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
How to Seal a Criminal Record in Broomfield County
The sealing process follows these steps:
- Confirm your offense qualifies under C.R.S. § 24-72-701 categories.
- Complete Form JDF 417 (Petition to Seal Records) with the required case numbers.
- File the petition at the Broomfield County Combined Court Clerk’s Office.
- Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver based on financial hardship.
- Serve the District Attorney’s Office for the 17th Judicial District.
- Attend the sealing hearing if the court schedules one.
Eligible Offense Categories
Common eligible categories include:
- Dismissed or acquitted cases (immediate eligibility)
- Petty offenses and traffic infractions (immediate eligibility)
- Class 3 misdemeanors (waiting period applies)
- Class 2 misdemeanors (extended waiting period)
- Certain non-violent drug offenses (waiting period applies)
Violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain DUI convictions are not eligible for sealing.
Expungement vs. Sealing in Colorado
Colorado uses the term “sealing” rather than “expungement.” When a record is sealed, it is removed from the public docket. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and some licensing agencies can still access it. True expungement, which destroys records entirely, is not a standard option under Colorado law.
Sealing Civil and Traffic Records in Broomfield
Civil cases can be sealed when the court finds good cause. This often applies to cases involving minors, sensitive financial data, or protected personal information. Traffic infractions generally do not qualify for sealing, but some non-conviction traffic records may be eligible.
Juvenile Record Sealing in Broomfield
Juvenile records in Colorado are automatically sealed when the juvenile turns 21 for most non-violent offenses. Certain serious offenses require a longer waiting period or are never sealed. The sealing happens through the juvenile court, not the county combined court.
Who Can Still See Sealed Broomfield Court Records?
Sealed records remain visible to:
- Law enforcement agencies conducting criminal investigations
- Prosecutors for charging decisions
- Certain licensing boards (medical, legal, financial)
- Federal agencies conducting background checks for specific purposes
- The person whose record was sealed
Petition Denial, Appeal Rights, and Re-Filing Options
If a sealing petition is denied, the petitioner can appeal the decision to a higher court. Some denials result from incomplete forms or ineligible offenses. Correcting the deficiency and re-filing is often the best path forward. An attorney experienced in Colorado record sealing can help with the appeal or re-filing process.
Broomfield Court Records vs. Other Colorado Counties
Broomfield’s court record system runs on the same Colorado Judicial Branch platform as Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, and all other Colorado counties. Broomfield’s small case volume and single combined courthouse make its records archive the newest and smallest in the state. Searching Broomfield returns results faster than searching Denver or El Paso County databases. Records older than Broomfield’s 2001 founding must be retrieved from predecessor jurisdictions.
Comparison Table: Broomfield vs. Boulder vs. Adams vs. Statewide Search
| Feature | Broomfield | Boulder | Adams | Statewide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court Location Filter | Broomfield County | Boulder County | Adams County | All 63 counties |
| Felony Cases | Transfer to Boulder | Held in Boulder | Held in Adams | By county |
| Archive Size | Smallest (2001+) | Large | Large | Combined |
| Pre-2001 Records | Held by predecessor counties | Includes Broomfield pre-2001 | Includes Broomfield pre-2001 | By case origin |
| Search Speed | Fast | Moderate | Moderate | Varies |
| Online Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When to Use the Statewide Search Instead of Broomfield-Specific
Use the statewide search when you need to check a person’s full criminal history across all Colorado counties. A name-based search at the statewide level can reveal cases filed in Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, or anywhere else in the state. This is useful for background checks and comprehensive legal research.
Records Held by Predecessor Counties (Pre-2001)
Before November 15, 2001, the Broomfield area fell under Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, and Weld counties. Court cases filed in the Broomfield area during that period are still held by those predecessor counties. To find a pre-2001 case, search each predecessor county’s docket using the party’s name and approximate filing date.
Federal Court Records for Broomfield Residents
Federal cases involving Broomfield residents are filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Federal court records are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). The Colorado federal courthouse is located in Denver. Bankruptcy filings for Broomfield residents are also handled by the federal court.
Alternate Search Platforms and Third-Party Broomfield Court Record Services
Third-party services index Broomfield court records but offer no data the official portal does not provide. These services often carry stale cache times, partial coverage, and added fees. For legal, journalistic, or compliance use, the Colorado Judicial Branch portal remains the authoritative, real-time source.
When Third-Party Court Record Sites Make Sense
Third-party platforms add value for users who need bulk data, advanced search filters, or aggregated reports. A private investigator handling many cases or an attorney managing a large caseload may benefit from paid services. For single-case lookups or one-time background checks, the free official portal is the better choice.
CourtListener Free Federal and State Coverage
CourtListener is a free legal research project run by the Free Law Project. It covers federal appellate and district court records, plus some state court data. Coverage of Broomfield County trial court records on CourtListener is limited. Use it for federal cases or as a secondary source for Colorado appellate decisions.
Commercial Background Check Services
Commercial services like those offered by FCRA-compliant background check providers compile criminal history data from multiple sources. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, these services can only be used for specific purposes such as employment, tenancy, or credit decisions. They are not authorized for casual searches or personal use.
Why Legal Professionals Prefer the Official Broomfield Portal
Attorneys, journalists, and defendants prefer the official portal for three reasons:
- Real-time data: the portal updates within minutes of new filings
- No usage limits: free searches without daily caps
- Authoritative source: data comes directly from the clerk’s database
Third-party services may show outdated information or miss recent filings, which can lead to errors in legal research or background reports.
Official Contact Information and Location
The Broomfield County Combined Court is the official custodian of Broomfield court records. Members of the public can visit, call, or write to the clerk’s office for records requests, certified copies, and general inquiries. The courthouse is accessible by car and public transit.
Physical Address
Broomfield County Combined Court
17 Des Combes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone Number
Clerk’s Office: (720) 887-3740
Business Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time
Closed on federal and state holidays
Official Website
Colorado Judicial Branch: judicial.colorado.gov
Location Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Broomfield Court Records give the public a window into cases filed at the Broomfield County Combined Court. Anyone can access these files through the Colorado Judicial Branch portal at judicial.colorado.gov. The system serves residents, employers, attorneys, and journalists who need quick answers about civil disputes, criminal charges, traffic tickets, and family law matters. Most searches take only seconds when you have a party name, case number, or filing date. Public access helps people verify backgrounds, check legal histories, and follow ongoing cases. This FAQ covers the main ways to run a Broomfield County court docket search, what data appears in results, and how to solve common lookup problems.
How do I search Broomfield Court Records online for free?
First, start at judicial.colorado.gov and click the Case Search link on the homepage. Next, pick Broomfield County from the court location dropdown. Then, type a party last name in the search box. You can search by case number or filing date as well. As a result, the portal returns docket summaries within seconds, showing case type, filing date, and party names. No account or fee applies to basic lookups. For certified copies, contact the Broomfield County Clerk of Court at 303-464-5100. Overall, the clerk charges $20 per certified document, and most users finish a full Broomfield court record search in under five minutes.
What information appears in a Broomfield County court case search?
A Broomfield County court case search returns docket entries that list case number, filing date, and case type. The results show party names, addresses, and attorney details. Each entry displays hearing dates, judgment outcomes, and sentencing details for criminal files. Civil cases show plaintiff and defendant names, claim amounts, and ruling dates. Family law dockets list petition details, custody terms, and divorce decrees. Users can click individual cases to view all filed documents. Traffic cases display violation codes, fines, and payment status. Sealed or expunged records do not appear in public search results. In fact, this data helps people verify legal backgrounds and check case progress.
Can I find Broomfield court docket lookup results by case number?
Yes, a Broomfield court docket lookup works best with a case number. The Colorado Judicial portal places the case number field at the top of the search form. First, enter the full number, including the year prefix and court code. For example, a 2024 criminal case might read 2024CR000123. The system then pulls the exact file without sorting through name matches. This approach saves time when you already have paperwork or a citation. As a result, results load within seconds. If the case number fails, try the party name field instead. The clerk office can verify case numbers by phone during business hours.
Are Broomfield Colorado court records available for sealed cases?
Broomfield Colorado court records for sealed cases stay hidden from public view. A judge must order the seal after a formal request from a party or prosecutor. Once sealed, the case vanishes from the online portal. Only parties listed on the case, their attorneys, and select government agencies can view sealed files. Expunged records vanish from search results after the court clears them. To check if a file exists, call the clerk office at 303-464-5100. Staff confirm the case number but share no other details. In fact, this rule protects people who earn a fresh start after qualifying for expungement.
How far back do Broomfield public court records go?
Broomfield public court records on the state portal reach back to 2001 for most case types. Broomfield County formed in 2001, so the online archive starts that year. Older files from before the county formed sit in the Boulder or Adams County archives. To see older cases, contact the Broomfield clerk office. Staff can pull files from the microfiche archive by request. The clerk charges a small copy fee for each page. Most users find what they need within the 2001 to 2026 online window. For deep historical research, plan a visit to the Colorado State Archives in Denver.
What types of cases appear in a Broomfield County judicial records search?
A Broomfield County judicial records search returns civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family law cases. Civil suits span contract disputes, property claims, and small filings under $25,000. Criminal dockets cover felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI charges. Traffic cases show speeding tickets, reckless driving, and license violations. Probate files list wills, estates, and guardianships. Family law handles divorce, custody, protection orders, and adoption. Mental health and juvenile cases appear in results, though access stays limited. The search page groups results by case type for easy review. Users can filter results by year, party, or judge. Overall, this setup helps researchers, employers, and legal teams find specific files fast.