Court records in Adams County, Colorado can be searched through several channels. AdamsCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Colorado Judicial Branch records search, the Adams County court clerk's office, and public terminals located inside the courthouse in Brighton.
Adams County Court System & Jurisdictions
Adams County is part of Colorado's 17th Judicial District. Two trial-level courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types.
Adams County District Court
The District Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases — all felony charges filed in Adams County
- Civil cases — claims exceeding $25,000
- Domestic relations — divorce, legal separation, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, dependency, and neglect
- Probate and mental health — estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings
- Appeals — appeals from County Court decisions
Adams County Court
The County Court handles a high volume of cases with more limited jurisdiction:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases and petty offenses
- Civil cases — claims of $25,000 or less
- Small claims — disputes up to $7,500
- Traffic infractions and DUI/DWAI
- Felony advisements — initial appearances before cases transfer to District Court
- Protection orders — civil and temporary restraining orders
Both courts are housed at the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton. If you are unsure which court holds a particular case, the Colorado Courts Records Search tool lets you look up cases across both courts by party name or case number.
Adams County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes docket information through its statewide Docket Search tool. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings in Adams County:
- Go to the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search.
- Select Adams County from the county filter.
- Enter a date or date range. You must also provide at least one additional filter, such as a courtroom number, judge name, or case type.
- Click Search to view scheduled hearings.
Results typically show the case number, party names, hearing type, courtroom, and scheduled time. Note that docket listings may change due to continuances or cancellations — confirm details with the clerk's office if your appearance is critical.
You can also check for courthouse closures and schedule changes on the Adams County court page. The Clerk's Office is closed to the public on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
How to Get a Copy of a Adams County Court Document
Adams County court documents — including case filings, orders, judgments, and disposition records — can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies.
Online Request
Submit the Record/Document Request Form for Adams County through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. You will need to provide:
- The case number (if known)
- Party names
- The specific document(s) requested
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
Email requests can also be sent to AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court at the Adams County Justice Center during business hours. Public terminals inside the courthouse allow you to look up case information and identify the documents you need before requesting copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the case number, document description, and a check or money order for applicable fees. Specify whether you need certified or uncertified copies.
Important Distinctions
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They may be available at lower cost or, in some cases, at no charge through online search tools.
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's attestation. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Some records are restricted by court order or statute — sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain mental health proceedings are generally not available to the public. The Clerk of Court can restrict access to files or portions of files.
Adams County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Adams County are set by Colorado statute and the Colorado Judicial Branch. The following table reflects standard fees established under Colorado Chief Justice Directives and applicable statutes. Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification of document | $20.00 per document |
| Search fee (per name/case) | $20.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $30.00 |
| Audio recording of proceeding (CD/electronic) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Transcript request | Varies by length; arranged through court reporter |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash (exact change may be required), check, money order, or credit/debit card
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Clerk of Court"
- Online: Payment details are provided when submitting a records request through the court's online form
Fees cited above are based on standard Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedules. For records held by the Adams County Sheriff's Office — such as arrest reports, inmate records, or incident reports — separate fees apply and exact cash may be required. Non-court county records, such as real estate documents and recorded instruments, are maintained by the Adams County Clerk & Recorder, which has its own fee schedule and offers free uncertified copies online.