Otero County Court Docket Search

Otero County is located in southeastern Colorado on the high plains and is part of the 16th Judicial District. The county seat is La Junta, a historic community that serves as the judicial and administrative center for the region. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents, Otero County is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly in melon farming and cattle ranching. The Otero County Courthouse houses both District Court and County Court operations, providing essential judicial services to the community under the leadership of Judge William J. Culver and Clerk Caryl Pearce.

Otero County Courthouse Location

The Otero County Courthouse is located at 13 W 3rd Street, Room 207, La Junta, CO 81050. The main phone number for the court is 719-384-4951. The courthouse is housed in a historic building in downtown La Junta, serving as the center for judicial proceedings in Otero County. The facility accommodates both District Court and County Court operations, with courtrooms and administrative offices to support the local justice system.

The 16th Judicial District covers southeastern Colorado and includes Baca, Bent, Crowley, and Otero counties. This district configuration allows for the sharing of judicial resources across a rural region while ensuring that each county maintains access to appropriate court services. Otero County serves as an important hub within the district, with the La Junta courthouse handling a significant caseload for the region.

Judge William J. Culver presides over cases in the Otero County Court, bringing judicial experience and oversight to local proceedings. Clerk Caryl Pearce manages the administrative operations of the court, ensuring that records are properly maintained and that court services are accessible to the public. The courthouse is equipped with facilities to accommodate jurors, witnesses, litigants, and visitors, with accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Otero County Court Docket Search

Otero County court dockets can be accessed through the Colorado Judicial Branch's statewide docket search portal. When searching for Otero County cases, use county code 46 to filter results to this jurisdiction. The online system provides comprehensive access to case schedules, hearing dates, filing deadlines, and case status information. This resource is available free of charge to the public 24 hours a day.

The docket search interface allows users to search by multiple criteria including case number, party name, attorney name, and case type. At least one filter beyond date range is required to execute a search. Results display case numbers, titles, types, filing dates, and scheduled court events. Users can view detailed case information by clicking on individual search results.

It is important to understand that the online docket provides scheduling and procedural information only. Actual court documents such as complaints, motions, and orders are not accessible through the docket search system. To obtain copies of case documents, contact the Otero County Clerk of Court directly. The docket information is updated regularly to reflect current case status and upcoming court activities.

Requesting Otero County Court Records

To obtain copies of court documents from Otero County, submit a records request to the Clerk of Court's office. The court accepts requests in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the state's online records request system. When making a request, provide as much detail as possible including case numbers, party names, date ranges, and descriptions of the specific documents you need.

The fee schedule for Otero County court records follows the standardized rates established by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Certified copies of court documents cost $20 per document. Regular uncertified copies are $0.75 per page. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order for in-person and mail requests. Credit card payments may be processed through the online payment system for eligible transactions.

Processing times for records requests vary depending on the age of the case, the volume of documents requested, and current workload. Recent cases with specific document requests are typically processed within a few business days. Older cases requiring archive retrieval or extensive file reviews may take longer. Clerk Caryl Pearce and her staff work to process requests efficiently and will contact you when your records are ready.

Otero County Court Services

The Otero County Courthouse provides various services to assist litigants and the public. The Self-Help Center offers resources for individuals representing themselves in court proceedings, including standardized forms, instructional materials, and general procedural guidance. While court staff cannot provide legal advice, they can help explain court processes and assist with procedural questions to help self-represented parties navigate the system effectively.

Language access services are available for individuals who require interpretation assistance. The court provides interpreters for non-English speakers and for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at no cost to ensure equal access to justice. Requests for interpreter services should be made as far in advance as possible, preferably at least one week before the scheduled court date.

Electronic filing is available for most case types in Otero County, allowing attorneys and self-represented litigants to submit documents online through the Colorado Judicial Branch's e-filing portal. This system provides immediate confirmation of document receipt and reduces the need for in-person filings. Users must register for an account to access the e-filing system and may need to complete certification requirements.

Nearby Counties

Otero County is located in southeastern Colorado on the eastern plains. The following counties are located near Otero County: