Colorado Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the court's final decision that settles a lawsuit in Colorado. It may mandate that one side make a payment, give up property, or stop doing something. Judgments have legal effect once they are recorded and can be enforced using various collection techniques. A judgment becomes legally enforceable after it is entered and might result in things like bad credit reports, liens on property, or wage garnishment.

What Is a Judgment in Colorado?

The Colorado Judicial Branch defines a judgment as the court's ruling on the rights and obligations of parties involved in a legal proceeding. A judgment may also provide an explanation for the court's particular rulings or directives. In Colorado, judgments might emerge from debt collection litigation, property disputes, family court proceedings, or restitution orders.

For example, the court may issue a money judgment demanding payback if a creditor files a lawsuit for an unpaid loan. A family court ruling may impose spousal maintenance or child support requirements. Until they are satisfied or expire in accordance with state law, these judgments are still enforceable.

Types of Judgments in Colorado

Colorado courts issue several types of judgments depending on the nature of the dispute:

1. Default Judgments

A default judgment refers to a verdict rendered against a defendant for not answering a lawsuit. Since the defendant did not offer their side of the argument, the court typically grants the plaintiff what they asked for in the lawsuit.

3. Summary Judgments

This refers to a ruling that a court issues without holding a complete trial. This happens when one side is legally entitled to a judgment and there isn't a real disagreement over the case's material facts.

4. Declaratory Judgments

Declaratory judgments refer to a ruling that makes the rights and legal relationships of the parties to a dispute clear and explicit. It does not always require any party to pay damages or conduct a certain action, in contrast to other judgments.

5. Deferred Judgments

A deferred judgment in a criminal case permits a defendant to enter a guilty plea, but the court postpones the entry of the judgment and sentencing. The plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed if the defendant complies with all the requirements within the allotted time.

6. Foreign Judgments

This is a judgment filed in a Colorado court from a court in another state. It can be enforced and has the same impact as a Colorado judgment once it is filed.

How to Search for Judgments in Colorado

In Colorado, judgment records are often accessible to the public through several methods:

1. Clerk of Court Offices – Judgment records are kept by each county court and district court. To look for case files or obtain certified copies, anyone can come in person.
2. Colorado Judicial Branch Online Services – The public can view a variety of criminal and civil records, including judgments, through the Colorado Courts Case Search portal. You can search by filing date, case number, or name..
3. Third-Party Record Services – Private companies may provide judgment records across Colorado for a fee, though official court records are the most accurate and up to date. Users should make every effort to ensure that these platforms are updated on a regular basis, as they may be more affordable options. One clear benefit of these platforms is that they serve as a one-stop shop for checking judgments from various jurisdictions and compile records of judgments from all jurisdictions.

Judgment records typically provide details such as:

• Case number
• Names of parties involved
• Court location
• The date judgment was entered
• Amount owed or relief ordered

Judgment Records in Major Colorado Cities

The steps involved in obtaining judgment records may differ slightly between the largest counties in Colorado:

• Denver (Denver County Court and Denver District Court): Through the Colorado Judicial Branch's internet portal and in-person record searches at the Clerk's Office, Denver courts make judgments accessible.
• Colorado Springs (El Paso County):El Paso County's Clerk of Court Office issues certified copies of its judgments, and they are also available online via the state system.
• Aurora (Arapahoe County): The Judicial Branch case search and the county Clerk's Office, offer in-person assistance for comprehensive record requests for Arapahoe County judgments.

Some smaller courts may need in-person searches, especially for older or sealed documents, even though Colorado has a centralized online system.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Colorado?

According to Colorado law, civil judgments in Colorado have a six-year statute of limitations from the date of entry for county court judgments and a twenty-year limitation for district court judgments. The capacity to enforce the judgment expires after this time.

When extended, the judgment becomes enforceable for an additional six years. Since renewals are reversible, if properly maintained, decisions may stay in force for decades. Creditors may collect on the judgment through liens, garnishments, or levies throughout the enforceability period. If the judgment is not settled within this period, debtors may face long-term financial repercussions.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Colorado?

Once a judgment is entered, debtors must deal with the financial and legal ramifications, while creditors are given legal means to collect.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may request a court order requiring employers to withhold a portion of the debtor’s wages until the judgment is paid.
• Property Liens: Until the debt is paid off, creditors may place a lien on the debtor's property, prohibiting it from being transferred or refinanced.
• Bank Levies: With court approval, funds can be taken directly from a debtor’s bank account to cover the judgment.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments often appear on credit reports, lowering credit scores and limiting access to financial opportunities.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: The creditor must formally release the debtor from further responsibility by filing a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court after the debt has been paid.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor believes a judgment was entered unfairly, they may appeal or request the court to vacate it, particularly in default cases.