How to Get a Transcript of a Criminal Court Trial in Colorado

Order criminal court trial transcripts through the clerk's office.

All courts in Colorado and other states keep transcripts of civil and criminal cases. In some circumstances, especially for appeals, the defendant and his attorney need a criminal court trial transcript. Court transcripts are considered the only official record of court proceedings. Each jurisdiction outlines specific procedures to follow when requesting transcripts.

Instructions

1. Complete the transcript request form for the appropriate court. Each district court or court of appeals has separate transcript forms. Sample information needed on the form includes name, address, phone number, case name and number, court division, date of hearing and any special information. Most court websites have the appropriate form online.

2. Mail or hand deliver the form to the clerk of the court or the transcriber, per court policy.

3. Pay the appropriate fee for either an original transcript, which ranges from $100 to $150 for each hour the transcriber spent in court typing the information, or a copy, which costs approximately $25 per court hour, as of 2010. The fee for each court varies, so check with the appropriate court to ensure you are paying the correct fee.

Tips & Warnings

• In Colorado, receiving court information can take up to two weeks. Rush orders take five business days and cost around $160 per hour of court time as of 2010.

References

• Mesa County, Colorado - County and District Court: Transcript Request
• First Judicial District of Colorado: Transcript Request Form
• City of Boulder, Colorado: Information on Appeals

Resources

• Colorado State Judicial Branch: Welcome