Frequently asked questions
Are you a government agency?
No. We are a private service operated by BrightStar Investigations LLC. You can file CORA and CCJRA requests yourself for free; agencies may still charge fees. You pay us to do the work for you.
Can you request records on my behalf?
Generally yes. CORA lets "any person" inspect public records, and criminal justice records are open to any person under the CCJRA, subject to its limits. Some agencies require the subject's signed authorization and ID for unredacted copies or victim copies. We collect these when they're needed.
How long does it take?
Under CORA, an agency must respond within 3 working days and can extend that by up to 7 more working days in extenuating circumstances (C.R.S. 24-72-203(3)(b)). The CCJRA, which covers police records, has no fixed deadline; agencies must respond within a reasonable time. Video and 911 requests often take weeks.
What will the agency charge?
Under CORA, the first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, an agency may charge up to $41.37 per hour (the cap as adjusted by Legislative Council staff effective July 1, 2024, under C.R.S. 24-72-205(6)), plus up to $0.25 per standard page for copies. Under the CCJRA, agencies may charge reasonable fees not exceeding actual costs (C.R.S. 24-72-306). We bill agency fees to you at cost.
Can the agency deny my request?
Yes. Apart from records of official action, such as arrests, charges, and dispositions, the CCJRA leaves release of criminal justice records to the custodian's discretion. Records may be withheld if release would be contrary to the public interest, could hurt an active investigation, or is barred by law (for example, sealed or certain juvenile records). We can't guarantee results.
What about body cam footage?
When a misconduct complaint has been filed about an incident, Colorado law generally requires the agency to release unedited video and audio of the incident within 21 days of a request (C.R.S. 24-31-902(2), enacted by SB20-217). There are limited exceptions for privacy and active investigations. Without a complaint, body cam requests fall under the CCJRA's ordinary discretionary rules.
What counts as a Complex request?
Body cam or dash cam video, 911 audio, large requests such as internal affairs files or long date ranges, and contested requests or appeals. Everything else is Standard. Need records from more than one agency? Each additional agency or request is another $150.
What isn't included in the fee?
Unlimited follow-ups, re-filing, legal analysis, reviewing or summarizing records, and phone consultations. Extra work is only done and billed with your approval.
Do you give refunds?
If we haven't filed yet, yes. Once we file, our fee is earned, because the agency's decision is outside our control.
Can I use records for background screening?
No. Records may not be used for any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose (employment, tenant, credit, or insurance screening).
Is this legal advice?
No. We are not a law firm. If you need advice about your rights or a lawsuit, talk to a Colorado attorney.
Legal figures were checked against official sources in October 2026 and can change. This is general information, not legal advice.