Montezuma County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montezuma County in 2026
MontezumaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Montezuma County, Colorado. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charges, and court case numbers. Access to specific records may vary depending on the originating agency and the current status of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office, the Montezuma County Combined Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Montezuma County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access to identify individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. The Sheriff's Office website provides direct access to this information without requiring a formal records request for basic custody data.
Montezuma County Sheriff's Office
730 E Driscoll St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-8452
Montezuma County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Cortez Police Department serves the primary incorporated municipality in Montezuma County and maintains arrest logs and press releases that may include arrest information. Members of the public may submit a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request to obtain copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
Cortez Police Department
609 N Mildred Rd
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-8441
Cortez Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides an online docket search tool that allows members of the public to search criminal case records by name. Searching an arrestee's name through this system will return associated court case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition. This resource links arrest events to formal court proceedings and is updated as cases progress through the judicial system.
Montezuma County Combined Court
865 N Park St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-1111
Colorado Judicial Branch
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository and provides criminal background check services to the public. A name-based criminal history check may be requested through the CBI background check portal. The standard fee for a name-based search is $6.85, and fingerprint-based searches are also available for a higher fee. Results include arrests and dispositions recorded statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 730 E Driscoll St, Cortez, CO 81321
- Records division is located within the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Phone: (970) 565-8452
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking number or arrest date
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Cortez Police Department, 609 N Mildred Rd, Cortez, CO 81321, (970) 565-8441
- Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours
- Fees: $0.25 per page; fees for electronic records may vary
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 865 N Park St, Cortez, CO 81321
- Criminal records division is located within the Combined Court building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Phone: (970) 565-1111
- Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals in the courthouse
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $20.00 per document
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office at 730 E Driscoll St, Cortez, CO 81321. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is typically 3–10 business days depending on the volume of requests received.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (970) 565-8452 for general inquiries regarding custody status. Basic information such as whether an individual is currently in custody may be provided by phone. Detailed arrest records, copies of reports, and booking photographs require a formal written request or in-person visit. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain records through the discovery process governed by the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Cortez PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Montezuma County
Arrest records in Montezuma County are public records under Colorado law. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified at § 24-72-204, establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including arrest and booking records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for employment and housing purposes.
As the Colorado General Assembly has stated through CORA, "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times." This principle applies to arrest records held by the Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, and the courts.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and may be sealed under Colorado law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is exempt from public release
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Colorado Constitution, Article II, Section 10, protects freedom of speech and press, which courts have interpreted to include a right of access to government records including arrest information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through CORA's exemption provisions. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, and members of the public are advised that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Colorado's Employment Opportunity Act limits the use of arrest records in employment decisions, and employers may not inquire about arrests that did not result in conviction on initial job applications. Housing providers are similarly restricted in their use of arrest records under fair housing principles. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant, and arrest records alone do not establish criminal liability.
What's in Montezuma County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Cortez Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Colorado statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation if applicable
- Gang-related designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance (PR bond), or no bond
- Bail bondsman information if applicable
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned by the Montezuma County Combined Court
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment if available through the court's docket system
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests recorded in Montezuma County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges associated with prior arrests
- Prior history is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted under state and federal law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Montezuma County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Montezuma County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under § 24-72-205 of the Colorado Open Records Act, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of providing copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified court document copies | $20.00 per document |
| CBI name-based criminal history check | $6.85 per search |
| CBI fingerprint-based criminal history check | $39.50 per search |
| Electronic records (varies by agency) | Actual cost of duplication |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card payment availability varies by office. The CBI accepts payment online through its background check portal.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation. Journalists and researchers may request fee reductions by demonstrating that the records will be used for public benefit purposes.
Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court dockets at no charge using public access terminals at the Montezuma County Combined Court or by reviewing the Sheriff's online jail roster, which is available at no cost.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Montezuma County
Under Colorado law, arrest records may be subject to expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restriction of public access), and the distinction between these two remedies is significant. Expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of records, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to continue accessing the records. Colorado law uses both mechanisms depending on the nature of the arrest and the outcome of the case.
Under § 24-72-702 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, individuals may petition for the sealing of criminal records in cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the prosecution declined to file charges. Individuals convicted of certain offenses may also petition for sealing after completing their sentence and satisfying a waiting period that varies by offense classification.
Cases Eligible for Sealing or Expungement:
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Cases dismissed by the court
- Acquittals following trial
- Certain drug offenses following completion of a diversion program
- Convictions for eligible offenses after the applicable waiting period
- Juvenile records (subject to separate procedures under Colorado juvenile law)
Steps to Seal or Expunge Arrest Records in Montezuma County:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Montezuma County Combined Court or the CBI.
- Determine eligibility based on the offense type, case disposition, and applicable waiting period under Colorado law.
- Complete the petition for sealing of criminal records, available through the Colorado Judicial Branch.
- File the petition with the Montezuma County Combined Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $65.00 for most petitions; fee waivers are available for indigent petitioners).
- Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting agency (the District Attorney's Office for the 22nd Judicial District) and any law enforcement agency that holds records related to the arrest.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one, or await a ruling if the petition is uncontested.
- If the petition is granted, the court issues a sealing order that is transmitted to the CBI, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Court.
Montezuma County Combined Court (Petitions Filed Here)
865 N Park St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-1111
Colorado Judicial Branch
22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office
865 N Park St, Suite 200
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-3728
22nd Judicial District
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
690 Kipling St, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
Phone: (303) 239-4300
CBI Criminal Records
What Happens After Arrest in Montezuma County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Montezuma County, the arrested individual is transported to the Montezuma County Detention Center, located at 730 E Driscoll St, Cortez, CO 81321. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins and typically takes between one and four hours depending on the volume of individuals being processed. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information is recorded by detention staff
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the CBI and FBI databases
- A criminal history check is conducted
- Outstanding warrants are checked at the local, state, and federal levels
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
- Medical screening is conducted
- A brief mental health screening is administered
- Housing classification is determined based on charges and risk assessment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Colorado law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate within 48 hours of arrest for a county court matter, or within a reasonable time for district court matters. The first appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of the charges
- Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
- Bond and bail determination
- Advisement of constitutional rights
First appearances in Montezuma County may be conducted in person at the Combined Court or via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: Cash bond requires the full bond amount to be paid in cash or by certified funds. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees. Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the nature of the charges, the individual's criminal history, and flight risk assessment.
Surety Bond: A surety bond is posted through a licensed bail bondsman. The defendant or a family member pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 15% of the bond amount under Colorado law. The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): A personal recognizance bond releases the individual on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: Certain individuals are held without bond. Grounds for a no-bond hold include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a high flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an outstanding out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision by the probation department
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the next court date, and a written copy of all conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond Not Posted: Individuals who remain in custody are assigned to a housing unit within the detention center, receive an orientation to facility rules, and are provided information regarding commissary accounts, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Colorado State Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets. Applications are completed at the first appearance or at the public defender's office.
Colorado State Public Defender – Cortez Office
865 N Park St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-3182
Colorado State Public Defender
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Colorado Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorneys may visit clients at the detention center during designated visitation hours, and all attorney-client communications are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges than those listed at booking.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. The arraignment must occur within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. The defendant may plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Defense counsel may file pretrial motions including motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences are held to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. Following dismissal, the individual may be eligible to petition for sealing of the arrest record.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion programs including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of the charges.
Plea Agreement: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant decides whether to accept the agreement or proceed to trial.
Trial: Defendants have the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges. A bench trial, in which the judge serves as the finder of fact, is also available. Following a guilty verdict, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes sentence following conviction. Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within 3–6 months in most cases
- Felonies: Resolved within 6–18 months in most cases
- Right to speedy trial: Under Colorado law, defendants have the right to trial within six months of entering a not guilty plea
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Montezuma County Detention Center (Jail)
730 E Driscoll St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-8452
Montezuma County Sheriff's Office
Montezuma County Combined Court
865 N Park St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-1111
Colorado Judicial Branch
22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office
865 N Park St, Suite 200
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-3728
Colorado District Attorneys' Council
Colorado State Public Defender – Cortez Office
865 N Park St
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970) 565-3182
Colorado State Public Defender
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montezuma County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Montezuma County is governed by Colorado state law and the records retention schedules established by the Colorado State Archives. Under § 24-80-101 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The Colorado State Archives publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the CBI state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
- Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of 10 years
- Court records: Retained permanently in electronic form
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of 5–7 years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless sealed by court order
- State repository: Records remain unless the individual successfully petitions for sealing
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of 5 years
- Court records: Retained permanently in most cases
- May be sealed upon petition to the court
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of 3–5 years
- Local arrest logs: Retained per the applicable retention schedule
- May be eligible for sealing or expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable retention schedule (minimum 5–7 years)
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state and federal level
- Photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Physical evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of 3 years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently under current Colorado Judicial Branch policy
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when a court orders sealing or expungement, although the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum 7 years
- Arrest reports: Minimum 7 years
- Investigative files: Varies by offense classification; felony investigations retained permanently
- Contact: (970) 565-8452
Police Departments:
- Arrest records: Minimum 7 years
- Incident reports: Minimum 7 years
- Retention schedules may vary slightly between the Sheriff's Office and the Cortez Police Department
- Cortez Police Department: (970) 565-8441
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years
- Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of 7 years
- Electronic records: Retained permanently under current Colorado Judicial Branch policy
State Repository: The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains records of all arrests reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. The CBI's retention policy provides for permanent retention of felony records and long-term retention of misdemeanor records. Members of the public may access their own CBI records through the CBI background check portal.
FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is permanent for most offense categories. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase background checks, and other authorized purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the individual successfully petitions for sealing. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Following a court order, local records are sealed or destroyed, the CBI updates its repository, and the court record is restricted from public access. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an indication that it has been sealed. The timeframe for removal from all databases following an expungement order is typically 30–90 days.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Individuals may also petition for immediate sealing in some circumstances.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last 1–5 Years):
- Available online through the Sheriff's jail roster and the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search
- Updated in real time or on a daily basis
Older Arrests (5–20 Years Ago):
- May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Records may be stored in archives and require additional retrieval time
- A retrieval fee may apply for archived records
Very Old Arrests (20+ Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
- Paper records are stored in the county archives and may be subject to destruction following the expiration of the applicable retention period
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (970) 565-8452 for information regarding specific historical records
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Colorado law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions. Third-party background check companies are required to maintain accurate records and must update their databases when notified of a sealing or expungement order, though compliance timelines vary.