Privacy laws and obtaining public information

[Bryce Sawyer]

In my efforts to find highly targeted marketing list of motivated sellers, I have been pursuing code violation lists and eviction lists for several Colorado counties including Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas. 

Has anyone else had issues with obtaining these lists. I have had the sheriffs office tell me that it is illegal to obtain the code violation list for commercial purposes. It was a while ago but I used to have the specific law/code designation. And it supported what the sheriffs office told me. 

My recent efforts to obtain public records for recent eviction cases is looking like it will end with the same conclusion. I have not yet received a verbal answer of "no". I have yet to hear back from my inquiries. But I did find similar wording in the required "Addendum A" form that you have to fill out when requesting this data. So even if I go to the courthouse and fill out the form and request the data, if I tell them my intent they cannot give it to me. 

How are other people in my market obtaining these lists? How are they obtaining these list without "lying" or lying by omission? 

I could just as easily say my intention is for research. Because it is. But full disclosure would be research with the intent of marketing a service. 

Here is a "copy/paste" of the Addendum. 

Addendum A

COMPILED or AGGREGATE DATA REQUEST CONCERNING THE RELEASE OF ELECTRONIC DATAPursuant to CJD 05-01 Section 4.40: Colorado Judicial Department Public Access Policy

Requested By: ________________________________________Date:___________________

Agency/Organization: _________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________e-mail: __________________________________

Data Requested: ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

Intended use of data: ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

I have read the Colorado Judicial Department’s Public Access Policy and understand the limitations of this data and the uses of the data.

I understand and agree to the following:

1. (i) The Compiled or Aggregate Data will not be sold or otherwise distributed, directly or indirectly, to third parties;
2. (ii) The Compiled or Aggregate Data will not be used, directly or indirectly, to sell a product or service to an

   individual or the general public;

3. (iii) There will be no copying or duplication of Compiled or Aggregate Data provided;
4. (iv) Compiled Data will not be made available on the Internet;
5. (v) The data received are current as of the date and time that the data are gathered and are subject to change; and
6. (vi) Recipients of Compiled or Aggregate Data are prohibited from tampering with or modifying reported data.

I understand the limitations of this data as it relates to data entry. Though every effort is made to enter data in an accurate and standard form, records may not appear on this release due to clerical coding issues. I understand there is a cost recovery fee that will be assessed for the compilation of data.

I hereby disclaim any liability to the Judicial Department and its employees and agents for any claimed loss of privilege or other claimed injury due to disclosure of allegedly confidential or privileged information.

_________________________Date: