Connecticut Criminal Court Records Search
Connecticut criminal court records are public documents maintained by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. You can search these records online through the official case lookup portal. The system provides access to conviction information, pending cases, and daily dockets from Superior Courts across the state. Most records go back ten years from the date of sentencing.
Connecticut Criminal Court Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Connecticut Criminal Court Records
The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains all criminal court records in the state. You can access these records through multiple channels. The online case lookup portal provides instant access to basic case information. This free service lets you search by defendant name or docket number from any computer.
For copies of actual court documents, contact the Superior Court Records Center. You can email requests to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov. Include the case name and docket number in your request. Files are usually ready within one or two business days. You can receive documents by email at no charge or pick them up at any court location.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch case lookup portal serves as the main starting point for online searches. This page links to various search options including conviction lookups, pending cases, and daily dockets.
Note: Some records require proof of identification to access.
How to Search Criminal Court Records in Connecticut
Connecticut offers several ways to look up criminal court cases. The online method works best for quick searches. You can search from home at any time. The system updates daily with new cases and changes.
To search convictions by defendant, visit the Convictions Search page. Enter the person's first and last name. You can narrow results by date range or court location. The system shows convictions from the past ten years.
For pending cases, use the Pending Case Search. This shows active criminal matters still working through the court system. You can also search by docket number if you know it.
The daily docket search shows court schedules. See what cases appear before judges each day. This helps track upcoming hearings or find recent case activity.
You will need the following to search effectively:
- Full legal name of the defendant
- Approximate date of the case or conviction
- Specific court location if known
- Docket number for exact case lookup
Attorneys can use the Attorney/Firm Case Look-up to find cases by legal representation.
Types of Criminal Court Records in Connecticut
Connecticut criminal court records include several document types. Each serves a different purpose. Understanding these types helps you find what you need.
Conviction records show the final outcome of criminal cases. These include guilty verdicts, plea agreements, and bail forfeitures. Under Connecticut FOIA guidelines, conviction information is available to the public.
Pending case records show active criminal matters. These cases have not yet reached final judgment. You can track case progress through the court system.
Docket sheets provide a case timeline. They list all filings, hearings, and orders. Each entry shows the date and description of court activity.
Criminal court records typically contain:
- Defendant name and address
- Charges filed by the state
- Court dates and hearing schedules
- Disposition and sentencing details
- Attorney names and appearances
Juvenile cases remain confidential. Youthful offender records stay sealed. Infractions and violations do not appear in conviction searches.
Connecticut Court System for Criminal Cases
Connecticut's court system handles criminal cases at several levels. The Superior Court Criminal Division manages most criminal matters. These courts operate across 13 judicial districts and 20 geographical areas.
Superior Courts have general jurisdiction. They hear all felony and misdemeanor cases. Each geographical area serves specific towns and cities. Find your local court using the official directory.
The Appellate Court reviews decisions from Superior Courts. Cases move here when parties appeal. The Supreme Court sits at the top. It hears select appeals of major importance.
Criminal cases begin in the Geographical Area courts. These are the trial courts for criminal matters. GA courts handle arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing.
Major criminal cases may move to Judicial District courts. These handle serious felonies and complex matters. Both courts maintain public records of their proceedings.
Criminal Court Record Limitations
Connecticut places some limits on criminal record access. These rules protect privacy and follow state law. You should know these limits before searching.
Online conviction records cover ten years only. Cases older than ten years drop off the public system. Under Section 7-13 of the Connecticut Practice Book, some records disappear sooner.
Erased records vanish from public view. Connecticut law erases certain cases automatically. Dismissed cases erase right away. Acquittals erase immediately. Nolled cases erase after 13 months.
The records request page explains how to obtain older documents. Some erased records may still exist in court archives.
Note: Records change daily due to erasures, corrections, and pardons.
Clean Slate Law and Record Erasure
Connecticut's Clean Slate law affects many criminal records. This law began January 1, 2023. Implementation continues through 2024.
The law automatically erases certain convictions. Misdemeanors erase after seven years. Class D and E felonies erase after ten years. The clock starts from the most recent conviction date.
Not all crimes qualify. Family violence convictions stay on record. Sex offenses never erase. Crimes before January 1, 2000 need manual petitions.
Under CGS Section 54-142a, erased records carry special legal status. The person is deemed never to have been arrested. Employers cannot ask about erased arrests.
Consumer reporting agencies must update monthly. They cannot report erased convictions. CGS Section 54-142e requires this deletion.
How to Get Copies of Connecticut Criminal Court Records
You can obtain copies of court records in several ways. The method you choose depends on your needs. Some ways are faster than others.
Email requests work well for most documents. Send your request to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov. Include the case name and docket number. Staff will respond within one or two business days.
Phone requests offer another option. Call the Centralized Services Unit at (860) 263-2750. Have your case details ready when you call.
In-person pickup lets you get documents the same day. Visit the Superior Court Records Center at 225 Spring Street in Wethersfield. You can also pick up at any court location statewide.
Email delivery costs nothing. Size limits may apply to large files. In-person copies may have fees. Certified copies cost extra.
For criminal history checks, contact the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection at ct.gov/despp. The Judicial Branch does not provide these reports.
Browse Connecticut Criminal Court Records by County
Each county in Connecticut has Superior Courts that maintain criminal records. Select a county below to find local court contact information and resources.
Criminal Court Records in Major Connecticut Cities
Connecticut's largest cities have dedicated court locations handling criminal cases. Select a city to learn about local court access and record search options.