I have a case number
That court’s online docket search or the clerk’s records counter
A case number is the fastest, most precise way to pull the correct docket and filings.
Where To Start
Most criminal cases are handled by the trial court in the county of arrest or prosecution. Choose the path that fits your situation.
I need the next court date or docket
The trial court’s calendar or docket search
Calendars show upcoming hearings tied to the docket; some courts list them by name or case number.
I need a certified judgment or disposition
Clerk of court records request for the criminal division
Only the clerk can issue certified or exemplified copies accepted for official purposes.
I’m not sure which court has it
County trial/superior court for felonies and most misdemeanors; check municipal/city court for local or traffic matters
Cases are usually filed where the arrest or prosecution occurred; minor offenses may be in municipal court.
I’m searching across multiple counties
State judiciary portal or statewide index, then verify with the specific clerk
State indexes help locate a case, but details and copies come from the originating court.
Common Official Sources
| Source Or Office | Best For | Helpful Search Input | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Clerk of Court (Criminal Division) | Felony and misdemeanor dockets, filings, judgments in the county trial court | Case number, defendant name, date of birth, filing year | Online court portal, public terminals, in person or mail request | Older files may be archived; some documents require in-person retrieval. |
| Municipal/City Court Clerk | Local ordinance violations, traffic, some misdemeanors | Citation/ticket number, name and date of birth, case number | Online lookups where available, clerk window, mail | Not all municipal courts publish online indexes. |
| State Trial/Superior Court Portal | Statewide or multi-county docket indexes and summaries | Defendant full name, date of birth, county, year | State judiciary website or portal | Indexes vary by state and may exclude images; verify details with the local clerk. |
| State Appellate Court Clerk | Criminal appeals dockets, briefs, opinions, mandates | Appellate case number, party names, lower court case number | Online appellate docket/opinions, records request | Exhibits and transcripts may be limited or housed at the trial court. |
| Federal District Court / PACER | Federal criminal case dockets and filings | Case number, party name, approximate filing year | PACER or clerk’s office terminals | Registration may be required; some filings are restricted or sealed. |
| State Criminal History Repository | Fingerprint-based conviction history (not a court file) | Fingerprints, subject identifiers, consent when required | Official request process per state | Use to corroborate convictions; obtain court copies from the clerk for details. |
Useful Search Inputs
- Case or docket number (exact or partial)
- Defendant full name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth or age range
- County and specific court name
- Approximate filing or arrest date
- Citation or ticket number
- Attorney name or bar number (if supported)
- Charge description or statute number
- Known aliases or alternative spellings
What To Look Up
Criminal Case Dockets
Case summary, charges, scheduled hearings, filings, and dispositions
- Where To Start
- Trial or superior court portal for the county of prosecution
- Best Search Input
- Case number; otherwise name plus date of birth and filing year
- Official Copy Note
- Docket printouts online are usually unofficial; request a certified docket from the clerk if needed.
Charging Documents and Complaints
Complaint, information, or indictment and probable cause filings
- Where To Start
- Clerk of court for the criminal division; prosecutor filings in the case file
- Best Search Input
- Case number or initial filing date range
- Official Copy Note
- Some details may be redacted; certified copies come from the clerk.
Judgments and Sentencing Orders
Final disposition, sentence terms, fines, probation, restitution
- Where To Start
- Clerk records for the trial court case file
- Best Search Input
- Case number and disposition or sentencing date
- Official Copy Note
- Ask for a certified judgment or certified disposition for official use.
Calendars and Hearing Dates
Upcoming hearings, courtroom and judge assignments
- Where To Start
- Court calendar search or daily docket
- Best Search Input
- Case number or name with a date range
- Official Copy Note
- Calendars are informational only and not formal notices.
Appeals and Opinions
Notices of appeal, appellate briefs, opinions, and mandates
- Where To Start
- State appellate court docket system
- Best Search Input
- Appellate case number or lower court case number
- Official Copy Note
- Certified appellate records and mandates are requested from the appellate clerk.
Official Records vs. Background Checks
Official criminal court records come from the court or clerk that handled the case and include dockets, filings, and certified judgments suitable for legal or licensing needs. Background check services compile name-based data across many sources for broad searches, but results can be incomplete, delayed, or miss current filings. Use background findings to locate potential cases, then confirm details and request any certified copies from the official court.
How To Request Copies
- Identify the court level and county where the criminal case was filed.
- Gather the case number; if unknown, search by name and date of birth to locate the docket.
- Choose the copy type: plain, certified, or exemplified (ask if unsure).
- Submit a records request via the court portal, by mail, or in person using the court’s form.
- Provide required identifiers and pay per-page and certification fees as instructed by the clerk.
- Receive copies electronically, by mail, or at pickup; archived files may take additional processing time.
Limits and Accuracy Notes
- Online dockets may omit recent filings or document images pending processing or redaction.
- Name-only searches can match multiple people; include date of birth and middle name when available.
- Sealed, expunged, juvenile, and certain warrant-related materials are restricted or unavailable.
- Case numbering formats and court abbreviations vary by jurisdiction; verify before submitting requests.
- A docket summary may not reflect the final judgment; review the judgment or sentencing entry.
- Statewide indexes can miss municipal or older cases; confirm with the originating clerk.
Criminal Court Records FAQ
Are criminal court records public?
In most jurisdictions, adult criminal dockets and many filings are public, with exceptions for sealed, expunged, juvenile, and certain sensitive records. Availability and document images vary by court.
How can I find a case without a case number?
Search by the defendant’s full name and date of birth in the trial court or state portal, filter by county and filing year, then confirm details directly with the clerk.
What is the difference between a docket and the case file?
The docket is a summary of events and filings. The case file contains the underlying documents, such as charging papers, motions, and judgments, which may require a copy request.
Where do I get a certified disposition or judgment?
Request it from the clerk of the court that handled the case. Specify you need a certified copy and provide the case number and defendant identifiers.
Do online searches include the full documents?
Not always. Many courts provide docket summaries only. To view or obtain images of filings, you may need to visit the clerk’s office, use approved terminals, or request copies.