Connecticut Public Records /Connecticut Court Records Online

Connecticut Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Connecticut Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Connecticut are generally open to the public under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. This law ensures public access to most government records, including court records, unless they are confidential. Requesters must provide specific information such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, or the attorney's name to access these records. Confidential records, such as those involving juvenile matters, are exceptions and require specific eligibility for access.

When a court seals a record, the sealed portions are not available for disclosure, but other parts of the document may still be accessible. Once the sealing order expires, the previously sealed records become public. The Act mandates that anyone can request these public records without stating a purpose, and there are no restrictions on their use once obtained.

What Information Appears in a Connecticut Court Records Search?

Civil lawsuits
Traffic offenses
Wills
Criminal offenses
Pleadings
Exhibits
Orders
Testimonies

How To Find Court Records in Connecticut

To obtain court records in Connecticut, the first step is identifying the court that holds the records. Requestors can search for records online using the Connecticut Judicial Branch website, which provides access to cases filed after January 1, 1991, in the Supreme Court, Appellate Court, and Probate Court. For cases not available online, records can be found at the local courthouses where they were filed and heard.

Records of juvenile delinquents are confidential and not provided online. Additionally, the website does not disclose parties' identifying information. To obtain certified copies of court records, contact the local courthouses directly, where nominal fees apply for copying and certification, such as $3 per page for copies and an additional $1 per page for expedited copies.

Public Access to Connecticut Court Records

The Connecticut Supreme Court and Appellate Court offer remote access to court case information. Users can search by case name, party name, docket number, or attorney using specific search portals. The Connecticut Judicial Branch also provides an online database for Probate Court records, accessible by selecting case type, district, and other criteria.

Searching Connecticut Court Records by Name

Interested persons can conduct a Connecticut court record search by name by visiting the state of Connecticut Judicial Branch case lookup directory. This directory provides links to different court record search portals for various types of court cases, including Supreme and Appellate, civil, family, criminal, motor vehicle, housing, and small claims cases.

For example, clicking on the Supreme and Appellate court cases look-up link directs users to the Connecticut Judicial Branch Supreme and Appellate Court Case Look-up webpage. Here, users can search for case records by providing criteria such as case name, docket number, party name, and attorney/law firm name. The search results will display a list of relevant court cases and basic details about each case.

Users can view more detailed information about a specific case by clicking on the case’s docket number, which includes cross-appeal/amended appeal details, trial court case information, case party information, transcripts, exhibits, preliminary papers, briefs, and case activity.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Connecticut

Interested persons can view court records online for free through the Connecticut Judicial Branch case lookup directory. This directory provides links to various court case lookup portals, allowing users to search for and access court records without charge.

For federal court cases, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) website offers access to court records for a nominal fee. Users must create a PACER account to use the website. PACER is a convenient tool for accessing federal court records, including bankruptcy cases, across the United States.

Court records are available through both traditional government sources and third-party websites. While third-party sites may offer easier search options, they are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary compared to official sources.

Exemptions for Connecticut Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public disclosure under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. These exemptions include:

Juvenile case records
Adoption records
Trade secrets
Law enforcement records that could endanger victims
Information compromising individual or entity security
Personal privacy-related records, such as medical or personnel files
Financial information and statements of personal worth

Juvenile case records, for example, are confidential under C.G.S. § 46b-124 and accessible only to specific eligible persons, such as victims of the crime, the child's attorney, and the child's parent or guardian. Adoption records are also exempt from public disclosure under C.G.S. § 1-210 (b) (14). The Connecticut Practice Book allows sealing particular documents in civil or criminal cases, making them inaccessible to the general public unless permitted by a court order.

Finding a Court Docket in Connecticut

To find a court docket in Connecticut, interested persons can query relevant court clerk’s offices. Queries may be made in person during regular business hours, by phone, or by mail, depending on the court's policies. Additionally, most information provided on a court docket can be found online through the Connecticut Judicial Branch case lookup directory.

A Connecticut court docket is an official document containing a chronological list of a court case’s complete history. It provides information about different aspects of a court case, including pleadings, motions, and filed documents. Dockets also serve as administrative tools, listing scheduled court dates and other relevant case details.

Pro se litigants (self-represented litigants) can review their case’s court docket to find out the time, date, and venue of upcoming court appearances. This information helps them stay informed about their case proceedings.

What Information Is Found in Connecticut Judgment Records?

Connecticut judgment records contain the following information:

Litigants’ names
Judge’s name
Judgment date
Litigants’ claims
Court’s decision per claim or complaint

These records are created when the court arrives at a decision on a case and enters it into the case record. Judgment records signify the end of most court cases unless an appeal is pursued. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act makes these records available to the public.

To obtain judgment records, visit the clerk’s office in the court where the case was adjudicated or use the Connecticut Case Lookup portal. Both in-person and online searches require the litigants’ names, docket numbers, or attorneys’ names. Requesters must pay court fees for searching and making copies of the judgment record.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Connecticut Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Connecticut are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide specific information, such as the case number and the names of the debtor or creditor, to access these records. Bankruptcy cases generally fall under federal jurisdiction and are handled by the United States Bankruptcy Courts in Connecticut.

Bankruptcy records include detailed financial information about individuals and business entities that file for bankruptcy due to their inability to meet financial obligations. These records are available at the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, which has divisional offices in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Connecticut

To find bankruptcy records in Connecticut, a record seeker must first determine which of the three bankruptcy courts handled the case. Queries can be made at the clerk's office of the relevant bankruptcy court. Alternatively, record seekers can search for bankruptcy records online through PACER, which allows searches by specific court or national index.

Record seekers must provide details such as the case number and the names of the creditor or debtor to facilitate the search. Some bankruptcy records may be non-disclosable due to court orders or privacy laws. In such cases, contact the bankruptcy court clerk’s office to inquire about eligibility requirements for accessing these records.

The National Archives Records Administration (NARA) can also provide closed bankruptcy records. Record seekers should note that there are informational copies and authenticated copies of bankruptcy records. Informational copies are for personal use, while authenticated copies are needed for official purposes. Additional fees may apply for authenticated copies.

Different Types of Courts in Connecticut

Supreme Court: The highest court in Connecticut, responsible for reviewing decisions issued by the Superior Court and specific decisions of the Appellate Court.
Appellate Court: Reviews decisions issued by Superior Courts.
Superior Court: Has jurisdiction over most criminal cases and civil matters that Probate Courts do not exclusively handle.
Probate Court: The lowest court in the state, handling cases involving estates, adoptions, testamentary trusts, conservators, and guardianship of the mentally ill.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Connecticut

The Civil Division of the Superior Court hears cases involving the protection of personal, civil, and property rights. Small claims cases can be filed in Connecticut if the petitioner is suing for $5,000 or less. This amount may change periodically as decided by state law. Magistrates typically hear small claims cases, although judges may also preside in certain instances.

In small claims courts, parties are not required to hire attorneys, and there are no jury trials. Defendants can file motions to transfer their cases to regular dockets and request jury trials. Rulings in Small Claims Court cannot be appealed. Types of cases filed in small claims court include unpaid claims, hospital bills, return of wrongfully withheld security deposits, car accidents, breach of agreements, damaged property, and delinquent rent.

A plaintiff must serve the lawsuit to the defendants and pay a filing fee of $95. The Small Claims Court does not make collections for plaintiffs but can issue an execution to allow state marshals to collect the money. Plaintiffs can also file small claims disputes electronically.

Search Court Records in Connecticut

Other Categories in Connecticut

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records