Court Records Search

Criminal Records, Bankruptcies, Liens, Judgments, Lawsuits, Warrants & More!

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Databases Updated on Dec 14, 2025

What Information is Available in Court Reports?

Court records offer valuable insight into legal proceedings. While many of these records are publicly accessible under open justice laws, the content, availability, and level of access vary depending on the case type and jurisdiction. Below, we break down what's included in these reports, how to find them, and which types of court case information remain confidential.

Criminal Case Records

Criminal Case Records

If you are interested in accessing over 1 billion criminal case records from federal, state, country and local authorities, our online lookup tool is your quickest and most efficient option. You will be able to locate convicts, explore their criminal past or see their mug shots in no time.

Civil Case Records

Civil Case Records

Looking for information on a civil case? Instead of visiting the County Clerk & District Clerk, you can instantly search for civil court case records right from your internet browser. Get to know the Case, Name, Court, Date, Case Status, Description, Person Type and more details.

Evictions

Evictions

Interested in knowing if someone you know has ever been evicted from any of the places where they resided? You're in the right place!Use our website's search option to uncover the basic eviction data you need about your subject of interest within seconds.

Traffic Violations

Traffic Violations

Find out if the person is a habitual offender or not. Search forDriving License Suspensions, Fines, Penalties, Vehicular Assault Charges, Speeding Tickets, Hit and Run, Dangerous Driving Convictions, DUI or DWI Arrests and Jail Timeand more traffic offenses.

Warrants

Warrants

We systematically check for Arrest Warrants, Outstanding Warrants, Surety Warrants, and Bench Warrants issued by any federal, state, county or local courts in the US. With our lookup tool, you're getting direct access 24/7 to all this data right from your internet browser.

Lawsuits

Lawsuits

Discover Contract Disputes, Liens, Judgments, Criminal or CivilLawsuits, among a person's history of legal actions, online, with just a click of a mouse. Be informed of the latest legal matters regarding someone you're interested in, at any time.We make it quick & simple.

What Are Public Court Records?

What Are Public Court Records?

Court records are official documents created and maintained by the judicial system during legal proceedings, and many are available as public court records under open access laws. These records span civil, criminal, family, probate, and administrative cases, offering detailed court case information. A typical court report includes

  • Names of involved parties (plaintiff, defendant, victim),
  • Case number,
  • Filing date,
  • Court location, and
  • A docket listing all actions, such as motions, hearings, and rulings.

These reports may also contain arrest data, charges, bail terms, and sentencing outcomes, while civil files often include complaints, responses, motions, and settlement details. Supporting materials like affidavits, subpoenas, summonses, and transcripts may also be included. Public access court records can be viewed at courthouse terminals, through local or state court websites, or via PACER for federal cases.

How To Find Court Records Online

Accessing court records today is quicker and more convenient than ever with RecordsFinder.com. In the past, searching court records required visiting courthouses, filling out request forms, and sometimes paying fees for physical copies.

Now, some court clerks provide online access to files of cases heard in their local courts. Interested users may search available case information by name, case number, or filing date through the official website of the local court. However, navigating multiple court websites can become tedious and overwhelming, especially when cases span multiple jurisdictions.

RecordsFinder simplifies the process by aggregating court records from local, state, and federal databases into one easy-to-use platform. Users can start with a free court records search, which often provides basic court case information such as case type, status, and involved parties. Full court reports may require a fee, but the platform's convenience and time-saving features make it a valuable tool for court records searches.

Court Case Lookup by States

To find court records by state, users need to explore the relevant state's unique judicial system, which may include trial, appellate, and supreme courts with varying levels of public access. A successful state court record search depends on understanding how state court records are organized, whether through a centralized portal or local county clerk systems.

What Types of Court Case Information Are Restricted or Confidential?

While most court records in the U.S. are public, some court case information is confidential or sealed by law to protect privacy or uphold justice. Public court records generally include civil, criminal, and traffic cases, but sensitive matters, like juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and adoption records, are typically restricted. For example, juvenile court records involving delinquency or child welfare are sealed to safeguard a minor's future.

Similarly, mental health evaluations, involuntary commitments, and adoption or guardianship cases are confidential under both court rules and federal privacy laws like HIPAA. Family court matters involving custody, domestic violence, or sensitive financial data may also be partially or fully restricted.

In criminal cases, court records related to expungements, sexual assault victims, confidential informants, or national security issues are commonly sealed. Grand jury proceedings and investigative documents are likewise closed to protect due process. While public court records offer transparency, access depends on the nature of the case and applicable privacy laws governing specific court case information.

FAQs About Court Records

How to find court records online for free

You can search basic court records for free through the official website of the court where the case was filed, as many states provide public portals with name or case number search tools. For quicker access, RecordsFinder.com offers a free initial court records search across federal, state, and local databases, with basic details like case status and involved parties.

What is included in a civil court case File?

A civil court case file generally includes the complaint, defendant's response, motions, court orders, and final judgment, along with possible exhibits, transcripts, affidavits, and notices, though the contents vary by jurisdiction and case complexity.

How do I get a copy of the court transcripts?

To obtain a court transcript, contact the clerk's office where the case was heard. Transcripts, prepared by official court reporters, typically require a written request and a per-page fee and may be available online depending on the court's policies.

Can I access sealed court records?

Sealed records are not available to the public. Access is limited to parties involved in the case or by court order. If you believe you have a legal right to view sealed information, you must petition the court and show just cause for access.

How long are court records kept?

Court record retention periods vary by jurisdiction and case type. Criminal and civil records may be preserved indefinitely, while lesser matters like traffic violations or administrative cases may be destroyed after 5 to 10 years.

How to remove a court case from the public record

Removing a court case from public access generally requires a petition for expungement or record sealing. Eligibility depends on state law, the nature of the case, and the final outcome. The process may include court filings and a hearing. Not all records qualify for removal.

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