How to find court records in CT?
Asked by: Pascale Ruecker DVM | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (22 votes)
To find court records in Connecticut (CT), use the CT Judicial Branch's online Case Look-up for Superior, Supreme, and Appellate cases, or contact the clerk's office for specific details; for historic records, visit the CT State Library or use the CT Probate Courts case lookup for probate matters, searching by case name, party, docket number, or attorney.
Are Connecticut court records public?
Members of the public have the right to see any document in any court file, unless a court has sealed the file, or statute has rendered the contents of the file confidential.
Is it possible to search CT court cases online?
Case Look-up CT Judicial Branch. This section of the website provides users with information about Supreme and Appellate, civil, family, criminal, motor vehicle, housing, and small claims cases.
Can I get CT public records online?
Requested records are usually available within one or two business days. The Connecticut Judicial Branch also provides an online case lookup portal to access the Supreme and Appellate Court, Superior Court, and Centralized Small Claims Court records.
Can I look up someone's criminal record in CT?
Yes, you can look up someone's criminal record in CT through the Connecticut Judicial Branch's online case lookup for public court cases or request an official history from the State Police Criminal Records Unit using specific forms and fees, with options for online searches (like name/DOB) for court records and a more official process for a comprehensive history.
How To Find Connecticut Court Records? - CountyOffice.org
Are police reports public in CT?
Yes, police reports in Connecticut are generally public records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but with important exceptions: ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and some sensitive details are redacted or withheld until a case is adjudicated, with specific laws governing what can be released, often requiring a delay of several days to weeks after the incident. You request reports from the specific local police department or the State Police, and fees may apply.
Can you do a criminal background check for free?
Yes, you can often find parts of someone's criminal record for free through government websites (county/state courts, police), but comprehensive, up-to-date federal records usually cost money via PACER, and some records are sealed or expunged. Free methods involve checking local court clerk websites, state criminal history repositories, or sometimes third-party sites (use caution), while in-person visits to courthouses are also an option, noting legal restrictions apply.
Who can access CT public records?
With specific exceptions set forth under CT-FOIA, members of the public have the right to inspect and/or receive a copy of public records upon request. Requests to inspect or copy public records under CT-FOIA shall be submitted to the City in writing or reduced to writing if made orally.
Can you see if anyone has a criminal record?
Yes, you can often find someone's criminal record by searching public court records online or in person, using state-specific databases or private background check services, though access varies by jurisdiction and some records are sealed; you'll typically need the full name and date of birth for the most accurate results. You can usually access county court records directly, use state Department of Public Safety/Justice websites, or hire professional services for a comprehensive search, with fees often involved.
Can I view public records online?
Yes, you can get many public records online, including federal court records via PACER, state/local court dockets through portals like Indiana's mycase.in.gov or Oregon's OJCIN, and property/tax info from county sites, but some sensitive records (like divorce) or specific documents might require visiting the courthouse or making formal requests through agencies like the DOJ or city portals (FOIA). The availability depends on the record type (court, property, government agency) and jurisdiction, often through specific websites or official request forms.
What is the best site to check criminal records?
The "best" site depends on your needs: BeenVerified and TruthFinder are top for general people searches and deep dives into public records, while Instant Checkmate excels at quick criminal history checks, and GoodHire/Checkr are top choices for FCRA-compliant employment background checks. For official federal records, use the government's PACER system.
What is the 4 hour rule in CT?
The Connecticut "4-hour rule" (also known as Reporting Time Pay) requires employers in specific industries (like retail, hotels/restaurants, cleaning, laundry) to pay employees for at least four hours at their regular rate if the employee reports to work as requested but is sent home early or has their shift canceled with little notice, even if they don't work the full time, with exceptions for emergencies or if the agreed-upon shift was less than four hours (in which case they get paid for the full short shift). This ensures minimum compensation for showing up, preventing employers from arbitrarily cutting short shifts without paying for the time invested.
What shows up on public records?
They provide a transparent account of government activities, including legislative proceedings, administrative decisions, legal transactions, and vital personal events. Email, text messages, and other digital communications are typically considered public records in the digital age.
Can you look up someone to see if they are married?
To find out if someone is married, you can check public marriage records online or at the county courthouse where they might have wed, look at their social media for clues, ask mutual acquaintances, or hire a private investigator; marriage records are often public, but accessing them requires knowing the county or state, and some records are confidential or require fees.
How can I run a background check on someone?
To do a background check, gather the person's full name, date of birth, and past addresses, then use online services, local courts/police, or state repositories to search public records for criminal history, driving records, or sex offender status, but always get written consent, especially for employment, and be aware of FCRA laws. You can also hire a private investigator for deeper searches or use social media, but verify all information meticulously.
Is TruthFinder actually free?
No, TruthFinder is not free; it operates on a paid subscription model, requiring a monthly membership to access full background reports, although you might see a limited preview of basic data (like name/age/location) before paying. There are no true free trials or one-off report options, but sometimes limited-time promotions or introductory offers (like a single report for a low price) may appear, though these are rare and subscriptions automatically renew, so users must cancel to avoid recurring charges.
Is there a free background site?
picjumbo has been cited as one of the best free image websites by various popular & international online publications. Our high-resolution free images, backgrounds and free photos are free to download, with no watermark and can be used in both personal and commercial projects.
How to obtain a criminal record in Connecticut?
For a statewide criminal records check, contact the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety (860-685-8480). For information regarding authentication including the Apostille, contact the Secretary of the State (860-509-6100).
What is the difference between a criminal record and a background check?
A criminal record check includes only specific criminal information: charges, convictions and penalties. A background check includes much more information about your life, including current and former addresses, employment history and any event that's gone through the courts in some way.
Do I have to identify myself to police in CT?
In Connecticut, the police do not have the right to stop you on the street and ask you to identify yourself. However, they can require you to provide them with ID if you are pulled over while driving. The police can also perform an investigatory stop in certain situations.
Can you look at public records online?
Yes, you can get many public records online, including federal court records via PACER, state/local court dockets through portals like Indiana's mycase.in.gov or Oregon's OJCIN, and property/tax info from county sites, but some sensitive records (like divorce) or specific documents might require visiting the courthouse or making formal requests through agencies like the DOJ or city portals (FOIA). The availability depends on the record type (court, property, government agency) and jurisdiction, often through specific websites or official request forms.
What records do not tell?
Final Answer
In summary, official records do not tell the full story of human experiences, emotions, and the context surrounding events.
Does someone know if you look up their public record?
When consulting public records strictly for private, informational purposes, the subject won't receive notification about your order. That means that private background checks are anonymous. You do not need to obtain the consent of the person whose information you want to research.
What is the minimum wage in CT?
As of January 1, 2026, Connecticut's minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, an increase from the previous rate of $16.35, mandated by legislation connecting it to the federal Employment Cost Index. This rate adjusts annually, with future increases announced by the CT Department of Labor by October 15th for the following January 1st. Minors under 18 can be paid 85% of the minimum wage (around $14.40) for their first 90 days of employment.
What is the move over law in CT?
Section 14-283b. - Motor vehicle operator required to move over or reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicle that is stationary or traveling significantly below speed limit and nonemergency vehicle that is stationary and located on shoulder.