Criminal records in New Haven, Connecticut, are available through several channels. NewHavenCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases related to this county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Online portals, written requests, and in-person visits all work to access criminal records in New Haven.
How to Search Criminal Records in New Haven
Start with NewHavenCourt.us — this resource provides access to public information about court criminal cases. Typically, you need at least one of the following to search:
- Full name of the person (last name and first name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
In Connecticut, criminal records are maintained by the Judicial Branch and the State Police. Here are the main online tools:
- Connecticut Judicial Branch Portal — allows searching for cases by name or case number through the Case Look-Up system on the jud.ct.gov website.
- DCJ Criminal Records Page — redirects to State Police and Judicial Branch resources.
- Inmate Search through the Connecticut Department of Correction — useful if the person is under DOC supervision.
- Arrest Warrant Data — here you can check outstanding warrants by name, city, or court location.
In Person
The court clerk's office in New Haven welcomes visitors who want to view criminal cases. Public access terminals are available in the courthouse. The clerk can help locate a specific case.
Mail Request
To obtain an official criminal history, send a written request to the State Police Bureau of Identification. The request requires a completed form, fingerprints, and payment. More details are in the section below.
Search New Haven Criminal Cases by Case Number
Criminal case numbers in Connecticut have a clear structure. A typical format looks like this:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case. For example, "CR" means a criminal case, "MV" — a motor vehicle-related case.
- Court Code — a two-digit number identifying the judicial district. For the New Haven Judicial District, it has its own code.
- Year — two digits indicating the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year and court.
For example, a number like CR12-0123456-S indicates a criminal case filed in a specific district. The letter "S" at the end usually denotes Superior Court. If you have the exact number, searching through the Connecticut Judicial Branch portal will yield the fastest result.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in New Haven
Charges
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to Connecticut General Statutes, e.g., § 53a-63 (Assault 2nd degree) |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is in progress
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case in New Haven Superior Court goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge assesses the sufficiency of evidence
- Pre-Trial — discussions between parties, possibility of a plea deal
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with sentence conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolled (Nolle Prosequi) | The prosecutor dropped the charges; the case may be reopened within 13 months |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in New Haven
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with a court or government agency seal. They are often required by employers, licensing agencies, and immigration attorneys.
Through the Judicial Branch
Contact the New Haven Superior Court clerk's office to obtain certified copies of court documents. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
You will need:
- Full name of the person or case number
- Valid ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment of applicable fees
Through the State Police (full criminal history)
To obtain an official Criminal History Record report, submit a request to the Bureau of Identification at Connecticut State Police. This process requires:
- Completing the appropriate request form
- Fingerprinting (for fingerprint-based checks)
- Payment of the fee
Name-based checks are also available, but the information they provide may be limited.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in New Haven
Fees are set by Connecticut law and the internal rules of the respective institutions. Below are approximate amounts — check the current rates directly with the institution.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Superior Court Clerk's Office |
| Document certification | $2.00–$25.00 | Depends on the type of document and court |
| Criminal history check (name-based) | $75.00 | State Police Bureau of Identification |
| Criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $75.00+ | May include additional fingerprinting fee |
Processing Times
- Copies of court documents — usually from a few minutes (in-person) to 5–10 business days (by mail).
- Criminal history check through State Police — typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on submission method and workload.
For federal cases heard in the District Court of Connecticut in New Haven, document copies are ordered through the PACER system or the federal court clerk's office at 141 Church Street. PACER fees are $0.10 per page.