Connecticut Court Records

Accessing Connecticut Court Records

Given so much bad news we all receive these days, you cannot be really blamed if you suddenly become concerned about your neighbor's past and present. After all, you have every right to care for your family. In fact, this is your responsibility. You can carry out a background check in Connecticut easily by accessing the court records. Of course, there are many other reasons as well for accessing the court records.

Various Types of Courts in Connecticut

After the General assembly in 1637, the General court came into existence. Other courts were established much later. There are today many courts in the state such as the Town and Borough court, Particular court, County courts, Superior court, and the Courts of Common Pleas. In fact, the Courts of Common Pleas swapped county courts, and were reorganized in 1975 to include the Circuit court. At the Family History Library, you will find microfilm copies of the court records.

Online Access

The Connecticut Judicial Branch helps you in accessing civil, criminal, family, housing, motor vehicle, and small claims cases online. By visiting the official website, you can search these records yourself and find the Connecticut court dockets as per your requirement. There is a fee that is nonrefundable even if the record cannot be found.

You can also go to the Clerk's office for your Connecticut court record. In fact, this is necessary if you want a certified copy of the record. Such copies are not available on the Internet. The Internet gives you the information that is contained in the record. You will be required to fill out a form and submit it at the office. You can also make that application over the telephone or send it through the mail.

Here, is the address where you must go or call up or send mail to,

Supreme Court

231 Capitol Avenue

Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 757-2200

What Are the Legal Limitations to the Availability of Connecticut Court Records?

There are a few legal limitations for accessing Connecticut court records. You can access the records, but you should know that the permission for this has to be granted by law. Information on most records that can be shown to you is usually within one to ten years, unless a shorter time span is indicated in the Connecticut Practice Book.

There are also some records which are considered to be confidential. So you cannot view these records. Usually the documents, which are restricted, are papers and records of adoption, employment files that are private, medical records, and records relating to juveniles.

You need to keep in mind that the court records are meant only for viewing purposes. You cannot use it for any other purpose. So you cannot sell the record or information or offer it free. If you are caught doing this, you can be charged and penalized.

Reasons for Denial of Connecticut Court Records

There are some reasons why a request might be denied are. It will be denied if the record does not exist, if the application is unclear, the office where the request was made does not have the record, the reasons for accessing the record is not satisfactory or if the record is confidential.