Accessing Public Criminal Court Records For Free In The United States

Feb. 22, 2026, 12:23 p.m.

Tags: case criminal

Navigating the United States justice system to find information about criminal records can seem daunting, particularly when cost is a concern. While comprehensive background checks often involve fees, certain criminal records are publicly accessible without charge. Understanding what information is freely available and where to locate it is essential for individuals seeking to conduct their own research. This article outlines the types of criminal records that are generally public, the primary sources for locating them, and the methods for accessing these records at no cost. The information is based on publicly available guidance from legal resources and official court procedures.

What Information Is Publicly Accessible?

Public criminal records typically encompass information related to court proceedings and their outcomes. This includes charges filed, conviction dates, sentencing information, and details about arrests that led to formal charges. The primary purpose of making these records public is to ensure transparency in the judicial process. However, it is crucial to understand that not all criminal justice information is freely accessible to the public. There are significant exceptions designed to protect privacy and the integrity of the legal system.

Records pertaining to juveniles are generally sealed to protect the privacy of minors. These records are not discoverable through standard free searches. Similarly, records that have been expunged or sealed by a court order are legally removed from public view and will not appear in free public databases. Federal criminal records, which pertain to offenses prosecuted in federal courts, are also typically not accessible through free state or local searches. Furthermore, information held in private databases, often compiled by background check companies, is proprietary and requires a fee for access. Free searches therefore provide a valuable but limited snapshot of publicly available information and should not be considered exhaustive.

Primary Sources for Free Criminal Record Searches

Local and County Courts

Local courts, such as county or municipal courts, are the primary sources for criminal records related to misdemeanor and felony cases. Many of these courts offer online portals for free public access to case information. Users can often search these portals using a person’s name or a case number to find details like charges, court dates, and final dispositions. For records not available online or in jurisdictions without robust online systems, in-person searches at the clerk of courts office are an alternative. Individuals can request access to public terminals or physical records, often by completing a simple request form. The information available through these local court channels generally includes court proceedings and outcomes.

State-Level Repositories

Beyond local courts, many states maintain central criminal record repositories, often managed by state police or a department of justice. These repositories compile criminal history information from various jurisdictions within the state. Some states provide public access to portions of this data through online portals for free statewide searches. These state-level search tools offer a broader overview of an individual’s criminal record within that state, potentially including convictions from multiple counties. Accessing these systems may require agreeing to terms of use or understanding specific limitations on the information provided. While valuable, these resources typically only include legally public records and may not be as detailed as local court records for specific cases.

Federal Court Systems

For information on federal criminal cases, the U.S. court system provides specific access methods. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system allows users to search for case information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Court opinions are available for free on PACER to anyone with an account. Additionally, access to court opinions from many appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts are available for no fee in a text-searchable format through a partnership with the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). While basic case information is available, accessing detailed documents through PACER typically incurs a fee of 10 cents per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document, though fees are waived for any user accruing less than $30 in a quarter.

For older historical court records, files eligible for permanent preservation are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for storage. These records can be accessed directly from NARA. All bankruptcy courts also offer a free telephone information system, known as the Voice Case Information System, which enables callers to obtain basic case information through a touchtone phone 24 hours a day.

Methods for Accessing Free Records

Online Searches

The most convenient method for accessing free criminal records is through online portals. To conduct an effective search, it is advisable to have as much information as possible. The offender’s full legal name is essential, as nicknames or middle names may not be sufficient, especially for common names. A case number is the most reliable way to find a specific criminal record. If available, a business name can also be helpful if a business was involved in the case. When searching online, users should be aware that digital records may be incomplete if the jurisdiction is in the process of converting files. If a record is not found online, a follow-up request for a hard copy may be necessary.

In-Person Requests

When online searches are not an option, in-person visits to the appropriate court are a reliable alternative. Individuals can visit the clerk’s office in person and either fill out a request form or deliver a written request. It is beneficial to bring as much identifying information as possible to avoid multiple trips. The benefit of submitting a request in person is the ability to ask questions directly to court personnel. Some courts may allow you to search the court archives yourself. An employee can direct you to the archives, which might be organized by year or case type. You can view records for free at the courthouse, but there is usually a fee to print copies from a public access terminal. For records that have been moved to a different location for storage, you may need to request that the clerk have the file sent back to the court archives.

Mail-In Requests

Many courts provide instructions on their websites for requesting criminal records by mail. If this is the preferred method, carefully copy the address provided to ensure the request reaches the correct office. It is standard practice to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough to hold the entire document for the return mail. The request can be in the form of a downloaded request form or a letter. Whether using a form or a letter, the request should include the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific documents requested (e.g., a trial docket, minutes for a specific court date, or the sentencing document). Fees for copies must be included with the mailed request; the court’s website should have a "fee schedule" listing the cost per page. Some offices may only require you to cover costs up to a certain amount.

Limitations and Considerations

While free searches can yield valuable information, they have clear limitations. As noted, juvenile, expunged, and sealed records are not publicly available. Federal criminal records are generally not accessible through free state or local searches. The information obtained from free public records may not be as detailed as that found in paid background check reports, which often include data from private databases. Users should also be prepared for potential inconsistencies; some jurisdictions may have incomplete digital records, and older records may require more effort to locate. When using the information found, it is important to consider the source and the context, as public records are a snapshot of a person's interaction with the justice system at a specific point in time.

Conclusion

Accessing criminal records for free in the United States is possible through a structured process involving local, state, and federal court systems. The most accessible records are typically those related to public court proceedings and dispositions, available through online portals or in-person requests at courthouses. For federal cases, the PACER system and GPO partnership offer free access to court opinions, while the Voice Case Information System provides basic bankruptcy case details. While these resources are invaluable for transparency, they are subject to significant limitations, particularly regarding juvenile, expunged, and federal records. By understanding what is publicly available and following the appropriate procedures for online, in-person, or mail-in requests, individuals can effectively navigate the public records system to find the information they need.