Criminal Court Records: PACER Criminal Records & Case Lookup

Criminal Court Records document every filing, hearing, and order that moves a criminal case from indictment through final disposition. A federal criminal docket search begins in the PACER system, where users can locate PACER criminal records, view a criminal docket sheet lookup, and perform a criminal case number search to pinpoint an indictment or sentencing order. State criminal case lookup follows similar logic on independent portals, delivering misdemeanor court records, felony conviction records, and court clerk criminal records for each jurisdiction. Researchers often compare a criminal background check vs court records to verify arrest records public access and to confirm the criminal case status online. The ability to run a criminal case filing date search, an indictment records search, or a plea agreement records query helps attorneys and investigators track case development without relying on speculation. Because each docket entry includes precise timestamps and docket numbers, a criminal judgment search can quickly reveal whether a sentencing order lookup or a criminal disposition search is required for further analysis.

Criminal Court Records also serve as the official source for certified criminal disposition copy requests, enabling courts to issue a certified copy bearing the clerk’s seal for immigration filings or professional licensing. When a record has been sealed or expunged, sealed criminal records access requires a court order, while expunged criminal records are removed from public view altogether. An FBI Identity History Summary supplies a concise rap sheet, yet it differs from a RECAP criminal docket archive that mirrors selected PACER documents for free download. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) custodians preserve older federal files, making NARA criminal case files searchable for historic inquiries. Immigration matters often involve EOIR immigration court records, which exist alongside federal court files yet follow a separate ACIS portal. Practitioners frequently perform a criminal case outcome verification by cross‑checking sentencing order lookup results with court of appeals criminal records to ensure consistency. By employing a criminal case search by name, a criminal case filing date search, or a criminal case number search, users can navigate the complex landscape of online criminal case search without encountering unexpected fees or restricted terminology.

How to Search Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records show every paper filed, every hearing held, and every order signed in a criminal case from start to finish. You can search these records at the federal level through PACER or at the state and county level through local court portals. For related documentation and local filings, you can consult official criminal records resources. The lookup process works best when you know the case number, the defendant’s full name, or the approximate filing date. This page walks you through each search path so you can find the records you need without paying extra fees or hitting sealed-file walls.

Official Search Portal: https://pacer.uscourts.gov

Steps to Search

1. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and click Register for an Account if you do not already have one. Pick the Case Search Only option for the fastest setup.
2. Add your credit card to turn on your account right away, or wait 7 to 10 business days for a mailed activation code.
3. Log in and pick the court where the case was filed from the drop-down menu, or open the PACER Case Locator to search every federal court at once.
4. Type the case number (such as 2:24-cr-00123) or the defendant’s name into the search box. Use filters for filing date and case type to narrow the results.
5. Open the docket report to see every entry in the case, then click individual documents to read or save them. Charges apply only when you view a document or run a name search.
6. Track your billing under Manage My Account → Usage so your quarterly total stays under $30 and your fees stay waived.

What Are Criminal Court Records? Definition, Components and Legal Authority

Criminal court records are the official papers courts create when they handle a criminal case. They show the charges, every motion and order, plea deals, verdicts, sentences, and any appeals. Federal clerks keep these records under 28 U.S.C. § 753, and state clerks keep theirs under each state’s public records laws. The records are open to the public so anyone can check how a case was handled.

Components of a Criminal Case File

A criminal case file holds many separate documents that tell the full story of a prosecution. Each piece plays a role in the court’s decision and shows up in the docket at a specific time. When you pull a docket report, you see a list of all these papers in order.

• Charging Document — the indictment, information, complaint, or citation that starts the case
• Docket Sheet — the running list of every entry filed in the case
• Arraignment Entry — the first plea entered by the defendant
• Plea Agreement — the deal signed when the defendant pleads guilty or no contest
• Pre-trial Motions — requests to suppress evidence, get discovery, or split charges
• Verdict or Judgment of Acquittal — the jury’s decision or the judge’s ruling
• Sentencing Order and Judgment of Conviction — the final punishment the court hands down
• Appellate Filings — the notice of appeal, briefs, and mandate from a higher court
• Post-Conviction Motions — habeas corpus petitions and 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motions

Federal vs. State Criminal Records: Key Differences

Federal and state criminal records come from two different court systems, and you reach each one through a different portal. Knowing which system holds your case saves time and keeps your search costs low.

Criminal Record Classification: Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction

The charge level controls how long the record stays public and what doors it can close. Felonies carry sentences of more than one year and produce the longest-lasting records. Misdemeanors carry shorter sentences and often have shorter retention windows. Infractions, like most traffic tickets, are not part of the criminal record at all in most states.

How to Search Federal Criminal Records via PACER (2026 Update)

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the only electronic doorway to U.S. federal court documents. Anyone 18 or older can register free of charge, and you pay $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. A $30 quarterly fee waiver covers almost all casual users. The PACER Case Locator (PCL) adds a nationwide index that updates nightly so you can find cases across every federal district in one search.

Step 1: Register for a PACER Account

The PACER account setup takes just a few minutes. The system walks you through each step and confirms your identity so you can start searching right away.

1. Visit pacer.uscourts.gov and click Register for an Account.
2. Pick Case Search Only if you only want to read records; pick Filing Attorney if you need to submit papers.
3. Pay with a credit card for instant activation, or skip payment and wait 7 to 10 business days for a postal token.
4. Make a password between 14 and 45 characters long that follows the complexity rules.
5. Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for stronger security; MFA is required for filers and optional for search-only users.

Step 2: Two Search Pathways

You can search a known federal court directly or use the nationwide index to find a case in an unknown district. Both routes lead to the same docket reports and documents.

Pathway A: Search a Specific Federal Court Directly

This path works best when you already know the court and the case number. Log in, pick the court from the drop-down menu, click Query, and type the case number. You pay nothing unless you open the docket.

Pathway B: PACER Case Locator (PCL) — Nationwide Index

This path helps when the court location is a mystery. The PCL index updates every night and lets you filter by party name, partial case number, filing date range, court type, and region. For a Texas federal criminal case of unknown district, pick the Texas state filter and search every Texas district at the same time.

PACER Pricing and Fee Structure (Effective 2026)

PACER fees have stayed steady since the Judicial Conference last updated the schedule. The table below shows the rates you pay for the most common actions.

Anatomy of a Federal Criminal Case Number

Federal criminal case numbers follow a set format that packs a lot of detail into a short string. Take the example 2:24-cr-00123-AJT. The 2 is the divisional office code, 24 is the year filed (2024), cr marks it as criminal, 00123 is the 123rd criminal case filed that year in that office, and AJT are the initials of the assigned judge. The “cr” middle segment tells you the case is criminal and not civil (“cv”) or bankruptcy (“bk”).

Cost-Saving Tips for PACER Users

Small habits can keep your PACER bill at zero every quarter. These tips come from the PACER User Manual and feedback from heavy users.

• Search by case number rather than name whenever possible; name searches bill even when no results show up.
• Use date-range filters to avoid re-pulling old entries you already have.
• Uncheck Parties and Counsel and Terminated Parties when you do not need them.
• Stay under the 10 MB per batch download limit so your downloads do not fail.
• Check Manage My Account → Usage → Detailed Transactions to track your spending.
• Add a Client Code without spaces or commas to organize billing for multiple cases.

PACER API Access for Researchers and Developers

PACER offers programmatic querying through the Case Locator API for journalists, legal tech firms, and academic researchers. The API lets you pull bulk case data without manually clicking through each search result.

State and County Criminal Case Lookup: 50 Independent Systems

No single national portal covers state criminal records. Each state runs its own system, and many states leave individual counties to run their own portals too. Felonies are tracked by state criminal history repositories, often under the state police or attorney general. Misdemeanors usually stay at the county level and show up on county clerk websites.

State Criminal History Repositories

Every U.S. state operates a central criminal records repository that holds a consolidated rap sheet for each person. These repositories draw from arrest data, court records, and corrections records across the state.

• State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)
• State Police or Highway Patrol
• Department of Public Safety
• Attorney General’s Office

These repositories keep the state rap sheet, which is the formatted criminal history used for background checks. They often hold arrest records that never led to a conviction, with retention rules that vary widely by state.

State Background Check Request Process

A state background check gives you a clean, single-page summary of someone’s criminal history in that state. The steps below cover the standard path you will follow no matter which state you request.

1. Find the right state repository for the state where you need the records.
2. Submit your request with either an FBI-standard FD-258 fingerprint card or a name-based search form.
3. Pay the fee, which ranges from $0 to more than $50 based on the state.
4. Receive your state rap sheet formatted in the III/NCIC layout used across the country.
5. Wait for processing — name-based checks take 1 to 7 days, and fingerprint checks take 2 to 8 weeks.

County Court Criminal Records Search

County courts, also called Superior Court, Circuit Court, or Court of Common Pleas based on the state, hold the docket-level criminal case files for misdemeanors and felonies. Most modern counties post dockets online; older counties still require an in-person visit or a mailed request.

Common Platforms: Odyssey and Tyler Technologies

Most state and county court systems now run on a small number of commercial vendors. Knowing which vendor a court uses helps you predict the look and feel of the search portal before you even visit.

• Tyler Technologies Odyssey — runs court systems in more than 30 states
• CourtPLUS and Cott Systems — strong regional presence
• Journal Technologies (eCourt) — used in several states
• Custom state systems — California’s CCMS and New York’s UCS are well-known examples

How to Read a Criminal Docket Sheet: Terminology and Entries Explained

A criminal docket sheet, also called a docket report or register of actions, is the running table of every paper filed in a case. Each entry shows a sequential docket number, a filing date, a plain-language description, and a link to the actual document. Reading a docket takes practice because each court uses slightly different wording and abbreviations.

Key Terminology in Criminal Dockets

The terms below come up again and again when you read federal and state dockets. Knowing them turns a confusing list into a clear timeline of the case.

• Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea
• Indictment — the formal charging paper returned by a grand jury in felony cases
• Information — the charging paper filed by the prosecutor without a grand jury, common in state cases
• Disposition — the final outcome such as conviction, acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, or deferred prosecution
• Plea Agreement — the deal between the prosecutor and defendant that resolves the case without trial
• Sentencing Order — the court’s order imposing prison, probation, fines, or restitution
• Judgment of Conviction — the final judgment that records the conviction and sentence
• Mandate — the appellate court’s final paper that sends the case back to the trial court

Anatomy of a Single Docket Entry

Each line in a docket report follows the same layout. Reading those fields the right way saves you time and helps you pull only the documents you actually need.

Criminal Case Status Codes

Federal CM/ECF uses a short list of status codes that tell you where a case stands. State courts use similar codes but sometimes add their own.

• OPEN — an active case still moving through the court
• PENDING — the case is waiting for a future action
• CLOSED — a final judgment has been entered
• TERMINATED — the case is fully concluded with no further activity expected
• DISPOSED — a final disposition has been recorded

Sealed and Expunged Criminal Records: Access Rules and Exceptions

Sealed records stay in the court’s file but the public cannot see them. Expunged records are treated as if they never existed at all. Getting access to either one usually needs a court order, a statutory exception, or proof that you are a party to the case.

Sealed vs. Expunged vs. Pardoned — Definitions

These three terms sound similar but mean very different things. The table below shows what each one does to the record and how you can ask for it back.

Federal Sealing Rules (Fed. R. Crim. P. 6, 32.2, 41)

Federal criminal records can be sealed under several specific rules. Each one covers a different situation, and most require a judge to sign off on the sealing order.

• Grand jury proceedings (Fed. R. Crim. P. 6)
• Pre-trial diversion and deferred prosecution, which often seal records after successful completion
• Cooperation agreements that protect sealed informants
• Expungement under 18 U.S.C. § 3607A for first-time simple drug possession
• Special sealing orders issued by the Judicial Conference

State Expungement Eligibility by Category

States set their own rules for who can ask for expungement and how long they must wait. The list below covers the categories that show up most often across the country.

• First-time non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a 1 to 10 year waiting period
• Non-conviction records like arrests that never led to an indictment
• Decriminalized conduct such as old marijuana convictions in reform states
• Juvenile adjudications once the person turns 18
• Completed diversion or probation without any violation

Eligibility rules, waiting periods, and benefits change a lot from state to state. A state-specific expungement tool or a local attorney can tell you exactly where you stand.

Access Sealed Records

Even when a record is sealed, certain people and agencies can still see it. The list below shows who usually has access under federal law and most state laws.

• The defendant
• The defense attorney of record
• The prosecutor’s office
• Law enforcement agencies with a legitimate need
• Government agencies that run background checks (varies by state)
• Anyone who gets a court order through a motion to unseal
• Statutory exceptions like sex offender registration, which may not be sealed at all

FBI Identity History Summary vs. Court Records: What’s the Difference?

The FBI Identity History Summary, often called a rap sheet, is a short summary of arrests and convictions compiled from state and federal submissions to the FBI’s CJIS Division. A court docket is the full case file with every motion, plea, and order. They come from different places, cost different amounts, and answer different questions.

What Is an FBI Identity History Summary?

The FBI Identity History Summary is the criminal record summary issued under 28 CFR Part 20. It pulls together the key dates and outcomes of every arrest and conviction tied to your fingerprints.

• Arrests and the dispositions that followed them
• Convictions
• Sentences handed down by courts
• Wanted persons status
• Federal employment restrictions

The summary does not include the full court docket, motions, plea agreements, or detailed case files. To get those, you must request court records directly through PACER or the state portal.

Rap Sheet vs. Court Records — Comparison Table

The table below shows how the two record types compare on the points that matter most to employers, attorneys, and journalists.

How to Request an FBI Identity History Summary

You can order your own FBI Identity History Summary through the FBI or through an approved channeler. The steps below cover both paths so you can pick the one that fits your timing and budget.

1. Get fingerprinted on an FD-258 card at a local law enforcement office or live-scan location.
2. Send the card to an FBI-approved channeler such as IdentoGO or Fieldprint, or mail it to the FBI directly.
3. Provide identification with your state ID, address, and date of birth.
4. Pay the $18 fee; channelers may add their own processing charges.
5. Wait 2 to 8 weeks for your summary to arrive, or use the FBI eFOIA portal for in-person pickup at a field office.

Background Checks vs. Court Records vs. Commercial People Search Sites

Background check companies, court records, and commercial people-search sites all return criminal history, but they serve different needs. Background check providers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when they supply reports for employment. Court records give you the most accurate, direct information. Commercial people-search sites are easy to use but are not FCRA-compliant and cannot be used for hiring or housing decisions.

FCRA-Compliant Background Check Providers

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers must use FCRA-compliant providers for any background check that affects a hiring decision. These providers pull records from official sources and follow strict accuracy rules.

• State criminal history repositories
• FBI database through state channels
• National Sex Offender Registry
• County court records where the provider has integration

Well-known providers include Checkr, Sterling, HireRight, AccurateNow, and Intelifi.

Commercial People-Search Sites

People-search sites pull public records from PACER and state portals and combine them into searchable profiles. The most popular names in this space include TruthFinder, BeenVerified, Spokeo, Instant Checkmate, and PeopleFinders.

• They cannot be used for employment, tenancy, or credit decisions.
• Accuracy is not guaranteed under federal accuracy laws.
• Data may be out of date, duplicated, or combined wrongly across jurisdictions.

RECAP: Free Open-Access PACER Mirror

The Free Law Project’s RECAP browser plugin uploads PACER documents to a free public archive at courtlistener.com/recap. Any document already saved by another user can be opened without charge. RECAP does not contain the full federal docket — only the documents that other users have uploaded.

Free vs. Paid: Cost-Quality Comparison

The table below shows how much each method costs, how wide its coverage runs, and how reliable the records tend to be.

Certified Criminal Disposition Copies, FOIA and Legal Use Cases

For court filings, immigration cases, expungement petitions, and EEOC-regulated employment checks, you almost always need a certified copy of the criminal disposition. A casual PACER printout is not enough. Certified copies carry the court seal and the clerk’s signature and serve as proof that the record is real.

Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

The difference between a certified and an uncertified copy decides whether the document holds up in a legal proceeding. The table below shows what each type does for you.

How to Request a Certified Criminal Disposition Copy

You can ask for a certified copy in person, by mail, or through an electronic request system. The steps below walk you through the standard path at any federal or state court.

1. Find the court that entered the judgment — federal cases sit in U.S. District Court, state cases sit in Superior or Circuit Court.
2. Contact the Clerk of Court in person, by mail, or electronically through CM/ECF or the state’s e-filing portal.
3. Share the case number or the party’s name and date of birth so the clerk can locate the file.
4. Pay the fee, which runs $5 to $25 at the federal level and varies by state.
5. Wait for processing, which can take the same day or stretch to several weeks.

FOIA Requests for Federal Criminal Records

The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) gives the public access to federal agency records, including DOJ files. FOIA does not usually cover court records because PACER already handles those. FOIA does cover FBI case files, DOJ prosecution files, and ATF records.

• Submit requests to the right agency FOIA office.
• Processing usually takes 20 or more business days.
• Exemptions include ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and informant protection.

EOIR Immigration Court Criminal Records

Immigration court (EOIR) records cover removal proceedings that often involve criminal convictions. These records are public and live in a separate system from the federal courts.

• Access them through the EOIR Immigration Court Online portal at eoir.justice.gov.
• Case numbers use the format A-nnn-nnn-nnn, such as A-200-123-456.
• Records stay separate from DOJ and Executive Office records.

NARA and Legacy Federal Case Files

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) holds closed federal criminal case files that are usually more than 15 to 20 years old. Researchers can reach these records through the National Personnel Records Center, the Federal Records Centers, or the NARA online catalog.

Criminal Record Retention Periods: How Long Do Records Stay Public?

Retention rules change a lot between federal and state systems. Federal case files live forever in digital PACER and move to NARA after 1 to 5 years for long-term storage. State retention runs from 5 years to permanent based on the offense, the state, and the disposition.

Federal Retention Standards

Federal courts follow retention rules set by the Administrative Office and NARA. The table below shows the most common retention paths for federal criminal records.

State Retention Variation

Each state runs its own retention schedule. The list below gives you a sense of how much retention can change from one state to the next.

• California — felonies are permanent; misdemeanors stay for 10 years after conviction
• Texas — most felonies are permanent; Class C misdemeanors stay for 5 years
• New York — convictions are permanent; non-convictions stay for 5 to 10 years
• Florida — felonies are permanent; misdemeanors stay for 5 years after sentencing

Always check your state court administrator’s official retention schedule for the exact rules that apply to your case.

Legal, Ethical and Privacy Considerations When Using Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records are public, but the way you use them is regulated. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, state fair employment laws, Title VII, the EEOC enforcement guidance, GDPR, CCPA, and rules on expunged records all limit how records can be used. Misuse can lead to civil liability and regulatory fines.

FCRA Compliance for Employment Use

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), criminal records used for employment, credit, tenancy, or insurance underwriting must come from an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency (CRA). You must also provide a pre-adverse action notice and follow dispute procedures before taking action against the applicant.

• Employment decisions
• Credit decisions
• Tenancy decisions
• Insurance underwriting

Ban the Box and Fair Chance Hiring

Many jurisdictions limit when employers can ask about criminal history. The Fair Chance movement has spread quickly across the country in recent years.

• Some federal agencies delay the inquiry until after a conditional offer
• 37 or more states have their own ban the box laws
• Cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago enforce local ordinances

Defendants and Family Members — Special Access

Defendants and their immediate family members have expanded access rights that go beyond what the general public can see.

• The right to copy your own case file, often at no charge
• The right to get a certified disposition for expungement
• The right to inspect sealed records under a court order
• The right to fix clerical errors under Rule 36 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure

Journalist and Researcher Ethics

Journalists and academic researchers who use criminal court records should follow a short list of best practices to keep their reporting accurate and fair.

• Verify the case status — charges are not convictions, and publishing too early can cause harm
• Note when records have been sealed or expunged
• Distinguish arrests, indictments, and acquittals in your reporting
• Offer a right of reply wherever possible
• Use PACER and court sources rather than third-party aggregators when you publish

Official Resources, Portals and Authoritative Sources

The list below puts every official source in one place so you can jump straight to the portal you need. You can also cross-reference these findings by accessing verified family court records online. All links point to government or non-profit sources that publish primary records.

• PACER Service Center — pacer.uscourts.gov
• U.S. Courts (Administrative Office) — uscourts.gov
• FBI CJIS Division — fbi.gov/services/cjis
• National Archives (NARA) — archives.gov
• U.S. Department of Justice — justice.gov
• RECAP / Free Law Project — courtlistener.com/recap
• GovInfo (USGPO opinions database) — govinfo.gov

To find your state criminal history repository, search “[state] state police criminal records” or “[state] bureau of investigation background check.” Most state repositories keep a public-facing request page on their official site.

Contact Information

Below are the official contact details for the federal agencies and offices that handle criminal court records. Use the right office based on the type of record you need and whether the case is active or closed.

• PACER Service Center — Phone: 800-676-6856 — Address: PACER Service Center, P.O. Box 780549, San Antonio, TX 78278 — Website: pacer.uscourts.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Court Records give you a clear view of every filing, hearing, and order in a case. Accessing these records helps you verify case status, prepare for court, or research a criminal history. Free portals, paid services, and in‑person options let you get the information you need quickly and legally.

How can I find Criminal Court Records online?

Start by visiting the official website of the court that handled the case. Most state and county sites have a public portal where you enter the defendant’s full name, case number, or filing date. If you do not know the case number, use the name search to pull a list of matching files, then narrow results by date or location. For federal matters, the PACER system provides electronic access after you create a free account. Remember to note any fees before downloading documents.

What is the best way to do a federal criminal docket search?

Register for a PACER account at pacer.gov. After logging in, choose the “Case Locator” tool and type the defendant’s name or docket number. The system returns a docket sheet that lists every filing, order, and hearing. Review the sheet first to identify the specific documents you need, such as the indictment or sentencing order. PACER charges a small fee per page, but you can avoid costs by opening only the files that contain essential information.

How do I perform a state criminal case lookup by name?

Visit the state’s judicial website and look for the “Case Search” or “Public Access” link. Enter the person’s last name and, if possible, the middle initial to reduce unrelated results. Select the appropriate county from the dropdown menu, then browse the list of cases that match. Click on a case number to view the docket, which shows charges, court dates, and outcomes. If the online portal does not display the record, you can call the clerk’s office with the case details for assistance.

Where can I obtain a certified copy of a criminal disposition?

Contact the clerk of the court that issued the original disposition. Request a “certified copy” and provide the case number, full name of the defendant, and the date of the disposition. The clerk will charge a copying fee and may require a small processing charge for the seal. You can receive the certified copy by mail or pick it up in person. Some courts also allow online payment and will mail the sealed document to the address you specify.

My record appears sealed; how can I access expunged criminal records?

First, confirm the status by contacting the court that handled the case. If the record is sealed, you must file a petition to lift the seal, showing a lawful reason such as a job application or immigration need. Provide a copy of the petition, any supporting documents, and a filing fee. Once the court grants the petition, you can request the unsealed file or a certified copy from the clerk. If the record was expunged, it no longer exists in the public system, so you will need to rely on other sources like a background check from an authorized agency.