How Do I Check Criminal Cases?
- 1). Gather the necessary data on the defendant--the person who has the charges pending or who had criminal charges filed against him. Necessary information usually includes a complete name, date of birth and what county or federal jurisdiction the charges were filed in.
- 2). Look for the website for the jurisdiction in which the charges were filed to see whether it has an interactive search program for tracking criminal cases. If the charges are state charges, look for the county court's home page. If the charges are federal, you will have to register for a Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) account first to access electronic case information. Anyone may apply for a PACER account by filling out the online application. Registration is free, however there is a charge for using the system. You may apply for a PACER account at uscourts.gov. Once you have received your PACER login information you can search federal cases throughout the country.
- 3). If you are able to find an interactive case management page, then input the defendant's information into the search engine and you will be able to see the public information available in the case. Public information generally includes the date charges were filed and what charges are pending, attorney information, motions filed and hearing dates.
- 4). If the court that you are dealing with does not have an online system, you will need to call the court or go to the court in person. Have the defendant's identifying information handy when calling or arriving at the court in person. Ask to speak to the clerk of the court's office.
- 5). If you need copies of final dispositions such as a judgment of conviction or a dismissal, you will generally need to go to the court in person and request copies. Depending on the court's procedures and how old the case is, you may have to return to pick up the copies and there may be a fee.
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