About Connecticut Public Records

About Connecticut public records

Connecticut's secretary of state, court clerks for cities, counties and statewide, department of public health and eight assessors are major providers of public records. Each department, separately offer services which include instant database searches for verification, official certified copies with forms and instructions for submitting requests yourself. Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection State Police Bureau of Identification handles requests for criminal histories or police reports. Electronic access through departments gives the public access to conduct a complete search from the original custodians of official records. Some records may only be available at the county level as with real estate records of transactions, conveyance and recorded deeds.

State background and court information

Connecticut is located in the northeastern part of the United States. It is the 48th largest state in size with just over 5,500 square miles and a population of 3.5 million residents. Connecticut's early economy benefited from manufacturing and industrial development. Today, Connecticut's economy has shifted to insurance, financial and the service industries. There are eight counties and 169 towns that serve as local municipalities of Connecticut. Towns are local governments of the state containing law enforcement such as the police department, tax collectors such as the assessors office, registrars of voters, probate court, town clerks and officials.

State and local government clerks, amongst other services, provide Connecticut residents with recorded documents on a regular basis. As each state's sunshine laws (also know as Freedom of Information statutes) allow anyone without having a reason free access to government agency information. This includes all agencies within the state with exceptions for confidentiality and privacy. Requests for information are made for personal and business purposes.

A Connecticut background check covers many areas of a person's past history. Beginning your search efficiently by referencing an index of best found resources to conduct a search can show which government agency is the custodian of the record you are seeking. By accessing the Connecticut Department of Public Safety site directly you can view how to order a criminal history search or a letter of good conduct. A search of the Connecticut judicial branch can expand your search to include criminal motor vehicle case look up. State and local courts in Connecticut keep many records essential to a complete background search. Civil case detail search provided by the Connecticut judicial branch allows browsers to obtain divorce information and other civil actions. Lookup upcoming criminal trials with free online court calendars. Order copies of judgements in criminal, probate court and small claims cases heard in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Superior courts are divided in the civil, criminal for felonies and misdemeanors, housing and family divisions. A separate probate court hears cases involving estates, trusts,  adoptions, conservators, mentally ill, guardians, estates of minors, exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving torts, contracts, real property rights, small claims (where the amount in controversy is from $0-$2,500), and administrative agency appeals (except workers' compensation), hear cases involving support or custody, paternity, and other miscellaneous domestic relations matters, with exclusive jurisdiction over marriage dissolution matters. Criminal superior court has exclusive jurisdiction over criminal matters. it has exclusive traffic/other violation jurisdiction, except for uncontested parking matters (which are handled administratively). Exclusive juvenile jurisdiction.

Appellate courts have mandatory jurisdiction in civil, noncapital criminal, administrative agency (workers' compensation), juvenile, lawyer disciplinary, and original proceeding matters, discretionary jurisdiction to hear administrative agency (zoning only) cases.

The state's highest court is the Supreme court with mandatory jurisdiction in civil matters, capital criminal matters, criminal matters and judge disciplinary matters, discretionary jurisdiction in civil, noncapital criminal matters, and administrative agency matters.

Court records and filings

Connecticut court records are maintained by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. The Superior Court is the sole general trial court handling civil, family, housing, criminal, and juvenile matters throughout the state.

Case look-up is available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch online services portal at jud.ct.gov.

Criminal records and background checks

Connecticut criminal records are maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), State Police Bureau of Identification. The Connecticut Centralized Criminal History Records System (CCHRS) provides access to state and national criminal history record information. Criminal history checks cost $75 for state and $13.25 for federal level. Court records are accessible through the Connecticut Judicial Branch case look-up system for criminal, civil, family, housing, small claims, and motor vehicle cases. DESPP also maintains the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry. The Department of Correction provides an online inmate search.

Vital records

Statewide Connecticut vital records. Search births, marriage records and death certificates. Divorces filed with courts. State vital records offices. Link to the agencies in Connecticut and order vital records. Many records are public information available to the public from private and government entities. You can use information to verify your records. Look up vital statistics and free vital searches in Connecticut to conduct research online. Family History Centers. Vital Records prior to 1897. Registry of all births, marriages, civil unions, deaths and fetal deaths. Connecticut's New Electronic Death Registry System, how to Request a Vital Record, Electronic Death Registry System, Family History.

Government records and agencies

Access Connecticut government agencies and obtain information on executive branches, legislative branches and jucidial branches within state jurisdiction. Link below to the state government agencies as well as state government information and services. Other state government resources such as codified state law, voters registration and other state government departments

Driving and vehicle records

Direct Connecticut official government links to driver license and registration resources. Vehicle registration, tags, driving history, online forms, office locations, and hours.

Expungements and record clearing

Expunge your criminal past of felonies, misdemeanors, D.U.I convictions and more in the state of Connecticut. Get information regarding expungements and begin to erase your previous Connecticut criminal records statewide as well as nationwide. Some records can contain inaccurate or erroneous information that can be amended. Both juvenile and adult cases that can be corrected and begin your search for employment without a tainted past showing.

Genealogy and historical research

Connecticut genealogy related links and topics. Individual state search of your ancestors, start a family tree, browse census records and more online.

Missing children resources

The state of Connecticut is prepared to deal with missing children on several different levels. Connecticut has systems in place which enable the rapid dissemination of information to the public and related law enforcement agencies regarding a missing or abducted child. A primary resource is the Connecticut Amber Alert System which offers immediate, up to date information to aid in a child's safe recovery. Local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Connecticut State Police, are well organized for the search and criminal investigation process necessary to return a child home safely. Information is available instructing citizens how to proceed when a child is missing. That includes where to report the disappearance and other steps to be followed. Multiple internet sites offer lists, photos, and details of children currently missing in Connecticut, as well as a list of current alerts for children reported missing. In the prevention mode, Connecticut offers a child identification program designed to give families a measure of protection against child abduction. Parents can also find safety tips online to help protect their children.