New London Criminal Records Access

Finding criminal records in New London County starts with knowing where to look. The county sits in the southeast corner of Connecticut. It holds two Superior Court locations that handle all criminal cases. You can search case files, view dockets, and request conviction history from these courts. The State Police Bureau of Identification also maintains official rap sheets for the entire county. This guide explains how to access arrest records, court documents, and other criminal history in New London County.

New London County Criminal Court Locations

New London County operates two Superior Court locations for criminal matters. The New London Superior Court serves as the main judicial center for the county. It sits at 70 Huntington Street in the city of New London. This courthouse handles felony cases, serious misdemeanors, and major criminal trials. The phone number is (860) 443-8380. Court hours run from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Parking is available near the courthouse for visitors. Clerks maintain all case files and docket entries at this location.

The Norwich Superior Court provides a second location for county residents. You can find it at 1 Courthouse Square in Norwich, Connecticut. The zip code is 06360. Call (860) 889-7335 to reach the clerk's office with questions. This court also handles criminal cases from towns in the northern part of New London County. Both courts are part of the single New London Judicial District. The district covers all twenty-one communities in the county. Court records from both locations are available for public inspection.

Court staff can help you locate case numbers and docket information. Bring a name and approximate date of the case you seek. Staff will direct you to the right resources for your search. Case files contain charging documents, motions, and disposition records.

Towns in New London County Criminal District

The New London Judicial District serves a diverse mix of coastal and inland communities. The district covers twenty-one towns across the county. These range from small rural areas to larger cities. Each town contributes cases to the criminal justice system in New London County. Police departments in each town create arrest records when incidents occur.

Coastal towns include East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, New London, Old Lyme, Stonington, and Waterford. These communities border Long Island Sound. Inland towns served include Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown. Norwich stands as the largest city in the northern part of the county. New London serves as the county seat and hosts the main courthouse. Criminal records originate from police activity in all these towns.

Cases from all these towns flow into the New London and Norwich court locations. Local police departments make arrests in their respective towns. State Police Troop E in Montville also patrols highways and responds to incidents. All criminal charges end up in the Superior Court system for the New London Judicial District. Arrest records and incident reports begin at the local level.

New London State's Attorney Criminal Prosecutions

The State's Attorney for the New London Judicial District prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. This office reviews arrests and decides which charges to file. They represent the state in court proceedings. Victims can contact this office about case status and restitution. The New London State's Attorney works from offices in the courthouse. Prosecutors handle case files from review through trial.

Visit the New London State's Attorney website for office contact details. The site explains the prosecution process in Connecticut. It also lists services for victims and witnesses. The office handles thousands of cases each year from across New London County. Their work ensures criminal cases move through the court system properly. Case disposition records reflect their charging decisions.

Prosecutors in this office handle everything from minor violations to serious felonies. They work with police departments to build cases. They also negotiate plea agreements when appropriate. The State's Attorney makes the final call on which cases go to trial. Conviction records result from their work in court.

How to Search New London Criminal Records

Start your search for New London County records at the court clerk's office. You can visit either the New London or Norwich courthouse in person. Bring the defendant's name and any case details you have. The clerk can look up cases by name or docket number. You can request copies of court documents for a small fee. Most files are public under Connecticut law. These records include charging information, motions, and final judgments.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch criminal case portal offers online access. This free tool lets you search cases by name. Results show charges, court dates, and case status. The system updates regularly with new filings. You can search from home without visiting the courthouse. Not all case details appear online. Some documents require an in-person visit to view. The portal displays docket entries and disposition information.

For official conviction history, contact the State Police Bureau of Identification. Their Middletown office processes all criminal history requests for New London County. You will need to submit a form and pay the required fee. Name-based searches cost $36 for verification only or $75 for full conviction history. Results take two to four weeks by mail. These records show all arrests, charges, and convictions statewide.

Fingerprint-based checks provide more accurate results. These cost $75 plus a $15 fingerprinting fee. Schedule an appointment through the DESPP system. Bring valid photo ID to your appointment. Fingerprint records ensure positive identification of the subject.

New London County Inmate and Arrest Records

Find current inmates from New London County using the state database. The Department of Correction Inmate Search shows who is in custody now. You can search by name or inmate number. Results show the facility location, charges, and sentence details. This database covers pretrial detainees and sentenced prisoners alike. Inmate records display custody status and projected release dates.

Arrest records in New London County come from local police departments. Each town maintains its own arrest logs and incident reports. Contact the police department in the town where the arrest occurred. State Police incidents are handled through Troop E in Montville. Some departments post recent arrests on their websites. Arrest records include the date, charges, and booking information.

The State Police Bureau of Identification maintains the official criminal history database. This is the only source for comprehensive conviction records. Their records cover all of Connecticut, including New London County. Request forms are available on their website. These records are the most complete source for criminal history documentation.

Public Access to New London Criminal Records

Connecticut law ensures public access to most criminal records in New London County. CGS § 1-210 makes all records held by public agencies open to inspection. This law applies to court files and police reports. Citizens have the right to view and copy these documents. Some limits exist for active investigations and sealed cases. Court records remain open unless sealed by a judge.

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission enforces public records laws. File a complaint if an agency denies your request. The commission office is at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. Call (860) 566-5682 for help with records access. They can order agencies to release documents that should be public. The law guarantees access to most criminal case files and arrest records.

Arrest records become public immediately under state law. This includes the name, address, and charges. Victim information may be redacted in sensitive cases. Juvenile records remain sealed from public view. Understanding these rules helps you know what records you can obtain in New London County. Public access to records supports transparency in the justice system.

New London Criminal Record Erasure Laws

Certain criminal records in New London County qualify for erasure under state law. CGS § 54-142a governs when records must be erased. Cases dismissed or nolled are erased automatically. Dismissed cases erase after twenty days. Nolled cases erase after thirteen months. These records disappear from official criminal history databases.

Connecticut's Clean Slate law also erases some convictions after time passes. Misdemeanors erase after seven years from the most recent conviction. Felonies require ten years before automatic erasure. This process resumed in 2025 after system updates. Family violence crimes and sexual offenses do not qualify. Neither do firearm-related convictions. Erased records no longer appear in conviction history searches.

Once erased, the law treats the record as if it never existed. You may legally say you were never arrested for that offense. Erased records do not appear in standard criminal history checks. The State Police remove them from their database. Record erasure gives people a fresh start after completing their sentences.

Check your status on the Clean Slate portal. Not all eligible records have been processed yet. The state continues working through the backlog of cases. Erased files cannot be used against you.

Types of New London County Criminal Records Available

Several types of criminal records exist for New London County. Each serves a different purpose. Court records show the legal process from arrest through sentencing. Police records document the initial incident and investigation. Correction records track time served in prison or jail.

Common record types you can request include:

• Court case files with charges, motions, and outcomes
• Conviction history showing guilty findings and sentences
• Arrest records from specific incidents
• Inmate custody status and location records
• Incident reports from police investigations

Court records provide the most complete picture of a criminal case. They include all filings, hearing dates, and final judgments. Police reports focus on the initial event and evidence gathered. Inmate records only show current custody status. Conviction history documents guilt and sentencing. Choose the record type that fits your needs.

Other Connecticut Counties Criminal Records

New London County is one of eight counties in Connecticut. Each has its own Superior Court locations and judicial districts. You may need records from other counties if a case moved between locations.