How to Look Up Court Cases in Connecticut

Looking for information on a court case in Connecticut? Whether it's your own case or one you're interested in, it's fairly simple to access case details and documents online. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find what you need.

Step 1: Go to the Connecticut Judicial Branch Website

The first place to start your search is the official website for the Connecticut Judicial Branch at jud.ct.gov. This is the central hub for all things related to the state court system.Once you're on the homepage, look for the "Quick Links" section on the right side of the page. Under that, click on the link for "Case Look-up".

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Court

The Case Look-up page has options to search for cases in different courts:

• Supreme and Appellate Courts
• Superior Court
• Small Claims Court
• Housing Court

Most cases will be in Superior Court, but make sure to select the right option depending on the type of case you're looking for. The Supreme and Appellate Courts handle appeals, Small Claims is for money disputes under $5,000, and Housing Court deals with landlord-tenant matters.

Step 3: Enter Search Criteria

Okay, now for the important part - actually finding the case! After selecting the court, you'll see a search form where you can enter information to locate the case you want.The key things you'll need are:

• Case number (docket number)
• Party name (plaintiff or defendant)

You don't necessarily need both, but the more info you can provide, the easier it will be to find the right case. If you have the case number, that's usually the quickest way to pull it up.When searching by name, keep in mind:

• Enter the last name first
• For business names, omit words like "Inc." or "LLC"
• Use an asterisk (*) for partial names or wildcard searches

Step 4: View Case Information

After entering your search and hitting submit, matching cases will be displayed. Click on the docket number of the case you want to view the Case Detail page.Here you'll find all the essential info about the case, like:

• Case type
• Court location
• List of parties involved
• Attorneys on the case
• Scheduled events like hearings
• List of case filings and documents

To view or download documents, just click the link for "Image" next to the filing. This will open a PDF that you can save or print.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up criminal cases or family court cases?

• Yes, criminal and family cases can be found using the Superior Court case look-up. Just make sure to follow any special instructions for sensitive cases.

Are the online case records up to date?

• Yes, the case information is updated in real-time as activity occurs. You'll see the same info that court staff can access.

What if I can't find my case?

• Double check that you selected the right court and entered the search info correctly. If it still doesn't come up, contact the court where the case was filed to verify the details.

Can anyone view case information or is it private?

• Most court records are public, so anyone can search and view them. The only exceptions are cases that have been sealed by the court or confidential information within a file.

Hopefully this overview gives you a good idea of how to find court cases in Connecticut! It's a lot easier than having to go in person to the courthouse. With just a few clicks you can access a wealth of case information right from your computer or phone.Of course, looking at court records is one thing - understanding all the legalese is another! If you have questions about what you find, it's always best to consult with an attorney to make sure you're interpreting things correctly.