Criminal records in New London County, Connecticut, are accessible through several channels. NewLondonCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail. Connecticut has a centralized judicial system, so criminal cases are handled at the Superior Court judicial district level rather than at the county court level in the traditional sense.
How to Search Criminal Records in New London
Searching for criminal records in New London begins with identifying the appropriate source. Here are the main methods:
Online Search
- NewLondonCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to find publicly available information about court criminal cases.
- Connecticut Judicial Branch Case Search — the official portal of the state's judicial branch allows you to search Superior Court cases by defendant's name or case number. Criminal cases from the Judicial District of New London are displayed in this system.
- DOC Inmate Search — the Connecticut Department of Correction provides an online tool to check the status of individuals in custody. This is useful if you need to know if someone is held at the Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center, which serves courts in New London, Norwich, and Windham.
- Reports and Records — State Police — for obtaining incident reports and accessing criminal history searches through the state police.
- Arrest Warrant Data — the Office of Policy and Management publishes data on issued warrants.
In Person
Visit the Superior Court clerk's office in the Judicial District of New London. Public access terminals typically allow you to view case information directly in the courthouse.
New London Police Records Section processes requests for police reports and background checks. Contact them in person during business hours.
By Mail
A written request can be sent to the State Police Bureau of Identification — the central repository of the state's criminal histories. You must provide the person's full name, date of birth, and, if available, case number. Criminal record information is maintained by the state police and the judicial branch.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search New London Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Connecticut, each criminal case is assigned a unique number, the structure of which provides information about the type of case and its location. A typical Superior Court case number format looks like this:
- Letter prefix — indicates the judicial district or geographical area. The corresponding district code is used for the Judicial District of New London (e.g., "KNL" for New London).
- Case type letter — "CR" indicates a criminal case.
- Year — a two-digit number corresponding to the year the case was opened.
- Sequential number — a unique sequential number within the year.
For example, a number like KNL-CR23-0012345 indicates a criminal case opened in 2023 in the New London judicial district. Knowing the case number, you can enter it directly into the Judicial Branch case search portal and obtain details without needing to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in New London
Each criminal case in the Superior Court contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of the main categories:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Connecticut General Statutes under which the charge is brought (e.g., C.G.S. § 53a-122 — first-degree larceny) |
| Severity Level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — updated information is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is currently being processed
- Disposed — a final decision has been made
- Closed — the case is fully completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance in court, charges are announced
- Preliminary hearing — determination of the sufficiency of evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial conference — discussion between parties of possible agreements or trial preparation
- Trial / Sentencing — court proceedings and, if found guilty, sentencing
- Review hearing — checking compliance with sentence conditions, such as probation
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolled (Nolle Prosequi) | The prosecutor declined to prosecute; the case may be reopened within 13 months |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in New London
Certified copies of criminal records in Connecticut can be obtained through several agencies, depending on the type of record.
Court Records — Clerk of the Superior Court
To obtain certified copies of court documents, contact the Superior Court clerk's office in the New London judicial district:
What you need:
- Completed request form (available at the clerk's office)
- Valid photo ID
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the defendant
- Payment of the prescribed fee
Criminal History — Connecticut State Police
An official Criminal History Record Check is conducted by the Bureau of Identification at the State Police. The request is submitted in person with fingerprints or by mail — depending on the type of check (name-based or fingerprint-based).
Police Reports
New London Police Records Section issues copies of police reports and conducts local background checks.
Inmate Information
If you need information about a person in custody, the Department of Correction accepts requests for inmate information.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in New London
Fees for criminal records in Connecticut are set at the state level and depend on the type of request.
| Service | Cost | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Usually on the day of request |
| Certification of copy | $2.00 per document | 1–3 business days |
| Criminal history check (name-based, State Police) | $75.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Criminal history check (fingerprint-based, State Police) | $75.00 | 4–6 weeks |
| Police report (New London PD) | Depends on volume | A few business days |
Fees for copies of court documents are regulated by Connecticut General Statutes § 52-259. Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or, in some cases, credit card — verify directly with the clerk's office. Processing times may increase during periods of high demand. For criminal history checks through the State Police, it is recommended to submit requests in advance, as fingerprint-based checks require additional processing time through the FBI.