Criminal records in Litchfield, Connecticut, are available through several channels. LitchfieldCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Connecticut State Police — and the Litchfield Superior Court clerk's office. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, understand, and obtain certified copies of criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Litchfield
There are several ways to find criminal records related to Litchfield.
Online Search
- LitchfieldCourt.us — start here if you need general information about criminal cases. You will need the person's full name or case number to search.
- Connecticut Judicial Branch Court Portal — the state of Connecticut provides online access to court cases through the Case Look-up system on the Judicial Branch website. Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, or date.
- CT DOC Inmate Search — the Department of Corrections allows you to search for individuals in custody by DOC number, last name, and date of birth.
- Connecticut State Police Reports and Records — this portal provides access to Connecticut State Police incident reports and criminal history check information.
In-Person Visit
Cases heard in Litchfield Superior Court can be viewed directly at the court clerk's office. Contact the clerk and provide the defendant's name or case number. Town Clerk Litchfield does not maintain court records — for criminal cases, you must contact the Superior Court.
Written Request by Mail
To obtain an official criminal history check, complete the Criminal History Record Request form and send it to the State Police Bureau of Identification. The form requires:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if available)
- Payment of the appropriate fee
Note: Fingerprinting for a criminal history check must be performed by a law enforcement agency. Fingerprints taken by private companies are not accepted.
Law Enforcement Agencies
The Western District Connecticut State Police headquarters is located directly in Litchfield:
The local Litchfield Police Department can provide information on recent arrests and incidents.
Search Litchfield Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Connecticut has a standard format that includes several key elements:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases, "MV" for motor vehicle violations).
- Court Code — a two-digit code that identifies the specific judicial district. Litchfield has its own code in the Judicial Branch system.
- Filing Year — the last two digits of the year the case was opened.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the court and year.
Example: CR12-0012345-S. If you have the full case number, searching through the court portal will take only a few seconds. Without the number — use the defendant's name and date of birth.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Litchfield
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of the Connecticut General Statutes under which the charges are brought |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge during proceedings — the new charge replaces or supplements the previous one |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case in Litchfield Superior Court typically goes through the following stages:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant is read the charges
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties to discuss a possible agreement or prepare for trial
- Hearing / Motion hearing — consideration of motions by attorneys
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court finds the defendant not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolled (Nolle Prosequi) | The prosecutor drops the charges — a common practice in Connecticut |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Litchfield
In Connecticut, criminal records are maintained at the state level, not the county level. Therefore, certified copies of criminal history are issued by the State Police Bureau of Identification, which is part of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).
How to Submit a Request
- By Mail — download and complete the Criminal History Record Request form (DPS-846-C), include payment, and send it to the Bureau of Identification.
- In Person — visit any law enforcement agency for fingerprinting if a fingerprint-based check is required.
Required Documents
- Completed DPS-846-C form
- Valid photo ID
- Fingerprints (for fingerprint-based checks — taken by a law enforcement agency)
- Payment of the fee
To obtain copies of specific court documents — indictments, hearing transcripts, judgments — contact the Litchfield Superior Court clerk's office.
The Town Clerk's office does not maintain court records and redirects such requests to the Superior Court.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Litchfield
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal history check (CT only, by name) | $75 | Through State Police Bureau of Identification |
| Criminal history check (fingerprint-based, CT only) | $75 | Fingerprints must be taken by a law enforcement agency |
| National check (FBI + CT) | $75 | Additional FBI fee may apply |
| Copy of court document | Depends on document type | Check with Litchfield Superior Court clerk's office |
| Document certification | Additional fee | Check with court clerk's office |
Processing Times
- Criminal history check by name — typically 2 to 4 weeks after the Bureau of Identification receives the request.
- Fingerprint-based check may take longer, especially if the FBI is involved.
- Copies of court documents from the court clerk's office — processing times depend on workload; for urgent requests, it is better to appear in person.
Payment is accepted in the form of a money order or certified check payable to the "Commissioner of Public Safety." Personal checks are generally not accepted. Current fee information can be verified on the Criminal Records page on the official state portal or through the Freedom of Information Commission if there are questions about access to public records.