Farmington Court Records

Court records for Farmington residents are part of the Connecticut state court system. All cases from Farmington get filed at Hartford County Superior Courts. Criminal and motor vehicle cases go to Geographical Area No. 14 in Hartford. Civil and family matters are heard at Hartford Judicial District. The Connecticut Judicial Branch runs a free online lookup tool where anyone can search Farmington court records by name or case number. Most court records are open to the public and can be viewed online or in person at the courthouse. Visit the court clerk's office in Hartford to request full case files or certified copies of court documents from Farmington cases.

Hartford County Courts for Farmington

Farmington is in Hartford County. Criminal cases from Farmington go to Geographical Area No. 14 at Hartford. This courthouse sits at 101 Lafayette Street, Hartford, CT 06106. The clerk's office phone is (860) 566-1630. This location handles criminal and motor vehicle cases for Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, Farmington, Hartford, and West Hartford.

Civil and family cases from Farmington get filed at Hartford Judicial District. The address is 95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Call the clerk at (860) 548-2700. This district serves Hartford and many surrounding towns in Hartford County including Farmington.

Connecticut runs a state court system. There are no municipal courts in Farmington. All legal matters go through Connecticut Superior Courts. The state divides its court system into 13 judicial districts and 17 geographical areas.

How to Search Farmington Court Records

The Connecticut Judicial Branch offers a free case lookup at jud.ct.gov/lookup.htm. Choose the case type you need. Civil, family, housing, and small claims searches are at one portal. Criminal and motor vehicle cases have a separate search tool.

Type a last name or docket number. You can add a first name to narrow results. Pick Hartford as the judicial district if you know where the case was filed. Results show case parties, numbers, and filing dates. Click on a case to see the full docket with all events and dates.

The database updates each night. New filings appear by the next day. Older cases may not be online. Call the courthouse if you cannot find a case.

Some records do not show up in searches. Juvenile matters are confidential under Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-124. Youthful offender files stay sealed. Dismissals and acquittals become non-disclosable 20 days after the court rules per Connecticut General Statutes Section 54-142a. Clerks cannot acknowledge erased cases exist. Nolle prosequi records are visible for 13 months from when they were entered.

Note: Online searches show basic case info but full files may require a courthouse visit.

Getting Copies of Court Files

Go to the courthouse where your case is filed. Court clerks pull files and make copies. Copy fees are one dollar per page. Certified copies may cost more. Some courts take mail requests if you send payment.

For disposed cases, email the Centralized Services Unit at SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov. Include the case name and docket number. Files should be ready in one or two business days. They email small files free. Pick up larger files at any court location. Some files need ID to access.

Transcripts are ordered separately. Attorneys use the eServices portal at eservices.jud.ct.gov. Others fill out a transcript order form and give it to the Court Reporter's Office in the judicial district where the hearing happened. Fees vary by length.

The Judicial Branch explains the records request process at jud.ct.gov/courtRecords.htm. This page covers what info you need and how to get Farmington court records.

Types of Court Cases

Connecticut Superior Courts handle all trial cases. Civil matters include lawsuits for money, contract disputes, and property fights. Records show complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Criminal files list charges, pleas, trial results, and sentences for people accused of crimes in Farmington. Family cases cover divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. Housing session handles evictions. Small claims court is for smaller money disputes.

Each case generates several documents. Complaints start civil cases. Informations or warrants start criminal cases. Motions ask the judge to act. Orders tell what the judge decided. Final judgments close cases. Dockets track every event with dates and notes.

Access varies by record type. Most civil and criminal files are public. Pre-sentence reports are confidential per Connecticut General Statutes Section 54-91b. Family evaluations stay closed except to parties under Practice Book rules. Search warrants become public after execution under state law.

Judges can seal files when good cause exists. A party must file a motion. The court holds a hearing and decides if disclosure would cause harm. Sealing is rare. Most cases stay open to the public.

Legal Resources for Farmington Residents

Free legal aid is available for qualifying residents. Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut helps low-income people with civil cases. They handle housing, family law, and benefits. Call to see if you qualify. Visit slsct.org for more info. They do not take criminal cases.

The Connecticut Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They connect you with attorneys in your practice area. Private lawyers charge fees. Ask about costs before hiring. Some offer flat fees or payment plans.

Farmington Town Clerk's office is at 1 Monteith Drive. Phone is (860) 675-2390. The town clerk keeps land records and vital records. They do not handle court cases but maintain other public records for Farmington.

Farmington Police Department Records can be requested by calling (860) 673-2511. Police reports cover incidents, accidents, and arrests. These are separate from court files. Fees apply. Some reports may be restricted if cases are pending.

Court Rules and Procedures

The Connecticut Practice Book sets all court rules. It covers filing, serving papers, and appearing at hearings. Clerks explain procedures but do not give legal advice. They tell you what forms to use. They cannot advise on your case.

Free court forms are at jud.ct.gov/webforms. Download the form you need. Fill it out and file it with the right court. Many forms have instructions.

Self-help guides are at jud.ct.gov/selfhelp.htm. These guides use plain language to explain court processes. They cover small claims, family matters, and housing cases.

Filing fees vary by case type. Ask the clerk for amounts. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford fees. Application forms are at the courthouse or online. The court decides whether to grant waivers.

Public Access to Court Records

Most Connecticut court records are public. The Practice Book and state statutes control access. You need not be a party to view files. You need not explain why you want records. Courts allow inspection during business hours.

Some records are restricted. Juvenile files are confidential per Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-124. Youthful offender records stay sealed unless the person is found ineligible. Sexual assault victim identities are protected under Connecticut General Statutes Section 54-86e.

Criminal erasure laws limit availability. After set times, certain criminal records become non-disclosable. Clerks cannot confirm erased cases exist. This gives people a fresh start after dismissals or acquittals.

Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act applies to Judicial Branch administrative work. FOIA does not control court file access. Court records follow separate rules. Contact the clerk with access questions.

Additional Court Information

The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains a courthouse directory at jud.ct.gov/directory/courthouses.htm. This page lists addresses, phone numbers, and directions. It shows which towns each court serves.

For case questions, call the clerk's office in Hartford. Have your docket number ready. Clerks can tell you case status and court dates. Court hours are weekdays during business hours but call ahead.

Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries offer research help. Libraries are at courthouses statewide. Staff help you find statutes, cases, and rules. You need not be a lawyer. They are open to all. Check the Judicial Branch site for locations and hours.

Court Records in Other Hartford County Cities

Other Hartford County cities use Connecticut Superior Courts.