How to Search Connecticut Criminal Records (Start Here)

Connecticut criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual municipality court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.

What this page covers: Connecticut state-level criminal history searches, municipality court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.

Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Superior Court Clerk (state-run) in the municipality where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.

Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a municipality court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. Municipality courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.

Statewide criminal-history agency
Connecticut State Police Records - Background Checks
Public name-based search
( ) CT Only Criminal Conviction History Record Search-$75
Fingerprint-based screening
State Police Bureau of Identification
Sex offender registry
CT.gov: Sex Offender Registry
Open records statute
Connecticut FOIA procedures - Ballotpedia
Number of counties
9 counties
Population
3,675,069
Households
1,432,600
Median Income
$90,213
Median Home Value
$343,200
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Connecticut repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.

Connecticut Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)

Connecticut posts criminal conviction records free at the Judicial Branch; DESPP issues certified state checks.
$36 (CCH)
Public access fee
Per state-only check
Name-based via online po
Primary method
How to submit
Department of Emergency
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
Conn. Gen. Stat. §54-142
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
What's in a state criminal check (typical %)
In-state arrests
100%
In-state convictions
100%
Out-of-state arrests
10%
Federal cases
5%
Sealed/expunged
0%
Juvenile records
15%
Unit: % included in a typical state-only check.

What Changed in 2026 — Connecticut Criminal Records

2026
Connecticut state-only check active
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) continues to process state criminal history checks via portal.ct.gov.
2026
Connecticut background check fee structure
Current fee for a Connecticut state-only check: $36 (CCH). Method: Name-based via online portal or DESPP.
2026
Connecticut statutory framework
Connecticut criminal history records are governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. §54-142 and disseminated through Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Connecticut, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements the state-only result.

The 4-Step Connecticut Criminal Records Pathway

1
Step 1 — Confirm what you need
For most non-employment uses, a Connecticut state-only check from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is sufficient.
2
Step 2 — Choose your method
Name-based via online portal or DESPP. Current fee: $36 (CCH).
3
Step 3 — Submit your request
Use the official portal at portal.ct.gov — never a third-party data broker.
4
Step 4 — Add federal coverage if needed
For pre-employment FCRA screening or out-of-state coverage, add an FBI Identity History Summary check ($18) — fingerprint required.

Five Things People Get Wrong About Connecticut Criminal Records

❌ Myth: "Connecticut background check shows everything."
✓ Truth: False. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) check covers ONLY Connecticut arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only portal.ct.gov (the official Connecticut repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Connecticut law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Connecticut public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Connecticut state check shows Connecticut-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.

Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)

Related Criminal Records Resources

Related Public Records
National view of this topic: All states: Criminal records
Sample Connecticut counties: Fairfield · Hartford · Litchfield · Middlesex · New Haven

Criminal Records Databases

7 official Connecticut criminal records sources.

Criminal Records

Jury Administration - Connecticut Judicial Branch
Official Free
In the box, select the Superior Court location to which you are to report. Use the Superior Court abbreviation at the beginning of your Juror ID: · A05D - Derby AAN - Milford BHB - New Britain DBD - Danbury FBT - Bridgeport HHD - Hartford KNL - New London LLI - Torrington MMX - Middletown ...
🌐 jud2.ct.gov
Criminal / Motor Vehicle Case Look-up - CT Judicial Branch
Official Free
This is the official website of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. It is the mission of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to resolve matters brought before it in a fair, timely, efficient and open manner.
🌐 jud.ct.gov
Clean Slate Connecticut
Official Free
Social justice, equity, and a fair shot at building a future matter in Connecticut. That’s why we’ve passed the Clean Slate bill for old and low-level criminal convictions. We also passed the Cannabis erasure laws to help wipe away criminal histories now that adult-use Cannabis is legal.
🌐 portal.ct.gov
Forsyth County NC Sheriff's Office OffenderWatch® sex offender management, mapping and email alert program
Official Free
FIND OFFENDERS NEAR YOU ● SUBMIT A TIP ● GET EMAIL ALERTS ● FREE FAMILY SAFETY APP · We are pleased to provide the OffenderWatch® service for the citizens of our community. OffenderWatch® is the nation’s leading sex offender registry network, which enables us to manage registered ...
🌐 sheriffalerts.com
Santiago - Department of Correction Inmate Information Search
Official Free
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submission · Audio is not supported in your browser · What code is in the image · submit · Your support ID is: 15206054869614439020
🌐 ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us
Virginia VINE - VINELink
Official Free
Welcome to Virginia VINE. A free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information , find state-approved service providers, register for notifications and stay informed.
🌐 vinelink.vineapps.com
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT MARK A. HENDERSON,
Official Free
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT · DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT · MARK A. HENDERSON, Plaintiff, v. ROBERT MARTIN, et al., Defendants. No. 3:21-cv-1308 (SRU) ORDER · On October 4, 2021, Mark Henderson, a sentenced inmate confined at the Connecticut · Department of Correction (“DOC”) Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center (“Corrigan”),1 ·
🌐 ecf.ctd.uscourts.gov

Connecticut Counties

All 8 Connecticut counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Fairfield Hartford New Haven New London Litchfield Middlesex Tolland Windham

Frequently Asked Questions

Connecticut's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Begin the request at portal.ct.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Connecticut statute.

Most adult criminal-history information in Connecticut is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) explains who can request what at portal.ct.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.

A state check from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) (portal.ct.gov) covers only criminal activity within Connecticut. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.

Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) documentation at portal.ct.gov lists each authorized requester category.

If you find an error on your Connecticut criminal history, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at portal.ct.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.