Kings County Court Records
What Is Kings County Court Records
Kings County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court records are defined as "all records, dockets, books, indexes, and papers required by law to be maintained by a clerk of the court." These records are maintained by various courts operating within Kings County, including:
- Supreme Court (civil and criminal terms)
- Family Court
- Surrogate's Court
- Civil Court
- Criminal Court
- Housing Court
Each court maintains records pertaining to its jurisdiction, which may include civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate proceedings, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims. The New York State Unified Court System oversees the administration of these courts and establishes policies for record maintenance and access.
Are Court Records Public In Kings County
Court records in Kings County are generally accessible to the public under New York's open courts doctrine and the state's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law § 84-90). This commitment to transparency ensures that citizens can monitor judicial proceedings and access information about cases that may affect them or their communities.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that federal court records for Kings County, which is part of the Eastern District of New York, are governed by federal access policies rather than state laws. These records are accessible through the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.
While the presumption favors public access, certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 50-b and other statutes protecting privacy, confidentiality, or safety concerns. These exceptions typically include:
- Family Court proceedings involving minors
- Sealed criminal records
- Records containing confidential personal information
- Cases involving victims of sexual offenses
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
How To Find Court Records in Kings County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kings County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the clerk's office of the relevant court:
Kings County Supreme Court
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Provide specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Complete any required request forms
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies
- Allow time for clerk staff to locate and retrieve records
For remote access, several options are available:
- Submit a written request by mail to the appropriate court clerk
- Use the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) for electronically filed cases
- Access the WebCriminal system for criminal case information
- Utilize the eCourts platform for civil case information
For older records that may have been transferred to archives, contact:
Kings County Clerk's Office
360 Adams Street, Room 189
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9772
Kings County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Look Up Court Records in Kings County Online?
Kings County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals, each serving different courts or record types.
The New York State Unified Court System provides the following online resources:
-
eCourts - For civil Supreme Court and Civil Court cases:
- Navigate to eCourts
- Select "Supreme Court" or "Civil Court" from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (index number, party name, attorney/firm name)
- Review case information, including appearances, motions, and decisions
-
WebCriminal - For criminal cases:
- Visit WebCriminal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Access case status, future appearance dates, and disposition information
-
WebFamily - For Family Court matters:
- Access WebFamily
- Enter required search parameters
- View limited case information (note that many Family Court records have restricted access)
-
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF):
- Visit NYSCEF
- Create an account or use public access features
- Search for electronically filed documents in participating courts
- View and download publicly available documents
For federal cases in Kings County, which falls within the Eastern District of New York, users should:
- Access the PACER system
- Create an account and provide payment information
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Review dockets, pleadings, and judicial opinions
How To Search Kings County Court Records for Free?
Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, the public has the right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Several options exist for accessing Kings County court records without incurring costs.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Kings County Supreme Court
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For online access, the following free resources are available:
-
WebCivil Supreme and WebCivil Local - Basic case information for Supreme and Civil Court cases:
- Visit WebCivil
- No account or fees required for basic searches
- Access case status, appearance dates, and limited motion information
-
Court Calendar Information:
- Navigate to eCourts Calendar
- Search by judge, part, or date
- View upcoming court appearances at no cost
-
Criminal Case Information:
- Use WebCriminal as a guest
- Basic case status information is available without charge
- Future court dates can be viewed without fees
-
New York State Court of Appeals Public Access:
- Visit the Court of Appeals Public Access System
- Search appellate decisions and motions
- Access opinions and selected briefs at no cost
While these resources provide free access to basic case information, more comprehensive document access may require payment of statutory fees.
What's Included in a Kings County Court Record?
Kings County court records vary in content depending on the case type and court of origin. Generally, a complete court record contains the following components:
For Civil Cases:
- Summons and complaint
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting affidavits
- Judicial orders and decisions
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Judgments and decrees
- Notices of appeal
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arraignment records
- Bail determination documents
- Pre-trial motions and decisions
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (often with restricted access)
- Appeals documentation
For Family Court Matters:
- Petitions
- Responses
- Orders of protection
- Custody and visitation orders
- Child support determinations
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings (often with restricted access)
For Surrogate's Court:
- Wills and codicils
- Probate petitions
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of assets
- Accountings
- Decrees of distribution
- Will contest proceedings
Each record also typically includes a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all filings, appearances, and judicial actions taken in the case.
How Long Does Kings County Keep Court Records?
Kings County courts retain records according to schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System pursuant to Judiciary Law § 89. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
Common retention periods include:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction; 10 years after dismissal or acquittal
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil Supreme Court cases: 25 years after disposition
- Civil Court cases: 6 years after disposition
- Small Claims cases: 6 years after disposition
- Family Court proceedings: Varies by case type; permanent for adoption and paternity; 25 years for custody/visitation
- Surrogate's Court records: Permanent retention for probated wills and estate proceedings
- Housing Court cases: 6 years after disposition
For cases of historical significance or precedential value, records may be designated for permanent retention regardless of the standard schedule. After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Municipal Archives
- Microfilmed or digitized for long-term preservation
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
Researchers seeking older records should contact:
NYC Department of Records and Information Services
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-8590
NYC Municipal Archives
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Types of Courts In Kings County
Kings County's judicial system comprises several courts, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority:
Kings County Supreme Court - Civil Term
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court - Civil Term
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kings County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
320 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kings County Family Court
330 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 401-9600
Kings County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kings County Surrogate's Court
2 Johnson Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9700
Kings County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kings County Civil Court
141 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9021
Kings County Civil Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kings County Criminal Court
120 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9400
Kings County Criminal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
United States District Court - Eastern District of New York
225 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 613-2600
Eastern District of New York
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in New York State progresses from lower courts (Civil Court, Criminal Court) to Supreme Court, then to the Appellate Division, and finally to the Court of Appeals, which is New York's highest court.
What Types of Cases Do Kings County Courts Hear?
Kings County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions:
Supreme Court - Civil Term:
- Civil actions seeking damages exceeding $25,000
- Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
- Equity proceedings (injunctions, specific performance)
- Article 78 proceedings against government agencies
- Commercial disputes
- Medical malpractice claims
- Real property actions
- Election law matters
Supreme Court - Criminal Term:
- Felony prosecutions
- Complex misdemeanor cases
- Grand jury proceedings
- Criminal appeals from lower courts
Family Court:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Paternity proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
- Family offense proceedings (domestic violence)
- Child protective proceedings
- Adoption
- Guardianship of minors
Surrogate's Court:
- Probate of wills
- Administration of estates
- Trust proceedings
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoption (concurrent with Family Court)
- Estate litigation
Civil Court:
- Civil actions seeking damages up to $25,000
- Small Claims (up to $10,000)
- Housing Court matters (landlord-tenant disputes)
- Consumer debt cases
- Commercial claims
Criminal Court:
- Misdemeanor prosecutions
- Violations and infractions
- Arraignments for all criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
U.S. District Court - Eastern District:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Intellectual property disputes
- Civil rights actions
- Maritime cases
How To Find a Court Docket In Kings County
Court dockets provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. Kings County residents and interested parties can access docket information through several methods:
For New York State courts in Kings County:
-
Online Access:
- Visit WebCivil Supreme for Supreme Court civil cases
- Use WebCriminal for criminal matters
- Access eCourts for comprehensive case information
- Search by index number, party name, or attorney
-
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
- Provide case identifying information
- Request to view the docket or case file
- Public access terminals may be available for electronic searches
-
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Provide contact information for response
- Enclose any required fees for copies
For federal cases in the Eastern District of New York:
-
PACER System:
- Register for an account at PACER
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View docket sheets, which list all case activities
- Download documents for a fee
-
Court Clerk's Office:
- Visit the clerk's office at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn
- Request docket information from court personnel
- Use public access terminals for PACER searches
- Obtain printed copies for established fees
Which Courts in Kings County Are Not Courts of Record?
In New York State, "courts of record" are defined by Judiciary Law § 2 as courts whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and whose judgments can be enforced through formal execution. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain comprehensive transcripts of proceedings.
In Kings County, the following are not courts of record:
- Small Claims parts of the Civil Court
- Housing parts of the Civil Court for certain proceedings
- Certain administrative tribunals that handle specialized matters:
New York City Environmental Control Board
66 John Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10038
(212) 436-0777
NYC Environmental Control Board
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York City Parking Violations Bureau
168-16 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor
Jamaica, NY 11432
(718) 422-7800
NYC Parking Violations Bureau
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
66 John Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10038
(844) 628-4692
NYC OATH
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
These non-record courts typically:
- Do not require formal pleadings
- Follow relaxed rules of evidence
- Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts
- Issue decisions that may be appealed to courts of record
- Handle matters using simplified procedures
Appeals from these non-record courts generally involve a trial de novo (new trial) rather than a review of the record, as a complete record may not exist.