Queens County Public Records /Queens County Court Records

Queens County Court Records

What Is Queens County Court Records

Queens County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the jurisdiction of Queens County, New York. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and are maintained pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, which establishes the requirement for courts to maintain records of all proceedings.

Court records in Queens County typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Docket sheets chronicling the chronological history of court actions
Judicial orders and decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate and estate documentation

Queens County court records are distinct from other public records such as property records (maintained by the County Clerk's Office) and vital records (maintained by the Department of Health). The New York State Unified Court System maintains records across various courts operating within Queens County, including:

Queens County Supreme Court (civil and criminal terms)
Queens County Civil Court
Queens County Criminal Court
Queens County Family Court
Queens County Surrogate's Court
Queens County Small Claims Court

These records document proceedings across civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims actions. The New York State Unified Court System serves as the central authority overseeing the maintenance and accessibility of these judicial records.

Are Court Records Public In Queens County

Court records in Queens County are generally accessible to the public under New York's Open Courts Law, codified in New York Judiciary Law § 4, which states: "The sittings of every court within this state shall be public, and every citizen may freely attend the same." This principle of open courts extends to the records generated by these proceedings.

The public status of court records is further reinforced by the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which provides a framework for public access to government records, including judicial documents. However, court records are primarily governed by court rules rather than FOIL.

Records generally available to the public include:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

It is important to note that certain categories of records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to statutory provisions or court orders. These typically include:

Family Court proceedings involving minors
Sealed criminal records following favorable dispositions
Youthful offender records
Records containing confidential personal information
Cases sealed by judicial order

Access to federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of New York, which includes Queens County, is governed by federal rules and is available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The New York State Unified Court System has established specific rules regarding public access to court records, balancing the presumption of openness with privacy considerations and practical limitations.

How To Find Court Records in Queens County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Queens 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:

Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Queens County Supreme Court

The general procedure for obtaining court records includes:

Identify the specific court where the case was filed
Gather essential case information (case number, party names, filing date)
Submit a records request using the appropriate court form
Pay applicable search and copying fees
Allow processing time, which varies by court and record type

For criminal records, requests may be directed to:

Queens County Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
718-520-3500
Queens County Criminal Court

For family matters and matrimonial cases:

Queens County Family Court
151-20 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-298-0197
Queens County Family Court

For probate and estate matters:

Queens County Surrogate's Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-0500
Queens County Surrogate's Court

Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks are required to search for and provide certified copies of records upon proper application and payment of statutory fees. Current fees for record searches and copies are established by CPLR § 8019.

How To Look Up Court Records in Queens County Online?

Queens County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, though the availability of complete case files varies by court and case type. The primary online resources include:

WebCrims provides public access to pending and closed criminal cases in Queens Criminal Court. Users may search by:

Defendant name
Case number
Arrest number
Docket number

To access WebCrims:

Visit the New York State Unified Court System WebCrims portal
Select Queens County from the jurisdiction menu
Enter search criteria
Review case summary information, including future appearance dates

eCourts offers information on civil cases in Queens Supreme Court and Civil Court:

Navigate to the eCourts website
Select the appropriate court type
Enter index number, party name, or attorney/firm information
Access case information, appearance dates, and motion calendars

For matrimonial cases, the Matrimonial Case Information System provides limited information:

Visit the Matrimonial Case Information System
Enter required credentials
Search by index number or party name

Family Court records have limited online accessibility due to confidentiality requirements, though certain case information may be available through the Family Court case search.

For Queens County property records and business filings:

Access the Queens County Clerk's Office online records
Register for an account if required
Search by name, property address, or document type

Federal cases involving Queens County residents are searchable through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records):

Register for a PACER account
Log in to the system
Select the Eastern District of New York
Search by case number, party name, or filing date

Online access to complete case files remains limited, with many documents requiring in-person requests at the appropriate courthouse.

How To Search Queens County Court Records for Free?

Queens County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without charge, though comprehensive free access has limitations. New York's commitment to public access is established in New York Judiciary Law § 255, which provides for public inspection of court records.

Free options for accessing Queens County court records include:

In-person inspection at courthouse facilities:

Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
Request to view publicly available case files
Examine records on-site without charge
Note that copying fees will apply if reproductions are needed

Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Free online resources with limited information:

WebCrims - Basic criminal case information
eCourts - Civil case status and appearance dates
New York State Court Calendar - Upcoming court appearances

Public access terminals located in courthouse facilities:

Available at most Queens County court locations
Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
No charge for searching, though printing fees may apply

Law libraries offering public access:

Queens County Supreme Court Law Library 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Room 65 Jamaica, NY 11435 718-298-1206
Queens Public Library - Central Library 89-11 Merrick Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11432 718-990-0700

While basic searches are free, fees apply for:

Certified copies of documents
Extensive record searches requiring staff assistance
Copies of documents (currently $0.25 per page)
Exemplification of records
Expedited processing

Pursuant to CPLR § 8019, certain fees may be waived for indigent persons upon proper application to the court.

What's Included in a Queens County Court Record?

Queens County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with specific contents varying by case type and court. These records typically include:

For Civil Cases:

Summons and complaint initiating the action
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Affidavits and supporting documentation
Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Court orders and judicial decisions
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Final judgment or disposition
Post-judgment motions and orders
Notice of appeal (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arraignment records
Bail determination and conditions of release
Pre-trial motions and responses
Evidence suppression hearing records
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts
Verdict forms
Pre-sentence investigation reports (often confidential)
Sentencing orders
Probation conditions
Appeals documentation

For Family Court Matters:

Petitions and initial filings
Responses from other parties
Orders of protection
Child support worksheets and orders
Custody and visitation determinations
Adoption records (typically sealed)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings (often confidential)
Child protective proceedings
Guardian ad litem reports

For Probate and Estate Cases:

Will and testament
Petition for probate
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventory of assets
Claims against the estate
Accountings
Distribution orders
Will contest documentation (if applicable)

For Matrimonial (Divorce) Cases:

Summons with notice or summons and complaint
Affidavits of service
Financial disclosure statements
Separation agreements
Custody and visitation arrangements
Child support calculations
Equitable distribution schedules
Judgment of divorce
Post-judgment modification requests

Court records also include docket sheets that chronologically list all actions taken in a case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings. These dockets typically show filing dates, appearances, motions, and decisions, serving as the official index to the case file.

How Long Does Queens County Keep Court Records?

Queens County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 104.1, which authorizes the Chief Administrator of the Courts to establish records retention policies. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition.

Criminal Case Records:

Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: 25 years
Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 25 years
Misdemeanor cases dismissed or acquitted: 6 years
Violation/infraction cases: 6 years after disposition
Youthful offender records: Sealed upon determination, maintained according to underlying charge

Civil Case Records:

Supreme Court civil cases with judgment: 25 years
Supreme Court civil cases dismissed: 6 years
Civil Court cases with judgment: 25 years
Civil Court cases dismissed: 6 years
Small Claims Court judgments: 20 years
Housing Court proceedings: 6 years

Family Court Records:

Child protective proceedings: Until youngest child turns 28
Juvenile delinquency proceedings: Until subject turns 21
Support proceedings: 25 years after youngest child turns 21
Custody/visitation proceedings: 25 years
Family offense proceedings: 6 years
Adoption records: Permanent (sealed)

Surrogate's Court Records:

Probated wills: Permanent
Estate administration records: Permanent
Guardianship proceedings: 25 years after termination

Matrimonial (Divorce) Records:

Contested divorces: 25 years
Uncontested divorces: 25 years
Matrimonial judgments: Permanent

The New York State Archives provides oversight for the long-term preservation of court records with historical significance. After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to archival storage, microfilmed, or authorized for destruction.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The court system continues to digitize older records to improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with retention mandates.

Types of Courts In Queens County

Queens County's court system operates as part of New York State's Unified Court System, with various courts handling different case types and jurisdictional levels.

Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, despite its name, is New York's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases and serious criminal matters. The court is divided into Civil and Criminal Terms.

Queens County Civil Court
89-17 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-262-7100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Civil Court

The Civil Court handles monetary disputes up to $25,000, landlord-tenant cases, and small claims matters up to $10,000.

Queens County Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
718-520-3500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Criminal Court

The Criminal Court handles misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary proceedings in felony cases before they are transferred to Supreme Court.

Queens County Family Court
151-20 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-298-0197
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Family Court

Family Court addresses matters involving children and families, including custody, support, juvenile delinquency, and child protection.

Queens County Surrogate's Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-0500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Surrogate's Court

The Surrogate's Court handles matters related to estates, wills, trusts, and adoptions.

Queens Small Claims Court
89-17 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-262-7123
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court handles monetary disputes up to $10,000 with simplified procedures.

The court hierarchy in New York proceeds from lower courts (Criminal Court, Civil Court, Family Court) to the Supreme Court, then to the Appellate Division, Second Department (for Queens cases), and ultimately to the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court.

Federal cases involving Queens residents are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, located at:

United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
225 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-613-2600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Eastern District of New York

What Types of Cases Do Queens County Courts Hear?

Queens County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional parameters defined by New York State law.

Queens County Supreme Court - Civil Term handles:

Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
Matrimonial actions (divorces, separations, annulments)
Equity proceedings (injunctions, specific performance)
Real property disputes
Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
Medical malpractice claims
Complex commercial litigation
Foreclosure actions
Name change petitions
Election law matters

Queens County Supreme Court - Criminal Term adjudicates:

Felony prosecutions
Complex misdemeanor cases
Grand jury proceedings
Serious drug offenses
Violent crimes
White-collar criminal matters
Appeals from lower criminal courts

Queens County Civil Court presides over:

Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
Small claims matters up to $10,000
Commercial claims between businesses up to $25,000
Landlord-tenant proceedings (Housing Court)
Consumer debt cases
Property damage claims
Contract disputes within jurisdictional limits

Queens County Criminal Court handles:

Misdemeanor prosecutions
Violations and infractions
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Arraignments
Desk appearance tickets
Traffic violations (non-parking)
Quality of life offenses

Queens County Family Court addresses:

Child custody and visitation
Child and spousal support
Paternity determinations
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Persons in need of supervision (PINS)
Child protective proceedings
Family offense (domestic violence) cases
Adoption
Guardianship of minors

Queens County Surrogate's Court manages:

Probate of wills
Administration of estates
Trust proceedings
Guardianships for incapacitated persons
Adoption records
Estate litigation
Kinship hearings
Accounting proceedings

Queens Small Claims Court resolves:

Monetary disputes up to $10,000
Consumer issues
Property damage claims
Breach of contract cases
Security deposit disputes
Personal injury claims within jurisdictional limits

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the New York State Constitution Article VI and further defined in the New York Judiciary Law and Uniform Court Acts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Queens County

Court dockets in Queens County provide chronological summaries of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through several methods. These official records list appearances, filings, and judicial actions.

Online Docket Access:

For Supreme and Civil Court cases:

Visit the New York State Courts eCourts system
Select "Supreme & Court of Claims" or "Civil Court"
Choose search method (index number, party name, attorney)
Enter required information
Review case information and appearance dates

For criminal cases:

Access WebCrims
Select Queens County from jurisdiction menu
Search by defendant name, case number, or docket number
View case status, charges, and scheduled appearances

For Family Court limited information:

Navigate to Family Court case search
Enter required credentials
Search using available parameters
Review available case information

In-Person Docket Access:

Dockets may be viewed in person at the respective court clerk's offices:

Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Queens County Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
718-520-3500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Queens County Family Court
151-20 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-298-0197
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Public Access Terminals:

Each courthouse provides public access terminals that offer more comprehensive docket information than is available online. These terminals are available during regular business hours at no charge, though printing fees may apply.

Court Calendar Information:

Daily court calendars showing scheduled appearances can be accessed through the New York State Court Calendar Search.

For federal cases involving Queens residents:

Register for a PACER account
Log in to the system
Select the Eastern District of New York
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
View docket sheets and, in many cases, filed documents

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, electronic filing systems continue to expand, gradually increasing online access to docket information and court documents.

Which Courts in Queens County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New York State judicial system, "courts of record" are those authorized by law to keep permanent, official records of their proceedings and possess the authority to fine or imprison. This distinction is established in New York Judiciary Law § 2, which defines courts of record within the state.

In Queens County, courts not of record include:

Small Claims Court sessions of the Civil Court of the City of New York. While these proceedings are documented, they follow simplified procedures with relaxed rules of evidence and pleading. Small Claims Court:

Handles monetary disputes up to $10,000
Operates with informal procedures
Does not require attorney representation
Maintains simplified records of proceedings
Issues decisions that are final and binding, with limited appeal rights

Housing Part of the Civil Court (commonly known as Housing Court) when handling certain landlord-tenant matters. While Housing Court maintains records, some proceedings follow simplified procedures similar to small claims matters.

Community Courts operating in certain Queens neighborhoods that focus on quality-of-life offenses and low-level crimes. These courts emphasize restorative justice and community service rather than traditional punitive measures.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs affiliated with the courts but not constituting formal court proceedings. These include:

Community Dispute Resolution Centers
Court-annexed mediation programs
Early neutral evaluation sessions
Settlement conferences conducted outside formal court proceedings

Courts of record in Queens County include:

Supreme Court (Civil and Criminal Terms)
Civil Court (except Small Claims Part)
Criminal Court
Family Court
Surrogate's Court

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects several procedural aspects:

Appeal processes and standards of review
Record-keeping requirements
Formality of proceedings
Authority to issue certain types of orders
Precedential value of decisions

This classification system is established in Article VI of the New York State Constitution and further defined in the Uniform Court Acts governing each court's operations.