📅 2026 Update: Changes in Accessing Criminal Court Records

Since the original article was published, there have been some important updates regarding accessing criminal court records. These changes impact fees, access methods, and available resources. The information below reflects the latest developments to help readers understand how to navigate court records today.

The earlier article continues further down the page for additional context.

⚙️ PACER System Updates

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system continues to evolve. Recently, there was scheduled maintenance on October 11, 2026, from 6:55 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

During this time, parts of the site were temporarily degraded. Users should be aware that such maintenance can affect access to records periodically.

💵 Current Fees for Accessing Records

Accessing federal court records through PACER now incurs a fee of $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 for each document. Users are billed quarterly, and those accruing less than $30 in a quarter are exempt from fees. This is a change from earlier conditions that may have had different fee structures.

🏢 In-Person Access to Court Records

For those who prefer to access court records in person, public computer terminals are available in divisional offices in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Visitors can research case information by case number, party name, or filing date range. Docket information is available for civil cases filed after 1991 and criminal cases filed after 1994.

📞 Free Assistance Resources

The PACER Service Center offers support for users, including help with account management and technical issues. Additionally, the National Archives provides resources and guidance for accessing federal court records. These options are beneficial for those needing assistance with court record retrieval.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • ⚙️ PACER underwent maintenance on October 11, 2026, affecting access.
  • 💵 Fees for PACER access are now $0.10 per page, up to $3.00 per document.
  • 🏢 Public terminals are available in Kansas offices for in-person access.
  • 📞 Free support is available from the PACER Service Center and National Archives.
  • 📄 Docket information is accessible for cases filed within specific timeframes.

💡 Tips for Navigating Court Records

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney. Understanding your specific needs is crucial when accessing court records.

📝 Register for a PACER Account

To access federal court records online, individuals must register for a PACER account. This registration is free, but remember that accessing records will incur fees based on usage.

🕒 Be Mindful of Maintenance Times

Scheduled maintenance can affect access to PACER. It's advisable to check for maintenance notices before attempting to access records, especially if you need them urgently.

🏛️ Utilize In-Person Access

If online access is not an option, consider visiting courthouses directly. Public terminals are available in certain locations, allowing you to search for case information in person.

📞 Use Available Assistance Resources

Take advantage of the free assistance from the PACER Service Center. They can help with account issues and provide guidance on navigating the system.

📆 Check Record Availability

Be aware of the timeframes for available records. Docket information is accessible for civil cases filed after 1991 and criminal cases filed after 1994, which may impact your search.

📄 Understand Fees and Billing

Keep track of your PACER usage to avoid unexpected fees. Users are billed quarterly, and those accruing less than $30 in fees are not charged.

🏆 Services for Accessing Court Records Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Several services can help with accessing court records and legal documents. These services fit the article's topic by providing users with options for document preparation and legal assistance. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026.

Remember that scores can change over time, and ratings reflect user experiences, with unhappy customers often posting more frequently.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for online legal document preparation, business formation services, and estate planning. Some users report delays in processing times and occasional issues with customer service responsiveness.

This service can be helpful for those needing assistance with legal documents, including court records.

🥈 2. LegalShield

LegalShield holds a score of 4.4. It offers legal subscription services and access to a network of attorneys. This service is popular for affordable legal assistance.

However, some reviewers have mentioned difficulties in reaching assigned attorneys and slow callback times. LegalShield can be a resource for ongoing legal support, including inquiries about court records.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer averages 4.5. It is known for online legal document creation and affordable legal services. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to access necessary documents.

Some users find the subscription model less suitable for infrequent users, and there may be occasional issues with customer support. Rocket Lawyer can assist with creating legal documents relevant to court cases.

4️⃣ RecordsFinder.com

RecordsFinder.com has been rated 4.5. This service provides access to over 2 billion public records and offers comprehensive background checks. While many users find it useful, some have reported issues with data accuracy and concerns about data privacy.

RecordsFinder.com can be a valuable tool for those conducting background checks related to court records.

🆓 Free Government Resources

For those looking for no-cost options, the PACER Service Center and National Archives provide assistance for accessing court records. The PACER Service Center offers help with technical issues, while the National Archives has resources for retrieving federal court records. These free services can be beneficial for researchers and the public.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Court Record Services

  • 📄 Availability of document preparation services.
  • 💰 Fee structures and potential hidden costs.
  • 📞 Customer service responsiveness and support.
  • 📊 User reviews and overall satisfaction ratings.
  • 🔍 Range of services provided beyond court records access.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the PACER system?

PACER is the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system that allows users to access federal court documents online. Fees apply for document retrieval, and users must register for an account.

🕑 How often is PACER updated?

PACER is updated regularly as new documents are filed in federal courts. However, maintenance may temporarily affect access, as seen during scheduled updates.

🏢 Can I access court records in person?

Yes, many courthouses offer public computer terminals for individuals to access court records. This is available in specific locations such as Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita.

📞 What should I do if I have trouble accessing records?

If you encounter issues accessing PACER or court records, consider reaching out to the PACER Service Center for assistance. They provide support for technical issues and account management.

💵 Are there fees for accessing court records?

Yes, accessing federal court records through PACER incurs fees of $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Users are billed quarterly.

📂 How can I find specific case information?

You can search for case information by case number, party name, or filing date range. Docket information is available for cases filed within certain timeframes.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Criminal Records

Recent court rulings highlight ongoing changes in access to criminal court records and procedures. These decisions can impact how records are filed and retrieved.

For more recent rulings, browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Many aspects of a criminal case are detailed within criminal court records. Criminal cases can occur at many different judicial levels, including at the State level and the Federal level. If these criminal court records are not maintained in online databases, an individual will need to know what court the associated court proceedings occurred in. This is usually necessary when a criminal case occurred prior to 1999, and therefore, is filed in paper format.



However, today, most criminal court records are filed online in electronic databases. Even if an individual is not able to access a criminal court record online, he/she can still perform a background check on an individual or perform an inmate search. These resources will generally provide people with information regarding the violations of a convicted criminal, though they will not detail the court proceedings.



Criminal court records are public records. Therefore, it is important for an individual to note that if he/she is convicted of a crime, his/her case will be maintained within criminal court records, which can subsequently be accessed by the public. The public is not permitted to access all aspects of a criminal court record.

What You Need to Know About Criminal Court Records


Some information that the public is not able to access includes personal information about the victim, protective orders filed against the offender, probation reports, criminal history details, medical information, and financial information.



In order for an individual to access a criminal court record, he/she must know the associated case number. There are a variety of ways in which an individual can acquire this information if he/she does not already have it. He/she can search within the criminal index, which is available online, or he/she can contact the court Clerk's Office.