Criminal records in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, are available through several channels. KingsNYCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about the county's criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state and city court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the NYPD — as well as through the court clerk's office. Federal cases related to Kings County are handled by the Eastern District of New York.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kings
Searching for criminal records in Kings County can be done in several ways — online, in person, by mail, or through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.
Online Search
- KingsNYCourt.us — Enter the full name of the person or case number to find publicly available information about the county's criminal cases.
- WebCriminal Portal of the NYS Courts System (eCourts) — The New York State Unified Court System provides access to criminal case searches through the eCourts portal. Required for search: defendant's full name and date of birth or case number.
- NYC Person in Custody Lookup — Allows you to check if a person is in custody in NYC Department of Correction facilities. Search by last name or identification number.
- NYS DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup — For individuals serving sentences in state prisons.
In Person
Visit Kings County Criminal Court. Public access terminals are located in the courthouse, where you can search by name or case number.
By Mail or FOIL Request
To obtain records from the NYPD, submit a FOIL request to the NYPD. If arrest records are needed, provide the full name, date of arrest, and arrest number (if known). The citywide OpenRecords portal also accepts FOIL requests to any NYC agency.
To obtain your own state criminal history (known as a "rap sheet"), contact the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Fingerprints must be submitted and a fee paid.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferable)
- Case number (if known)
- Arrest number or NYSID (for law enforcement requests)
Search Kings Criminal Cases by Case Number
Criminal case numbers in New York have a specific format that depends on the court level.
In Kings County Criminal Court, a typical case number looks like this:
- County Prefix — "KN" denotes Kings County.
- Year — Two digits of the year the case was filed (e.g., "24" for 2024).
- Sequential Number — A unique numeric identifier for the case within the year.
For example, the format might look like KN-24-012345. For the Supreme Court (where felonies are handled post-indictment), a separate index number is used. The exact format varies depending on the type of proceeding — misdemeanor, felony complaint, or indictment.
If you know the case number, searching through the eCourts portal or a courthouse terminal will yield the fastest result. Without a case number, you will have to search by name, which may return multiple records — especially for common surnames.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kings
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to New York State Penal Law (e.g., PL 120.00 — Assault 3rd Degree) |
| Severity Level | Felony (A, B, C, D, E), Misdemeanor (A, B, Unclassified), Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during plea bargaining |
Case Status
- Active / Pending — The case is open, proceedings are ongoing.
- Disposed — A decision has been made: verdict, closure, or dismissal.
- Sealed — The case is sealed under CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55; public access is closed.
Hearings
- Arraignment — First court appearance, charges are announced, bail is set.
- Preliminary Hearing — Examination of evidence sufficiency (for felony complaints).
- Pre-Trial Conference — Discussion between parties before trial.
- Trial — Court hearing on the merits.
- Sentencing — Imposition of sentence after a guilty verdict.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty (by verdict or plea) |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted by jury or court verdict |
| Dismissed | Case closed by prosecutor or judge |
| Acquitted | Formal acquittal after trial on the merits |
| ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) | Case adjourned; absent new offenses — automatic closure and sealing |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kings
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by different agencies depending on the type of document.
Court Records
Contact the Office of the County Clerk or directly the Kings County Criminal Court Clerk's Office. The court clerk issues certified copies of court decisions, hearing transcripts, and case documents.
To obtain a certified copy, you need to:
- Submit a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and type of document.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay the prescribed fee.
State Criminal History (Rap Sheet)
You can request your own criminal history through the DCJS Record Review. The process requires fingerprint submission — this can be done at authorized fingerprinting locations. The result: either a copy of the rap sheet or a "no record" response.
NYPD Records
To obtain a Certificate of Conduct or arrest records, contact the NYPD Records Section.
Applicants must submit a money order or certified check for $50.00, payable to the New York City Police Department.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kings
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (per page) | $0.65 | CPLR § 8019; standard rate for NYS courts |
| Document Certification | $1.25 per document | CPLR § 8019 |
| NYPD Certificate of Conduct | $50.00 | Money order or certified check; NYPD Records Section |
| State Criminal History (DCJS Record Review) | $65.00 | Includes fingerprint processing; NY DCJS |
| FOIL Request (document copies) | $0.25 per page | NYS Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii) |
Processing Times
- Copies of Court Documents — Typically 1 to 5 business days when requesting in person at the court office. Mail requests may take longer.
- NYPD Certificate of Conduct — Approximately 10–14 business days; more complex requests may take longer.
- DCJS Record Review — 2 to 4 weeks after fingerprint receipt.
- FOIL Requests — The agency must acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and provide a response in a "reasonable time" in accordance with the Freedom of Information Law.
Fees are payable by money order or certified check unless otherwise noted. Personal checks and cash are not always accepted — verify with the relevant office before visiting.