Criminal records in Bergen County, New Jersey, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BergenCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The New Jersey Judiciary also maintains statewide databases for criminal and municipal court cases, while the Bergen County Clerk's office and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office handle various record requests under state law.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bergen County
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Bergen County. Start with the approach that fits your situation.
Online Search Options
- BergenCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Bergen County criminal cases.
- PROMIS/Gavel Public Access — The New Jersey Judiciary's portal for searching Superior Court criminal cases statewide, including Bergen County indictable (felony-level) cases. Search by defendant name or case number.
- Municipal Court Case Search — For disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, and traffic matters handled in Bergen County municipal courts.
- NJ Department of Corrections Offender Search — Look up individuals currently or formerly incarcerated in the state prison system.
In Person
- Visit the Bergen County Superior Court — Criminal Division at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. Public access terminals may be available for case lookups.
- The Bergen County Clerk's office maintains certain court-related records and can assist with document retrieval.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit the New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form to the Superior Court Clerk's Office for copies of criminal case records.
- For a formal criminal history record check (often called a "rap sheet"), requests go through the New Jersey State Police, which serves as the state criminal history repository. Fingerprinting is typically required.
- Bergen County also accepts public records requests under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) through its online OPRA portal.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number or indictment number (if known)
- County where the case was filed (Bergen)
Search Bergen County Criminal Cases by Case Number
New Jersey uses a structured case number format for Superior Court criminal cases. Understanding the format helps you search more efficiently.
A typical Bergen County indictable criminal case number follows this pattern:
- Example: 02-01-00123-I
- 02 — County code (Bergen County is county code 02 in the New Jersey court system)
- 01 — Year the case was filed (2001 in this example)
- 00123 — Sequential case number
- I — Case type indicator ("I" for indictment; "A" for accusation)
When using PROMIS/Gavel Public Access, entering the full case number returns the most precise result. If you only have a partial number, try searching by defendant name instead and then match the case number from the results.
Municipal court cases use a different numbering system that varies by municipality. Contact the specific municipal court in Bergen County where the case was heard if you have a municipal complaint number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bergen County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | New Jersey criminal statutes are cited under Title 2C of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (e.g., N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 for assault). |
| Severity | New Jersey classifies offenses as: indictable crimes (equivalent to felonies, graded 1st through 4th degree), disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanors), and petty disorderly persons offenses. |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be upgraded, downgraded, or changed through plea negotiations or grand jury action. The case record reflects both original and amended charges. |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Case is currently being processed or has upcoming court events.
- Disposed — Case has been resolved (by plea, trial verdict, or dismissal).
- Closed — All proceedings, including sentencing and post-disposition matters, are complete.
Hearing Types
- First Appearance — Initial court appearance where charges are read and bail is addressed.
- Pre-Indictment Conference — Opportunity for plea resolution before grand jury action.
- Arraignment — Formal reading of the indictment; defendant enters a plea.
- Pre-Trial Conference — Case management hearing to discuss discovery, motions, and possible resolution.
- Trial — Bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing — Court imposes sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing for probation compliance or other post-disposition matters.
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict.
- Not Guilty — Acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution.
- Nolle Prosequi — Prosecution declines to pursue the case.
- Remanded — Case sent back for further proceedings.
- Diverted — Defendant admitted to Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or another diversionary program.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bergen County
Through the Superior Court Clerk's Office
For certified copies of criminal case documents filed in Bergen County Superior Court, submit the NJ Judiciary Records Request Form. Select the Criminal Division and specify Bergen County. You can submit the form by mail, email, or in person at the courthouse.
You will need:
- Full case number or defendant name
- Specific documents requested (e.g., judgment of conviction, complaint, indictment)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
Bergen County Superior Court — Criminal Division
Through OPRA
For records held by Bergen County government agencies (such as the Sheriff's Office or Prosecutor's Office), file an OPRA request through the Bergen County OPRA portal. The county must respond within seven business days under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.
Bergen County Clerk's Office
State Criminal History Records
For an official criminal history record ("rap sheet"), contact the New Jersey State Police — Records and Identification Section. Requests require fingerprinting, a completed application, and a fee. These records are typically available only to the individual, authorized employers, or agencies permitted by law.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bergen County
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (per page) | $0.75 | NJ Courts fee schedule (N.J.S.A. 22A:2-12) |
| Certification of a court document | $15.00 | NJ Courts fee schedule |
| Exemplified copy (certified with seal) | $25.00 | NJ Courts fee schedule |
| OPRA record copies (per page, letter size) | $0.05 | N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5 (government records) |
| NJ State Police criminal history check | $25.75 | NJ State Police fee schedule (subject to change) |
Processing Times
- Online court case lookups — Immediate results for cases in the system.
- Court records requests (by mail/form) — Typically 5–10 business days, depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- OPRA requests — Bergen County must respond within 7 business days, though extensions are permitted under the statute for complex requests.
- State Police criminal history checks — Processing times vary; allow several weeks for mail-in requests. Electronic submissions through approved channels may be faster.
Fees are generally payable by check, money order, or, for certain online services, credit card. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office before submitting your request.