An NYC court case lookup searches public court records in New York City. You can find criminal, civil, housing, and family cases online for free. The whole process takes minutes if you pick the right tool.
New York City handles over 3 million filings each year. That means millions of records sit in digital databases right now. Most of them are fully open to the public.
This 2026 guide covers every lookup tool available today. You will learn which system handles which court type. One surprising fact: nearly 40% of searches fail because people use the wrong database.
NYC Court Case Lookup
An NYC court case lookup is your way to find any public court record in the five boroughs. The New York State Unified Court System runs the main databases. These include WebCrims, NYSCEF, and eCourts.
Related: AZ Court Case Lookup 2026: How to Search Records for Free
Each system handles a different type of case. WebCrims covers criminal matters. NYSCEF handles electronically filed civil cases. eCourts provides calendar and status info for active cases.
Think of it like a hospital with separate departments. You would not go to the ER for a dental checkup. The same logic applies to court databases. Pick the right one and your search takes seconds.
Quick Facts
- System: New York State Unified Court System
- Boroughs Covered: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
- Cost: Free for basic online searches
- Records Available: Criminal, civil, housing, family, supreme court
How to Find Court Cases in NYC
Finding court cases in NYC starts with identifying the court type. You need to know whether the case is criminal, civil, housing, or family. Each court type uses a different online search tool.
Start by visiting the NYCourts portal. From there, select the database that matches your case type. Enter the party name, docket number, or case index number.
Most searches return results in under 30 seconds. If you get zero results, try alternate spellings of the name. You can also search by the borough where the case was filed.
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Identify the court type (criminal, civil, housing, family)
- Step 2: Choose the matching database (WebCrims, NYSCEF, eCourts)
- Step 3: Enter the party name or docket number
- Step 4: Review the case status and docket entries
NYC Court Case Search Online
An NYC court case search online is available 24 hours a day through the state court portal. You do not need to visit a courthouse in person for most basic lookups. The system was upgraded in early 2026 for faster results.
Three main tools handle online searches. WebCrims covers criminal cases across all boroughs. NYSCEF handles civil cases filed electronically. eCourts gives you real-time calendar and appearance data.
The 2026 update added mobile-friendly interfaces to all three tools. You can now search from your phone without downloading an app. Search results load roughly 60% faster than in previous years.
| Tool | Court Type | Best For |
| WebCrims | Criminal | Arrests, arraignments, dispositions |
| NYSCEF | Civil and Supreme | E-filed lawsuits, motions |
| eCourts | All active cases | Calendar dates, case status |
Key Takeaway: NYC court records are split across three main databases, so identifying your court type first saves you time and frustration.
NYC Criminal Court Case Lookup
An NYC criminal court case lookup uses the WebCrims system to find arrests, arraignments, and case outcomes. This covers all misdemeanor and felony cases in the five boroughs. The data updates daily on most business days.
WebCrims shows the defendant name, charges, next court date, and disposition. You can search by the defendant’s full name or the docket number. Results typically include the arresting precinct and the assigned judge.
One thing to know: sealed cases will not appear in WebCrims. If a case was dismissed and sealed, the system removes it from public view. This is by design under New York Criminal Procedure Law.
What WebCrims Shows
- Defendant Name: Full legal name as filed
- Charges: Current and original charges
- Next Court Date: Upcoming appearance date
- Disposition: Final outcome if the case is closed
- Bail Status: Set, posted, or released on recognizance
NYC Civil Court Records Search
An NYC civil court records search covers lawsuits, debt collection, and personal injury cases under $50,000. The Civil Court of the City of New York handles these matters. Most civil cases filed after 2020 are searchable through NYSCEF.
NYSCEF stands for New York State Courts Electronic Filing. It stores all documents filed electronically by attorneys and self-represented litigants. You can view complaints, motions, orders, and judgments.
If the case was filed before the e-filing mandate, it may not appear online. In that situation, you would need to visit the county clerk’s office in the relevant borough. Bring a valid photo ID and the case index number if you have it.
| Record Type | Available Online | Available In Person |
| E-filed complaints | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-2020 paper filings | Limited | Yes |
| Judgments and orders | Yes | Yes |
| Sealed settlements | No | No |
NYC Housing Court Case Lookup
An NYC housing court case lookup lets you find eviction proceedings, repair disputes, and landlord-tenant conflicts. Housing Court is part of the Civil Court system. Cases are filed in the borough where the property is located.
The 2026 system update expanded online access to housing court records significantly. You can now search most housing cases through the eCourts platform using the address or party name. Previously, many of these records required an in-person visit to the clerk’s office.
Housing court records show the petition type, respondent name, and case status. You can also see scheduled court dates and any outstanding orders. This is especially useful for tenants checking their own case status.
Common Housing Court Case Types
- Nonpayment: Landlord claims unpaid rent
- Holdover: Landlord seeks tenant removal
- HP Action: Tenant requests repairs
- Illegal Eviction: Tenant challenges lockout
Key Takeaway: Criminal cases go through WebCrims, civil and housing cases use NYSCEF or eCourts, and each system updates on a different schedule.
NYC Family Court Case Search
An NYC family court case search is more restricted than other court types. Family Court handles custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile delinquency matters. Many of these records are sealed by law to protect minors.
You can search for basic case status through the eCourts system. However, detailed documents like petitions and orders are generally not available online. You will need to visit the Family Court clerk’s office in the relevant borough.
To access records in person, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You may also need to prove your relationship to the case. For example, a parent can access their own custody case but not a stranger’s.
| Access Level | What You Can See |
| Online status check | Case number, next date, case type |
| In-person with ID | Petitions, orders, court minutes |
| Sealed cases | Not accessible without court order |
NYC Supreme Court Case Lookup
An NYC Supreme Court case lookup covers major civil lawsuits, divorces, and serious criminal felony trials. Despite the name, this is a trial-level court in New York. It handles cases involving amounts over $50,000.
Most Supreme Court cases are searchable through NYSCEF. The system stores all e-filed documents including complaints, answers, motions, and judicial orders. Divorce cases are also filed here but may have restricted access.
Search by the index number for the fastest results. The index number format typically starts with a year followed by a sequence of digits. For example, a 2026 Manhattan case might look like 150234/2026.
Quick Facts
- Jurisdiction: Civil cases over $50,000, felonies, divorces
- Primary Tool: NYSCEF
- Search By: Index number, party name, attorney name
- Update Frequency: Daily on business days
NYC Small Claims Court Case Lookup
An NYC small claims court case lookup covers disputes involving $10,000 or less. Small Claims is a part of the Civil Court system. These cases are designed for people without attorneys.
You can search small claims records through the eCourts platform. Enter the claimant or defendant name along with the borough. Results show the filing date, claim amount, and current case status.
Small claims cases move faster than regular civil cases. Most are resolved within 60 to 90 days of filing. The 2026 filing fee is $20 for claims up to $5,000 and $25 for claims above that.
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee (2026) | Resolution Timeline |
| Up to $5,000 | $20 | 30 to 60 days |
| $5,001 to $10,000 | $25 | 60 to 90 days |
NYC Traffic Court Case Search
An NYC traffic court case search covers parking tickets, moving violations, and TVB hearings. The Traffic Violations Bureau handles most non-criminal traffic matters. These are separate from the criminal court system.
You can look up traffic cases through the DMV’s online portal rather than the court system. Enter your license number or the ticket number. The portal shows the violation, fine amount, and hearing date.
For criminal traffic charges like DWI or reckless driving, use WebCrims instead. Those cases are processed through the Criminal Court system. The distinction matters because the databases are completely separate.
Where to Search
- Parking tickets: NYC Department of Finance portal
- Moving violations: NYS DMV Traffic Violations Bureau
- DWI and criminal charges: WebCrims
Key Takeaway: Housing court records got a major online access boost in 2026, family court records remain mostly restricted, and small claims cases are the fastest to resolve.
WebCrims NYC Case Search
WebCrims is the primary database for all criminal court cases in New York City. It covers every borough and updates daily with new filings, dispositions, and calendar changes. The system has been active since 2002 and received a major interface overhaul in 2026.
To use WebCrims, go to the NYCourts website and select the WebCrims link. You can search by defendant name, docket number, or arrest number. The system returns matching cases with full charge details and upcoming court dates.
One common frustration is name misspelling. Court clerks enter names as they appear on arrest paperwork. If the officer misspelled the name, your search might come up empty. Try variations and partial name matches to get around this.
WebCrims Search Tips
- Use the exact spelling from the arrest paperwork
- Try partial names if the full name returns no results
- Search by docket number for the most precise results
- Check daily for the most current case status updates
NYSCEF Case Lookup NYC
NYSCEF is the electronic filing system for civil and Supreme Court cases in NYC. It stands for New York State Courts Electronic Filing. All attorneys in New York must e-file through NYSCEF for most civil matters as of 2026.
The system stores every document filed in a case. You can view complaints, answers, motions, stipulations, and judicial orders. Search by the case index number, party name, or attorney name.
NYSCEF requires a free account for full document access. You can browse basic case info without logging in. But to download actual filed documents, you need to register with an email address and create a password.
| Feature | Without Account | With Free Account |
| Case status | Yes | Yes |
| Party names | Yes | Yes |
| Document list | Yes | Yes |
| Full document download | No | Yes |
| Filing notifications | No | Yes |
NYC Court Case Lookup by Name
An NYC court case lookup by name is the most common search method for people without a docket number. You enter the full legal name of a party involved in the case. The system returns all matching cases across the selected court type.
Name searches work best when you know the exact spelling. Court records use the name as it appeared on the original filing. Middle initials, suffixes, and hyphenated names can all affect your results.
If you get too many results, narrow your search by borough and case type. A common name like “John Smith” will return thousands of hits across all five boroughs. Adding the borough filter cuts that number dramatically.
Name Search Best Practices
- Full legal name: Use the name on official documents
- Try variations: With and without middle initials
- Filter by borough: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
- Filter by year: Narrow to the approximate filing year
Key Takeaway: WebCrims is your go-to for criminal cases, NYSCEF handles civil and Supreme Court matters, and name searches work best when you filter by borough and year.
NYC Court Case Lookup by Docket Number
An NYC court case lookup by docket number is the fastest and most precise search method. A docket number is a unique identifier assigned to every court case when it is filed. No two cases share the same number.
The format varies by court type. Criminal docket numbers in NYC typically start with a year prefix followed by a sequence. Civil index numbers follow a similar pattern but include a borough code. For example, “150234/2026” indicates a 2026 filing.
You can find the docket number on any court document you received. It appears at the top of summonses, complaints, and court notices. Enter it exactly as printed, including any slashes or hyphens.
Docket Number Formats
- Criminal: Year + sequence (e.g., 2026NY012345)
- Civil/Supreme: Sequence/Year (e.g., 150234/2026)
- Housing: L&T + sequence (e.g., L&T 045678/2026)
- Family: Letter + sequence (e.g., P-12345-26)
NYC Court Docket Search
An NYC court docket search lets you view the full timeline of a case from filing to resolution. The docket sheet lists every action taken in the case. This includes filings, motions, orders, and court appearances.
You can access docket sheets through NYSCEF for civil cases and WebCrims for criminal cases. The docket shows dates, document types, and the judge assigned to each action. This is the most detailed view available online.
Docket searches are especially useful for tracking active litigation. You can see when the next motion is due or when the next court date is scheduled. Attorneys and self-represented litigants both rely on this feature daily.
What a Docket Sheet Shows
- Filing date: When the case was opened
- Parties involved: Plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys
- Motion history: All motions filed and decided
- Court dates: Past and future appearances
- Final disposition: How the case was resolved
NYC Court Records Free
NYC court records are free to search online through the official state court system. You do not need to pay for basic case lookups on WebCrims, NYSCEF, or eCourts. These tools are funded by the state and open to the public.
However, there are costs for certified copies and physical documents. A certified copy of a court order typically costs $15 to $25 depending on the court. You can request these in person at the county clerk’s office.
Third-party websites often charge fees for the same information that is available for free on the official portal. Save your money and use the state-run systems directly. The data is identical and the search takes the same amount of time.
| Service | Cost | Where |
| Online case search | Free | NYCourts portal |
| Document download (NYSCEF) | Free | NYSCEF with account |
| Certified copy | $15 to $25 | County clerk’s office |
| Third-party search sites | $10 to $50+ | Various private sites |
Key Takeaway: Docket number searches are the fastest method, docket sheets show the full case timeline, and all basic online court record searches in NYC are completely free through official state tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a court case in NYC for free?
Visit the NYCourts portal and select the database matching your case type. WebCrims handles criminal cases and NYSCEF handles civil cases. Both tools are completely free to use.
Can I search NYC court cases by a person’s name?
Yes, all three main databases allow name-based searches. Enter the full legal name and filter by borough for the best results. Try alternate spellings if your first search returns no matches.
How long does it take for a new case to appear online?
Most new cases appear within 24 to 48 hours of filing. Criminal cases from arrests often show up in WebCrims the same day. Civil e-filed cases appear in NYSCEF within one business day.
Are NYC criminal court records available to the public?
Yes, most criminal court records are public and searchable through WebCrims. Sealed cases and juvenile records are the main exceptions. Expunged or dismissed-and-sealed cases will not appear in search results.
What is the difference between WebCrims and NYSCEF?
WebCrims is the database for criminal court cases in New York State. NYSCEF is the electronic filing system for civil and Supreme Court cases. They are separate tools that cover completely different case types.
Your NYC court case lookup starts with picking the right database for your situation. Use WebCrims for criminal matters, NYSCEF for civil disputes, and eCourts for active case calendars. All three tools are free and available around the clock.
Identify your court type, gather the party name or docket number, and run your search today. The 2026 system upgrades make the process faster than ever. Do not pay a third-party site for information the state gives you at no cost.
