How to Get Your Bronx Criminal Court File (Docket, Complaints, Motions)

What to Expect When Accessing Criminal Court Records in the Bronx

After an arrest or criminal charge in New York, one of the first things people ask is: how do I get my court file? You might feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even anxious about what those papers say. 

Maybe you need them for an upcoming hearing. Maybe you want to see what was officially filed. Or maybe you’re thinking about sealing your record. Whatever the reason, getting your Bronx Criminal Court file doesn’t have to feel impossible.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our legal team helps New Yorkers every day who feel stuck in the court system. If you’re dealing with past charges, trying to clear your record, or seeking support after a rights violation, our Bronx civil rights attorneys are ready to help. We walk our clients through every step and handle the heavy lifting when needed. 

Understand What’s in a Bronx Criminal Court File

A criminal court file holds the full paperwork tied to your case. This isn’t just one sheet or a simple printout. It’s a collection of every official document filed during the life of the case.

Here’s what a typical Bronx court file may include:

• The original criminal complaint and supporting affidavit
• Docket sheet, which tracks everything that happened in court
• Any motions filed by either side
• Court orders, notices, and disposition records

The file doesn’t usually contain private police notes, evidence logs, or prosecutor emails. It’s focused on court activity. If you're trying to see how your case moved through the system or confirm what charges were filed, this file will show it.

In the Bronx, these records are stored at Bronx Criminal Court, located at 215 East 161st Street, near the Bronx County Hall of Justice. If your case happened in New York State but outside the Bronx, you’ll need to go to that specific county’s criminal court.

Confirm You’re Eligible to Access the File

Not everyone can walk in and ask for any court file. In New York, criminal court records fall into two categories: public and sealed. You need to know which applies to your case.

If your case was dismissed, ended in an acquittal, or was resolved favorably, the court may have sealed your file under Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.50. That means it’s no longer available to the public. Even you may have trouble accessing it without showing proper identification or legal grounds.

Access is typically allowed for:

• The defendant named in the case
• The defense attorney
• Law enforcement with a court order
• Other parties granted permission by a judge

Sealed files won’t appear in online systems. If your case is sealed, you’ll likely need to go in person with ID and explain why you’re requesting it. If you're unsure whether your case is sealed, a clerk at Bronx Criminal Court can usually check for you.

Locate the Case Information You’ll Need

Before you make your request, make sure you have enough case details to help the court find the file. Even if you don’t remember everything, a few key pieces of information go a long way.

Helpful details include:

• Your full name as it appears in the court record
• Your date of birth
• The docket number (if you have it)
• Date of arrest or arraignment
• The courthouse where the case was handled (Bronx Criminal Court, in this case)

Without these, you might face delays or get turned away. If you don’t know your docket number, try searching your name in WebCrims, the New York State online case lookup tool. WebCrims can confirm if the case is active or closed, but won't show full documents.

Choose Your Request Method: In Person or Online

There are two main ways to access your Bronx criminal court file: in person or through limited online tools.

In Person:

• Go to Bronx Criminal Court at 215 East 161st Street
• Head to the Records Room on the 1st Floor
• Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Visit during business hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Online:

• Use the NYS WebCrims portal
• Only active criminal cases will show here
• You won’t see actual documents, just a case summary

Most people need to go in person if they want full documents, especially for old or sealed cases. If you're requesting motions, signed orders, or specific filings, online access won’t be enough.

Request Specific Documents From the Clerk

Once you arrive at the court, go straight to the Records Room and speak to the clerk. Be specific about what you're requesting. You can ask for the full court file or name individual documents like:

• The complaint or accusatory instrument
• Docket entries
• Defense or prosecution motions
• Court orders or decisions

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure. The staff can often guide you, especially if you're polite and clear about your need.

Some documents may be archived or stored offsite. If so, you may need to come back another day or wait for the file to be retrieved. Be prepared for small copying fees. Most clerks accept payment by cash or credit card. The process usually doesn’t take more than 30 minutes if the file is available on-site.

Understand What You’ll Receive

When you get the file, it helps to know what you’re looking at. Court paperwork can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're not sure what each page means.

What you may find inside:

• Docket sheet showing each court date, judge, and legal action
• Original complaint stating the charges and alleged facts
• Affidavits from arresting officers or witnesses
• Motions filed by your attorney or the prosecution
• Disposition sheet showing how the case ended

You might not get everything. Discovery materials, like body cam footage or witness statements, usually aren’t part of the public court file. For those, you’d need to speak with your defense attorney or file a discovery request, which involves more legal steps.

Review everything closely. Check for errors in dates, names, or charges. This can matter a lot if you're seeking to seal the record or correct false information later.

Know Your Rights if the File is Sealed or Denied

Sometimes you show up, ask for your records, and hit a wall. Maybe the clerk tells you the file is sealed. Maybe they won’t release it without a judge’s order. You still have options.

If your file is sealed, you can:

• File a motion to unseal under NY CPL §160.50 or 160.55
• Show that you have a legitimate reason, like applying for a visa, license, or expungement
• Ask your attorney to submit the request on your behalf

If you’re denied access without a clear reason, ask the court to put that denial in writing. You may need it for an appeal.

Local organizations like The Legal Aid Society or Bronx Defenders often assist with sealed records. You can also ask the court for a list of pro bono legal resources.

Keep Copies and Track Any Updates

Once you get your court documents, treat them like important personal records. Keep a clean digital copy and store the originals safely. These documents can impact housing, jobs, and future legal matters.

Tips to stay organized:

• Make scanned copies and save them to a secure drive
• Label each document by date and type
• Keep paper copies in a folder at home

If you're planning to seal your record, having these papers in hand speeds things up. You’ll be better prepared when filing motions or speaking to a lawyer.

Moving Forward with Clarity and Control

Getting your Bronx criminal court file isn’t always quick, but it’s doable with the right steps. Whether you’re gathering documents for personal peace of mind or preparing for future legal action, having the full file puts you in control. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we help people across New York State take those first steps toward clarity. If you're feeling lost, we’re ready to guide you through the process with care and respect for your situation.