Hudson County Criminal Records
What Is Hudson County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hudson County, New Jersey encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various government agencies throughout Hudson County.
Criminal records in Hudson County are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, arrest information is generally public, though conviction records carry greater legal weight.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: In New Jersey, serious crimes are classified as indictable offenses (similar to felonies in other states), while less serious offenses are classified as disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanors). Hudson County maintains records for both categories, with indictable offenses processed through Superior Court and disorderly persons offenses typically handled in Municipal Courts.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for defendants 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are sealed and confidential under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Current outstanding warrants represent active cases seeking apprehension, while historical records document past proceedings and outcomes.
Several Hudson County agencies maintain criminal records:
Hudson County Sheriff's Office
257 Cornelison Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-1300
Hudson County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.
Hudson County Superior Court - Criminal Division
595 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-6400
New Jersey Courts
The Superior Court maintains case files, proceedings, and dispositions for indictable offenses.
New Jersey State Police
Records and Identification Section
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 882-2000
New Jersey State Police
The State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including Hudson County arrests and convictions.
Hudson County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation/parole status. These records are maintained in accordance with N.J.S.A. § 47:3-16, which establishes the state's records retention requirements.
Are Criminal Records Public In Hudson County
Criminal records in Hudson County are generally accessible to the public under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq.. This statute establishes that "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest."
Under current New Jersey law, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records (with some limitations during active investigations)
- Court proceedings and calendars
- Criminal complaints and indictments
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
However, several categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure could jeopardize public safety or investigative efforts
- Juvenile records (sealed under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60)
- Records expunged by court order under N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1
- Records sealed by court order
- Information that would violate a citizen's reasonable expectation of privacy
- Records that would compromise security measures or surveillance techniques
The New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts has established specific guidelines regarding public access to court records through Rule 1:38, which defines court records presumptively subject to public access and those excluded from public access.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, accessing comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") requires proper authorization and is typically restricted to law enforcement agencies, authorized government entities, and the subject of the records themselves. Members of the public seeking criminal background information on others must typically rely on court records or other publicly available sources rather than comprehensive criminal history compilations.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hudson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hudson County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Hudson County Superior Court:
- Visit the Criminal Division Records Office at the Hudson County Superior Court located at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306.
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case including defendant name, case number (if known), and approximate date of the case.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.05 per page for standard copies, $0.07 per page for legal size, or $5.00 per document for certified copies).
- Records staff will conduct a search and provide available public records, typically within 3-5 business days for more complex requests.
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form from the New Jersey Courts website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and check/money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
Hudson County Superior Court - Criminal Division Records
595 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-6400
New Jersey Courts
Municipal Court Records:
For disorderly persons offenses and other minor violations:
- Contact the specific municipal court where the case was heard. Hudson County has 12 municipal courts, one for each municipality.
- Complete the municipal court records request form.
- Pay applicable fees for copies.
Hudson County Prosecutor's Office:
For information about specific criminal cases being prosecuted:
Hudson County Prosecutor's Office
Administration Building
595 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-6400
Hudson County Prosecutor's Office
New Jersey State Police Criminal History Records:
For official criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved fingerprinting vendor.
- Complete the Criminal History Record Information Request form.
- Pay the required fee ($41.00 for criminal history record check).
- Results will be mailed to the requestor or the subject of the records.
Individuals seeking their own criminal history records may also request them directly from the New Jersey State Police through the New Jersey Criminal History Record Information online portal.
How To Find Criminal Records in Hudson County Online?
Hudson County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Hudson County criminal records include:
New Jersey Courts Public Access System: The New Jersey Courts Case Search portal allows users to search for Superior Court criminal cases throughout the state, including Hudson County. This system provides:
- Case information for indictable criminal matters
- Case status and scheduled court dates
- Basic case disposition information
- Judge assignment and attorney information Users must agree to terms of use before accessing the system, and certain sensitive information is redacted from public view.
PROMIS/Gavel Public Access: The PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system provides information on criminal cases filed in Superior Court. This database includes:
- Defendant name and basic demographic information
- Charges filed
- Case status
- Scheduled court events
- Case disposition information Users must register for an account to access this system, and certain records may be restricted pursuant to court rules.
Municipal Court Case Search: The Municipal Court Case Search system allows users to search for disorderly persons offenses and other minor violations handled by Hudson County's municipal courts. This system provides:
- Case information for municipal court matters
- Scheduled court dates
- Fine and payment information
- Case status Users must provide specific information about the defendant or case to conduct searches.
New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search: The New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search allows users to verify if an individual is currently incarcerated in a state correctional facility. This database includes:
- Current inmates and their location
- Sentence information
- Projected release dates This system does not include individuals held in county jails or federal facilities.
New Jersey Sex Offender Registry: The New Jersey Sex Offender Registry maintained by the New Jersey State Police provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Hudson County. This registry includes:
- Offender names and photographs
- Residential addresses (for certain tiers of offenders)
- Conviction information
- Risk level classification
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Some information may be redacted or restricted
- Older cases may not be included in digital databases
- Registration or acceptance of terms may be required
- Information should be verified through official sources
Can You Search Hudson County Criminal Records for Free?
Hudson County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, while other records require payment of statutory fees. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, establishes guidelines for fees associated with public records access.
Free Record Access Options:
The following resources provide free access to criminal record information in Hudson County:
In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to OPRA, members of the public may inspect (but not copy) public criminal records at no charge during regular business hours at:
Hudson County Superior Court - Criminal Division Records
595 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-6400
New Jersey Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Online Case Information: Several online portals provide free access to basic criminal case information:
- New Jersey Courts Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information for Superior Court criminal cases
- Municipal Court Case Search - Offers free searches for municipal court cases
- New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search - Provides free verification of current inmate status
- New Jersey Sex Offender Registry - Offers free public access to registered sex offender information
Fee-Based Record Access:
The following criminal record services require payment of statutory fees:
Copies of Court Records:
- Standard paper copies: $0.05 per page (letter size)
- Legal size copies: $0.07 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
Criminal History Record Checks:
- New Jersey State Police Criminal History Check: $41.00
- FBI Criminal History Check: Additional fees apply
Electronic Court Records:
- PROMIS/Gavel Public Access subscription: Free for basic access, fees may apply for enhanced services
- eCourts subscription (for attorneys): Registration required
It is important to note that while inspection of records is generally free, government agencies may charge for the actual cost of duplicating records, as permitted under OPRA. Additionally, special service charges may apply for extraordinary requests requiring extensive use of technology or staff time.
Individuals seeking their own criminal history records for employment, housing, or other purposes typically must pay the statutory fees, though fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances for indigent individuals pursuant to court rules.
What's Included in a Hudson County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Hudson County agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Social Security Number (partially redacted in public records)
- Driver's license number (partially redacted in public records)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
- Arrest circumstances (redacted in public records)
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior Court or Municipal Court)
- Filing date and case initiation information
- Charges filed and corresponding statutes
- Classification of offenses (indictable offenses or disorderly persons offenses)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Judge assignment
- Court appearance dates
- Motion and hearing information
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, restitution, and court costs
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or detainers
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI information
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
It is important to note that pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1, certain information within criminal records may be redacted from public versions, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Unlisted telephone numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Victim information in certain cases
- Confidential informant information
- Juvenile information
- Grand jury materials
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Complete, unredacted criminal records are generally only available to law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the subject of the records themselves. Public versions of criminal records contain more limited information in accordance with privacy protections established under New Jersey law.
How Long Does Hudson County Keep Criminal Records?
Hudson County maintains criminal records in accordance with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services' Records Management Services retention schedules. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records as mandated by N.J.S.A. § 47:3-15 et seq..
The retention periods for criminal records in Hudson County vary based on the type of record and its disposition:
Superior Court Criminal Records:
- Indictable criminal case files (felonies): Permanent retention for murder, manslaughter, and sexual offenses; 15 years after case disposition for other indictable offenses
- Pre-trial intervention case files: 3 years after completion of program
- Expunged records: Removed from public access immediately upon receipt of expungement order; physically destroyed according to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-15
- Grand jury records: 15 years after case disposition
- Criminal judgment records: Permanent retention
Municipal Court Records:
- Disorderly persons case files: 15 years after case disposition
- Petty disorderly persons case files: 5 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case disposition
- DWI/DUI cases: 15 years after case disposition
- Municipal court judgment records: 20 years after case disposition
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: 75 years
- Investigation reports (no arrest): 3 years
- Investigation reports (resulting in arrest): 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years
- Incident reports: 3 years
Corrections Records:
- Inmate case files: 10 years after release or discharge
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release or discharge
- Inmate disciplinary records: 3 years after release or discharge
Probation Records:
- Adult probation case files: 10 years after termination of probation
- Juvenile probation case files: Until age 23 or 3 years after case closure, whichever is later
It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, access to these records may be restricted based on various factors, including expungement orders, sealing orders, and statutory confidentiality provisions. Additionally, the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts Directive #15-05 provides specific guidance on the retention and destruction of court records.
Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 et seq. are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest or conviction never occurred, though certain agencies may retain limited access to these records for specific purposes authorized by law.
Lookup Criminal Records in Hudson County
Criminal Cases: PROMIS/Gavel Public Access