How to Obtain Evidence & Court Records
Court records and evidence used in trials and hearings can be useful long after a legal case has ended. Some people may have their livelihood rest on having proof a court hearing has taken place, while others may need an item that was used as evidence returned to them. Getting what you need from the legal system may take patience and determination.
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Instructions
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How to Obtain Evidence and Court Records
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Contact the court. Check the court's website for the telephone number. If you need to obtain court records or access to certain evidence, a court clerk can tell you what the procedures are and what information you have to provide. This will include forms you need, details about your personal information that the court requires, and fees the court charges.
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Gather your information. Some pieces of information are easy, such as your name and address. You should also have the case number of the court records you're seeking, or at the very least the full names of the people who were involved. The more information you can provide the court, the better your chances of getting what you need.
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Give the information to the court. You can usually ask a court clerk to find the file or evidence over the telephone, but in order to actually get the records you usually have to go to the court in person.
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Go to the court. You can make photocopies of original court records and pay whatever fees are necessary. Courts usually do not allow evidence to leave the courthouse.
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Tips & Warnings
The police may have some evidence connected to a case. Oftentimes the police are given the custody of evidence that is no longer being used in a trial. Ask a court clerk about particular cases.
