Bergen County Criminal Records
What Is Bergen County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bergen County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Bergen County, New Jersey. These records are maintained pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, commonly known as the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which establishes the framework for public access to government records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Charging Documents: Formal accusations filed by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
- Court Records: Documentation of judicial proceedings, including arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing
- Disposition Records: Final outcomes of criminal cases, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Bergen County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Additionally, criminal records differentiate between:
- Felonies (Indictable Offenses): More serious crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison
- Misdemeanors (Disorderly Persons Offenses): Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to six months in county jail
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Juvenile records (under age 18) receive special confidentiality protections under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Bergen County:
Bergen County Sheriff's Office
One Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-336-3500
Bergen County Sheriff's Office
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
Two Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-646-2300
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
Bergen County Superior Court
Justice Center
10 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-221-0700
New Jersey Courts
Are Criminal Records Public In Bergen County
Criminal records in Bergen County are generally accessible to the public under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1), which establishes the presumption that government records shall be accessible for public inspection and copying. The statute specifically states 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 law, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Court records of adult criminal proceedings
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Criminal case dockets
However, significant exceptions exist to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the justice system. The following records are generally restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-3)
- Juvenile records (protected under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60)
- Expunged records (pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence records
- Records that would compromise personal privacy or security
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, the methods of access and associated fees may vary depending on the specific record sought and the maintaining agency. Additionally, commercial use of criminal record information is subject to certain restrictions under state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bergen County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Bergen County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The appropriate method depends on the specific type of record sought and its maintaining agency.
For in-person requests at the Bergen County Superior Court:
- Visit the Criminal Division Records Office at the Bergen County Justice Center
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or defendant name
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
Bergen County Superior Court - Criminal Division
Justice Center
10 Main Street, Room 107
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-221-0700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New Jersey Courts
For requests to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office:
- Submit an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought
- Submit the request via mail, email, fax, or in person
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
- Allow up to seven business days for a response
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
Two Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-646-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
For records from the Bergen County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit an OPRA request form to the Records Bureau
- Provide specific information about the individual or incident
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees
- Allow time for processing
Bergen County Sheriff's Office - Records Bureau
One Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-336-3500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Bergen County Sheriff's Office
For certified criminal history information (commonly called a "rap sheet"):
- Submit a request to the New Jersey State Police
- Complete fingerprinting through an approved vendor
- Pay the required fee
- Provide proper identification
- Receive results by mail
New Jersey State Police - Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
New Jersey State Police
How To Find Criminal Records in Bergen County Online?
Bergen County residents and interested parties may access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The New Jersey Judiciary offers the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access portal, which allows users to search for criminal case information by defendant name or case number. This system provides:
- Case status information
- Scheduled court dates
- Charges filed
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information
Users should note that this system does not provide access to actual court documents, which must be requested separately.
The New Jersey Courts Public Access system offers additional search capabilities for:
- Criminal case records
- Municipal court records
- Judgment information
- Attorney discipline records
- Foreclosure records
To use this system:
- Navigate to the official website
- Select the appropriate search category
- Enter the required search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review the search results
- Note that document viewing may require additional fees
The Bergen County Clerk's Office maintains an online portal for searching various county records, though criminal records access through this system is limited. Users can access:
- Property records
- Business records
- Election information
- Passport services information
For current inmate information, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office maintains an Inmate Lookup system that provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Scheduled release dates
- Bail information
When using online systems, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Older records may not be digitized
- Registration or fees may be required for certain searches
- Official certified copies typically require in-person requests
Can You Search Bergen County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1), members of the public have the right to inspect government records at no cost. The statute specifically provides that "a custodian shall permit access to a government record and provide a copy thereof in the medium requested if the public agency maintains the record in that medium."
Free inspection options in Bergen County include:
- In-person review of non-confidential court files at the Bergen County Superior Court
- Examination of public criminal case information at public access terminals in the courthouse
- Viewing of current inmate information through the Sheriff's Office online portal
- Inspection of criminal case dockets at the Criminal Division office
Bergen County Superior Court - Criminal Division
Justice Center
10 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-221-0700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New Jersey Courts
While inspection is free, reproduction fees apply for copies of records. Current fee schedules include:
- Paper copies: $0.05 per page for letter size, $0.07 per page for legal size
- Electronic records: No charge when provided via email or download
- Certified copies: Additional certification fees apply
- Special service charges: May apply for extraordinary staff time or resources
Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- New Jersey Courts Public Access - Basic case information is available at no charge
- PROMIS/Gavel Public Access - Free access to criminal case status information
- Bergen County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - Free access to current inmate information
It is important to note that while basic record inspection and some online searches are free, comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") always requires payment of statutory fees to the New Jersey State Police, currently $41.00 per request.
What's Included in a Bergen County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Bergen County agencies typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the type of record and maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (indictable offenses/felonies or disorderly persons offenses/misdemeanors)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration period
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations
- Pending charges
- Prior criminal history
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office maintains records related to criminal investigations and prosecutions, while the Bergen County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, maintains the official court records, including case filings, proceedings, and dispositions.
It should be noted that pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 regarding expungement, certain criminal records may be removed from public access if a court has granted an expungement petition. Additionally, juvenile records receive special confidentiality protections under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60.
How Long Does Bergen County Keep Criminal Records?
Bergen County criminal records are subject to retention schedules established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:3-26. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Current retention periods for key criminal record types include:
- Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by law enforcement agencies
- Criminal Investigation Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual crimes: 75 years
- Other major crimes: 25 years after case closure
- Minor crimes: 5 years after case closure
- Criminal Case Files (Superior Court):
- Indictable offenses (felonies): 15 years after case disposition
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors): 5 years after case disposition
- Inmate Records:
- County jail records: 10 years after release
- State prison records: 50 years after release
- Probation Records: 10 years after termination of probation
- Criminal Complaints: 15 years after filing
- Grand Jury Records: 15 years after proceedings conclude
- Court Transcripts: Permanently maintained for indictable offenses
- Sex Offender Registration Records: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement
It is important to note that while these are the minimum required retention periods, many criminal records, particularly those related to serious offenses, are maintained for longer periods or permanently. Additionally, records that have met their retention period may still exist in archived formats or databases.
Expunged records receive special handling pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-15, which requires that expunged records be removed from public access and segregated. However, expunged records are not physically destroyed and may be accessed by court order or for certain law enforcement purposes.
The retention of electronic records follows the same schedules as paper records, though technological changes may affect accessibility of older electronic formats. The New Jersey Judiciary has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve older court records, but some historical records may only be available in paper format.
Lookup Criminal Records in Bergen County
Contact – Bergen County, NJ – Official Website
Bergen County Department of Public Safety – Bergen County, NJ