How to Find a Person's Court Date

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With the exception of closed family law hearings in certain jurisdictions, court dates are a matter of public record and are accessible to the public through the court system and criminal justice facilities. There are a few routes to follow where you can find this information. When you inquire about a court date, you can expedite the call by having the party's full name and case number ready when you make your query.

Contact the Clerk of the Court

Contact the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk's Office maintains the court records, which includes schedule court dates. Generally, this is public information that can be obtained over the phone and in person.

Speak with the Incarceration Facility

Speak with the facility where the person is incarcerated. If you are looking for the court date of a person who is currently jailed, often the prison or holding center can give you information about their upcoming court dates

Visit the Court's Website

Visit the website of the court where the case will be heard. Many courts are now making their dockets available electronically through their website. Some jurisdictions may also have a search function that will allow you to search for court dates by name, as well as case number.

Establish that You are Entitled to the Information

Establish that you are entitled to the information as a party with interests in the case, if necessary. Court dates are usually public information. You may be asked to submit your request in writing and show proof of your identity, such as a driver's license or passport.

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