Researching the Record

• 1). You must first locate where the record is kept. If it is a municipal crime, then more than likely it will be kept at the local police department or municipal court. Where you find the criminal record is dependent upon the jurisdiction and severity of the crime. You can find help with this task in the Resources section of this article.
  
  
• 2). Once you locate where the record is kept, then proceed to the administration building or offices with the case number. If you don't have the case number then having the other information listed as "Things you'll need" should assist the clerk with locating the file. Most administrative offices will allow you to view the record for free. In some cases they keep a book out in the lobby with records of new arrests or cases for the press to view and report on.
  
  
• 3). Once you have the record, remain in the building and in the designated area the clerk provides for you. Chances are they will allow you to write down what ever information you may need from the record as long as you don't write on the actual record itself.
  
  
• 4). If you request more information about the record or the details in the record, you may ask the clerk for clarification, or they can direct your questions to someone within the administration's offices to help answer them.
  
  
• 5). Try calling the agency that has the record to make sure it is actually located there. You can save yourself a lot of time if you call ahead and find the record before heading out to several different agencies.