Court records in Bronx County, New York, can be searched through several channels. BronxCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the borough. You can also access records through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Bronx County Clerk's Office, and public-access terminals located inside the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the type of case, how old the record is, and whether you need certified copies.
Bronx Court System & Jurisdictions
Bronx County is part of New York City's court system, which operates under the New York State Unified Court System. Several courts sit in the Bronx, each handling distinct case types:
- Bronx County Supreme Court — Handles civil cases with claims generally exceeding $25,000 and all felony criminal matters. The Supreme Court also has an Integrated Domestic Violence part.
- Bronx County Civil Court — Hears civil disputes up to $50,000, small claims (up to $10,000 for individuals), landlord-tenant and housing matters, and consumer credit cases.
- Bronx County Criminal Court — Arraigns all criminal arrests in the borough and adjudicates misdemeanor and violation-level offenses. Felony cases are arraigned here before being transferred to Supreme Court.
- Bronx County Family Court — Handles custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions, juvenile delinquency, and child protective proceedings.
- Bronx County Surrogate's Court — Manages probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of property for minors and incapacitated persons, and estate-related accounting.
If you are unsure which court holds the docket you need, start by identifying the case type. Traffic infractions issued by NYPD within the Bronx are generally adjudicated by the NYC Traffic Violations Bureau (part of the NYS DMV), not by the Criminal Court — unless the charge is a misdemeanor traffic offense.
Bronx Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The New York State Unified Court System publishes court calendars online through its WebCivil Supreme portal for Supreme Court civil matters. You can search by index number, party name, or attorney name to find scheduled appearances.
To find upcoming hearings:
- Supreme Court civil cases — Use the WebCivil Supreme system. Select "Bronx" as the county and search by party name or index number.
- Criminal Court cases — Contact the Bronx Criminal Court clerk's office at (718) 618-2460 for calendar information. Criminal calendars are also posted on courtroom doors daily.
- Family Court and Surrogate's Court — Calendars are generally not published online. Call the relevant clerk's office or visit in person to confirm hearing dates.
For same-day or next-day calendar checks, calling the courthouse directly is often the fastest option. Public terminals inside the Bronx Hall of Justice also display current-day calendars.
How to Get a Copy of a Bronx Court Document
The process depends on whether you need a simple photocopy or a certified copy, and which court holds the file.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Plain photocopies of court documents. Useful for personal reference. Available at the clerk's window or, for some Supreme Court civil filings, through the e-filing system (NYSCEF).
- Certified copies — Bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. Required for most legal, financial, or government purposes.
How to Request
- Online (Supreme Court civil cases) — Many documents filed through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) can be viewed and downloaded at no charge. These are uncertified.
- In person — Visit the Bronx County Clerk's Office at the courthouse. Bring the index number or case number. The clerk can pull the file and provide copies.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case name, index/docket number, and the documents you need, along with the appropriate fee (money order or certified check payable to the "Bronx County Clerk").
For divorce records, the Bronx County Clerk maintains the judgment of divorce. You will need the index number and approximate year of filing.
Bronx County Clerk's Office
Sealed and confidential records — including most Family Court files, youthful offender adjudications, and sealed criminal records — are not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether the record you need has any access restrictions before submitting a request.
Bronx Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Bronx County are set by New York State statute (CPLR § 8019; County Law § 525). The table below covers the most common charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document (per document) | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00) |
| Certification/exemplification of a document | $5.00 per certification |
| County Clerk search (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified photocopy | $0.65 per page |
| Filing an RJI (Request for Judicial Intervention) | $95.00 |
| Purchasing an index number (new civil case) | $210.00 |
Accepted payment methods: Money orders and certified checks payable to "Bronx County Clerk." Credit card payments may be accepted for certain transactions at the clerk's window — confirm in advance by calling (718) 618-3300. NYSCEF e-filed documents may have separate electronic payment options.
Fees are subject to change. For criminal court records, NYPD record requests carry their own fee schedule (e.g., $50.00 for a Certificate of Conduct). The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services handles statewide criminal history searches, which require fingerprinting and a separate fee.