Atlantic County Criminal Records
What Is Atlantic County Criminal Records
Atlantic County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Atlantic 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). Criminal records encompass a comprehensive history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions related to criminal matters.
Criminal records in Atlantic County are categorized by several distinct classifications:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: In New Jersey, serious crimes are classified as indictable offenses (similar to felonies in other states), while less serious offenses are categorized as disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanors). Indictable offenses typically carry potential prison sentences exceeding one year.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60 and require court authorization for access.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current pending arrests, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Atlantic County:
Atlantic County Sheriff's Office
4997 Unami Boulevard
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 909-7200
Atlantic County Sheriff's Office
Atlantic County Superior Court
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 402-0100
Atlantic County Courts
New Jersey State Police
Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Atlantic County criminal records typically include detailed information about:
- Arrests and booking procedures
- Formal charges filed by prosecutors
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements
- Trial information and outcomes
- Sentencing details
- Probation and parole status
These records serve multiple purposes, including informing public safety decisions, facilitating background checks, and maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Atlantic County
Criminal records in Atlantic County are generally considered public information under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.). This statute establishes 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."
The New Jersey judiciary further supports public access through Court Rule 1:38, which states: "Court records and administrative records are open to inspection by the public except as otherwise provided in this rule." This legal framework ensures transparency while balancing privacy concerns.
Records that are typically available to the public include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Indictments and formal charges
- Sentencing information
- Probation and parole status for convicted individuals
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as disclosure could compromise law enforcement activities
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60, except in specific circumstances
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence records protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or financial account information
The New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts has established that "the Judiciary's commitment to transparency in its operations is demonstrated by the openness of court proceedings and records." This commitment is balanced with protections for sensitive information that, if disclosed, might harm individuals or compromise the administration of justice.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Atlantic County must follow established procedures and may be required to verify their identity when requesting certain types of information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Atlantic County in 2026
Members of the public may access Atlantic County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Atlantic County Superior Court:
- Visit the Criminal Division Records Office located at:
Atlantic County Superior Court
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 402-0100
Atlantic County Courts
- Complete a Records Request Form, available at the public counter.
- Provide the following information for effective searches:
- Full name of the individual (including aliases)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.05 per page for standard copies).
- Records staff will conduct the search and provide available non-restricted information.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Atlantic County Superior Court
Criminal Records Division
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
- Include in your letter:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and identifying information
- Specific records being requested
- Purpose of the request
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check/money order for applicable fees.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
New Jersey State Police Criminal History Record:
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved fingerprinting vendor.
- Complete the Request for Criminal History Record Information form.
- Pay the required fee (currently $42.80 for public requests).
- Submit to:
New Jersey State Police
Records and Identification Section
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office:
For information about specific cases being prosecuted:
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
4997 Unami Boulevard, Suite 2
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 909-7800
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
Pursuant to the Open Public Records Act, requests must be responded to within seven business days. Complex requests may require additional time, and requestors will be notified if extensions are necessary.
How To Find Criminal Records in Atlantic County Online?
Atlantic County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information while adhering to privacy protections established under New Jersey law.
New Jersey Judiciary PROMIS/Gavel Public Access:
The primary online system for accessing criminal case information in Atlantic County is the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access portal:
- Navigate to the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access website.
- Select "Atlantic" from the county dropdown menu.
- Search using one of the following criteria:
- Defendant name (last name, first name)
- Complaint/Indictment number
- Case/Docket number
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case status (active/disposed)
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information (if applicable)
No registration is required for basic searches, though certain detailed information may be restricted.
New Jersey Judiciary eCourts:
For civil and special civil cases that may relate to criminal matters:
- Visit the New Jersey eCourts portal.
- Select the appropriate case type.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number).
- Access available case information and documents.
Atlantic County Inmate Search:
To locate individuals currently in custody:
- Access the Atlantic County Justice Facility Inmate Search.
- Enter the individual's name.
- View booking information, charges, and custody status.
New Jersey Sex Offender Registry:
For information on registered sex offenders in Atlantic County:
- Visit the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, location, or other criteria.
- View offender information, including address, offense details, and risk level.
New Jersey Judiciary Electronic Filing System:
For attorneys and authorized users seeking case documents:
- Access JEFIS (Judiciary Electronic Filing and Imaging System).
- Log in with authorized credentials.
- Search for and access available case documents.
Users should note that pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-7, certain information is redacted from online records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers. Additionally, cases under seal, expunged records, and juvenile matters are not accessible through these public portals.
The New Jersey Judiciary maintains these systems and periodically updates their functionality. Users experiencing technical difficulties may contact the Judiciary's Help Desk at (609) 421-6100.
Can You Search Atlantic County Criminal Records for Free?
Atlantic County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1) and Court Rule 1:38. The statute provides that "a custodian shall permit inspection and examination of a government record at the time of the request, or as soon as possible, unless the record is in use or storage."
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations offer free on-site inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Atlantic County Superior Court
Criminal Division Records
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 402-0100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Atlantic County Courts
Atlantic County Clerk's Office
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-4011
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Atlantic County Clerk
While inspection is free, standard copying fees apply for physical copies (currently $0.05 per page for letter/legal size documents).
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
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PROMIS/Gavel Public Access - This portal allows free searches of criminal cases in Atlantic County and throughout New Jersey. Users can search by name or case number without registration or fees at the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access website.
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Atlantic County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - The public can search current inmate information at no cost through the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office website.
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New Jersey Courts Case Search - Basic case information is available without charge through the New Jersey Courts Public Access system.
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New Jersey Sex Offender Registry - Information about registered sex offenders in Atlantic County is freely accessible through the New Jersey State Police website.
Fee-Based Services:
Certain comprehensive criminal history information requires payment:
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New Jersey State Police Criminal History Record Check - A complete statewide criminal history check costs $42.80 for public requestors.
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Certified Copies - Court-certified documents incur additional fees (currently $10-$25 depending on document type).
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Background Check Services - Third-party vendors offering comprehensive background checks typically charge fees ranging from $15-$100 depending on search depth.
The New Jersey Government Records Council has determined that "a custodian may charge a reasonable special service charge if the nature, format, manner of collation, or volume of a government record is such that it cannot be reproduced using ordinary equipment nor accommodated with existing staff." This provision allows agencies to recover costs for extensive searches or specialized record retrieval.
What's Included in a Atlantic County Criminal Record?
Atlantic County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with the New Jersey Court Rules and state statutes governing public records. The content typically includes:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or detention status
- Arresting circumstances (as documented in police reports)
Court Case Information:
- Docket/case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Municipal Court or Superior Court)
- Filing date and case initiation
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications (indictable offenses, disorderly persons offenses)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor assigned
- Judge presiding over the case
- Court appearance dates and proceedings
Case Disposition:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial outcome (if applicable)
- Verdict or judgment
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, restitution, and court costs
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if filed)
- Post-conviction relief applications
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or detainers
- Restraining orders or protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Specialized court participation (Drug Court, Veterans Court, Mental Health Court)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Motor vehicle-related offenses (DUI/DWI)
- Domestic violence indicators (when applicable)
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Criminal records in Atlantic County are maintained in compliance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, which defines government records and establishes parameters for public access. While comprehensive, certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and victim identifying information in sensitive cases.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and Superior Court maintain these records in both electronic and physical formats, with varying levels of detail available depending on the requesting party's authorization and the age of the records.
How Long Does Atlantic County Keep Criminal Records?
Atlantic County maintains criminal records according to the retention schedules established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) under the authority of N.J.S.A. 47:3-26. These schedules specify mandatory minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records.
Court Records Retention:
- Indictable Criminal Case Files: Permanent retention for murder cases; 15 years after case disposition for other indictable offenses
- Non-Indictable (Disorderly Persons) Case Files: 5 years after case disposition
- Municipal Court Records: 15 years for criminal matters; 5 years for minor offenses
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access immediately upon court order, but physically maintained under seal pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-15
- Probation Records: 10 years after termination of supervision
- Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports: 10 years after completion of sentence
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Reports: 75 years
- Investigation Reports: 75 years for major crimes; 5 years for minor offenses
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years
- Booking Photographs: 75 years
- Incident Reports: 3-7 years depending on case type
- Criminal Complaint Records: 15 years
Prosecutor's Office Records:
- Case Files (Major Crimes): Permanent retention for homicide cases
- Case Files (Other Indictable Offenses): 15 years after case disposition
- Grand Jury Proceedings: 15 years
- Evidence Logs: 15 years after final disposition of evidence
Corrections Records:
- Inmate Files: 10 years after release
- Jail Admission/Release Records: 10 years
The New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts has established that "records must be retained in accordance with the Judiciary's records retention schedule and may only be destroyed with proper authorization." This ensures that records are maintained for appropriate periods to serve both justice system needs and historical documentation purposes.
It is important to note that while records may be officially retained for these specified periods, practical accessibility may vary. Older records may be archived in off-site storage facilities or maintained only in microfilm or other legacy formats, potentially increasing retrieval time and associated costs.
Additionally, pursuant to Executive Order No. 69, certain criminal history information may be subject to additional restrictions after specified time periods have elapsed, particularly for non-conviction data.