Gloucester County Criminal Records
What Is Gloucester County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Gloucester County, New Jersey, encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Gloucester County.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal case proceedings in Gloucester County courts
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant under New Jersey law. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1, an arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm guilt was established through court proceedings. Felonies (indictable offenses) and misdemeanors (disorderly persons offenses) are categorized differently, with felonies carrying more severe penalties and appearing more prominently in criminal history reports.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Gloucester County:
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office
2 South Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-384-4600
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office
Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office
70 Hunter Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-384-5500
Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office
New Jersey State Police
Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Adult criminal records typically include detailed information about charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole status. Juvenile records, however, are generally sealed under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
Are Criminal Records Public In Gloucester County
Criminal records in Gloucester County are generally considered public information under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified in N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1. This statute establishes that government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions established by law.
The statute specifically states: "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, and any limitations on the right of access accorded by P.L.1963, c. 73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented, shall be construed in favor of the public's right of access."
Public criminal records in Gloucester County typically include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
However, several categories of criminal records have restricted access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records sealed by court order
The New Jersey Criminal History Record Information Act further regulates access to criminal history record information. Law enforcement agencies may share criminal history information with other criminal justice agencies without restriction, but dissemination to non-criminal justice agencies and the public is more limited.
Members of the public seeking criminal records must typically submit formal requests through the appropriate agency, such as the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office Record Requests portal or the New Jersey Courts system. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public records to protect privacy interests as mandated by state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Gloucester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Gloucester County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, depending on the specific information sought and its intended use.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Gloucester County Criminal Division Records Room
Gloucester County Justice Complex
70 Hunter Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
Criminal Division Records Room
The records room is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Visitors should bring valid government-issued photo identification.
To request criminal records from the Sheriff's Office:
- Complete the Sheriff's Office Records Request Form available on the Sheriff's Office Record Requests page
- Submit the completed form via email, mail, or in person
- Include required identification and any applicable fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For court records, individuals may:
- Visit the Gloucester County Criminal Division Records Room
- Provide the defendant's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Review records on-site or request certified copies
For comprehensive criminal history information, the New Jersey State Police provides fingerprint-based background checks:
New Jersey State Police Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Requestors must submit fingerprints, complete the required forms, and pay the established fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
How To Find Criminal Records in Gloucester County Online?
Gloucester County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The New Jersey Courts provide the primary online access point through their Find a Case portal. This system allows users to search for:
- Criminal case information
- Court calendars and schedules
- Case status updates
- Judgment information
To use this system:
- Navigate to the New Jersey Courts website
- Select the appropriate search option (criminal cases)
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review the search results
- Access available case information
For more detailed criminal case information, the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system provides searchable access to criminal court records. This database contains information on indictable crimes (felonies) and disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) processed through the Superior Court.
The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function that provides:
- Current inmate status
- Booking information
- Scheduled release dates
- Bail information
For sex offender information, the New Jersey State Police maintain the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry, which allows searches by name, location, or other criteria.
Users should note that online systems may have limitations:
- Some records may only be available through in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted
- Historical records may not be fully digitized
- Registration may be required for some systems
- Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval
For the most comprehensive criminal record information, combining online searches with formal record requests may be necessary.
Can You Search Gloucester County Criminal Records for Free?
Gloucester County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations and fees may apply depending on the specific records sought and their intended use.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, the New Jersey Open Public Records Act establishes that "the custodian of a government record shall permit the record to be inspected, examined, and copied by any person during regular business hours." This provision ensures that members of the public may inspect records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free resources for criminal record searches include:
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In-person inspection: Visitors may examine criminal court records at no cost at the Gloucester County Criminal Division Records Room during regular business hours.
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Online case search: The New Jersey Courts Find a Case portal provides free access to basic case information, including defendant name, charges, and case status.
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PROMIS/Gavel Public Access: This online system offers free searches of criminal court records, though registration is required.
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Inmate search: The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool that provides current incarceration information.
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Sex offender registry: The New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry is available at no cost to the public.
While inspection is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $0.05 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Comprehensive background checks
- Expedited processing
- Commercial use of records
The Gloucester County Criminal Division Records Room provides free public access terminals for searching court records. These terminals are available during regular business hours:
Gloucester County Criminal Division Records Room
Gloucester County Justice Complex
70 Hunter Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
Criminal Division Records Room
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
What's Included in a Gloucester County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Gloucester County contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that document the entire criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (indictable offenses or disorderly persons offenses)
- Attorney information
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Plea information
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations
- Pending charges
- Prior criminal history
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the specific agency maintaining the records and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office may focus more on arrest and detention information, while court records accessible through the New Jersey Courts system provide more detail on case proceedings and dispositions.
How Long Does Gloucester County Keep Criminal Records?
Gloucester County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management under the authority of N.J.S.A. § 47:3-26. These schedules dictate how long various types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
Criminal records retention periods vary significantly based on the record type, severity of the offense, and final disposition:
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Arrest Records: Generally maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of arrest. Records related to arrests that did not result in charges may be retained for shorter periods.
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Misdemeanor (Disorderly Persons) Convictions: Typically retained for 10 years from the date of conviction or completion of sentence, whichever is later.
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Felony (Indictable Offense) Convictions: Maintained for 75 years to permanent retention, depending on the severity of the offense. Records for serious violent crimes and sex offenses are typically preserved permanently.
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Acquittals and Dismissals: Generally retained for 3-5 years, though individuals may petition for earlier expungement under certain circumstances.
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Probation Records: Maintained for 10 years after the termination of probation.
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Juvenile Records: Typically sealed upon the juvenile reaching adulthood, with retention periods of 5-10 years before eligible for destruction, pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60.
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Court Dockets and Case Files: Felony cases are typically retained permanently. Misdemeanor cases may be retained for 10-15 years after final disposition.
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Incarceration Records: Generally maintained for 10 years after release from incarceration.
It's important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may persist in various databases, news archives, and third-party background check services. Additionally, certain serious offenses, particularly violent crimes and sex offenses, may have records maintained permanently.
Individuals seeking to clear their criminal records before the standard retention period may petition for expungement if they meet eligibility requirements under New Jersey law. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though certain government agencies may still access the information for specific purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Gloucester County
Sheriff's Office Record Requests
Find a Case through New Jersey Courts
Criminal Cases: PROMIS/Gavel Public Access