New Castle County Criminal Records
What Is New Castle County Criminal Records
Criminal records in New Castle County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.
Criminal records in New Castle County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the New Castle County Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, and Delaware State Police. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing the most commonly accessed type of criminal record.
- Court Records: Documentation of all criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in county or state correctional facilities.
The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is significant in New Castle County criminal records:
- Felonies: More serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, typically prosecuted in the Delaware Superior Court.
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses punishable by up to one year of incarceration, generally handled by the Court of Common Pleas.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in New Castle County:
New Castle County Police Department
3601 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 573-2800
New Castle County Police Department
Delaware Superior Court - New Castle County
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0800
Delaware Superior Court
Court of Common Pleas - New Castle County
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0900
Court of Common Pleas
Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
Carvel State Office Building
820 N. French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-8787
Delaware Criminal Justice Information System
Adult criminal records differ substantially from juvenile records, with the latter subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Delaware Code Title 10, Chapter 9. Juvenile records are typically sealed and not accessible to the general public except under specific court orders.
Are Criminal Records Public In New Castle County
Criminal records in New Castle County are generally considered public information under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 100. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in governmental operations.
Section 10002(l) of the Delaware FOIA states: "All public records shall be open to inspection and copying during regular business hours by the custodian of the records for the appropriate public body." However, this right of access is not absolute, and several important exceptions apply specifically to criminal records:
- Active Investigations: Records pertaining to pending criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under § 10002(l)(3), which protects "investigatory files compiled for civil or criminal law-enforcement purposes."
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally sealed pursuant to Delaware Code Title 10, Chapter 9, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged under Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 43 are removed from public access.
- Court-Sealed Records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available to the public.
The following categories of criminal records are typically accessible to the public:
- Adult arrest records (after charging)
- Criminal court proceedings and calendars
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, operating under the authority of Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85. While DELJIS maintains comprehensive criminal history information, public access to this database is restricted, with complete criminal history reports available only to authorized agencies and individuals with proper consent.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In New Castle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in New Castle County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and its custodian agency.
For court records, individuals may:
- Access the Delaware Court Connect online portal, which provides case information for the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Court.
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk using the designated request form.
- Visit the courthouse in person to conduct research using public access terminals.
Superior Court of Delaware - New Castle County
Leonard L. Williams Justice Center
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0800
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Superior Court of Delaware
For criminal history records, individuals may:
- Submit a Criminal History Request Form to the State Bureau of Identification (SBI).
- Provide fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting service.
- Pay the required fee (currently $52 for a certified criminal history).
Delaware State Bureau of Identification
Blue Hen Corporate Center
655 S. Bay Road, Suite 1B
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-2528
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Delaware State Police - SBI
For active warrants and sex offender information:
- Contact the New Castle County Police Department directly.
- Check the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry online.
New Castle County Police Department - Records Unit
3601 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-8171
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
New Castle County Police Department
When requesting records, individuals must provide:
- The subject's full name and date of birth
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or court proceeding
- Valid identification
- Payment of applicable fees
Requests may be subject to processing times ranging from same-day service for basic court records to several weeks for comprehensive criminal history reports.
How To Find Criminal Records in New Castle County Online?
New Castle County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information while adhering to relevant privacy statutes.
The primary online resources for criminal records in New Castle County include:
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Delaware Court Connect: This comprehensive portal provides access to case information from the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Court. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. The system displays case types, filing dates, charges, scheduled events, and disposition information. Registration is not required for basic searches, though some features may be restricted to registered users. Delaware Court Connect is available 24 hours daily.
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Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS): While the complete DELJIS database is restricted to authorized users, certain public information is available through affiliated portals. The system maintains the official criminal history record repository for Delaware pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, § 8605. Public access to comprehensive criminal histories requires submission of fingerprints and proper authorization.
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New Castle County Document Search: The county maintains an online document search portal that includes certain public records. While primarily focused on property records, some criminal-related documents may be available through this system.
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Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry: Maintained by the Delaware State Police, this searchable database provides information on registered sex offenders residing in New Castle County and throughout Delaware. The registry includes names, photographs, addresses, and offense information as authorized by Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 41.
When using these online resources, users should note:
- Information may not be comprehensive or reflect recent updates
- Case details may be limited compared to official court files
- Some sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
For records not available online, individuals must submit requests through the appropriate agency using the procedures outlined in the previous section. Certain records, including complete criminal history reports, sealed cases, and juvenile records, are generally not accessible through public online portals.
Can You Search New Castle County Criminal Records for Free?
New Castle County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. The Delaware Freedom of Information Act, codified in Delaware Code Title 29, § 10003, establishes the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost, though fees may be assessed for copies or certified documents.
Free access to criminal records is available through the following channels:
- In-Person Court Record Inspection: The public may visit the New Castle County Courthouse to view non-sealed criminal case files at no charge. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours.
New Castle County Courthouse
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0800
Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Delaware Courts
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Delaware Court Connect: This online portal provides free access to basic case information from the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Court. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney without creating an account or paying fees. The system is accessible at Delaware Court Connect.
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Public Court Calendars: Daily court schedules, including criminal proceedings, are available for public viewing at no cost both online and at courthouse locations.
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Sex Offender Registry: The Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in New Castle County.
While these resources offer free access to basic criminal record information, certain limitations apply:
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from the State Bureau of Identification require payment of statutory fees
- Certified copies of court documents incur copying fees (currently $1-$5 per page depending on the document type)
- Extensive research assistance from court staff may result in research fees
- Some specialized databases are restricted to authorized users or require subscription fees
The Delaware courts and law enforcement agencies maintain a fee schedule for various record services, with waivers available in certain circumstances for indigent individuals or those demonstrating financial hardship. Fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate records custodian.
What's Included in a New Castle County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in New Castle County contain standardized information as prescribed by Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85, which establishes uniform requirements for criminal history record information throughout the state. A comprehensive criminal record typically includes multiple categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprint classification
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI Number (if applicable)
- Last known address
- Photograph/mugshot (when available)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Location of arrest
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date
- Statutory charges (Delaware Code citations)
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Final outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation requirements
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations (if criminally charged)
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole violations
The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) serves as the central repository for this information, integrating data from law enforcement agencies, courts, and corrections departments throughout the state. Access to complete criminal history records is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with proper consent, while court case information is generally available through public access channels.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including:
- Social Security Numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information
- Information about victims of certain offenses
- Information about confidential informants
- Juvenile record information (unless specifically authorized by court order)
How Long Does New Castle County Keep Criminal Records?
Criminal records in New Castle County are retained according to schedules established by the Delaware Public Archives under the authority of Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 5. These retention periods vary based on the record type, severity of the offense, and outcome of the case.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in New Castle County include:
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Felony Case Files:
- Capital offenses: Permanent retention
- Class A and B felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Class C, D, E, F, and G felonies: 15 years after case closure
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Misdemeanor Case Files:
- Class A misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Class B misdemeanors: 7 years after case closure
- Violations: 3 years after case closure
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Arrest Records:
- With no charges filed: 3 years from date of arrest
- With charges filed: Follows the retention schedule of the associated case
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Court Dockets and Indices: Permanent retention as required by Delaware Court Rules
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Probation and Parole Records: 10 years after completion of supervision
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Sex Offender Registration Records: Lifetime retention for Tier III offenders; 25 years for Tier II offenders; 15 years for Tier I offenders
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly as digital storage has replaced paper records. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) maintains electronic criminal history information indefinitely for most serious offenses.
It is important to note that retention does not necessarily equate to public accessibility. Records may be sealed, expunged, or restricted from public view while still being retained for official purposes. The expungement process, governed by Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 43, provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to have certain records removed from public access.
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies should contact the custodian agency directly:
Delaware Public Archives
121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 744-5000
Delaware Public Archives
Lookup Criminal Records in New Castle County
New Castle County Document Search
Delaware Courts Civil Case Search