Use PACER, the federal courts’ official online records system, to find public federal criminal dockets and most electronically filed documents. If you know the court and case number, search that court directly; otherwise, start with the PACER Case Locator. The docket shows the sequence of case activity, but you must open each linked filing to read it—and sealed documents are not public.
Find the case and choose where to search
PACER provides access to public federal court dockets and most electronic filings. The PACER Case Locator searches federal district, bankruptcy, and appellate court records. Use it when you do not know which court handled the case or do not have the case number. You can search nationwide or by state.
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The locator’s index is typically updated nightly, and newly filed cases typically appear within 24 hours. Results can include the party name, court, case number, filing date, and closed date, with a link to more detailed case information. A case may not appear immediately after filing, so check the relevant court directly or contact its clerk if you cannot find it.
If you know the court and case number
Search the court’s PACER system directly. This takes you to that court’s case information without first locating it nationwide. PACER’s case-finding guidance recommends the Case Locator when the court or case number is unknown.
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If you know only a person’s name
Search the Case Locator by name and narrow the results using the state or court if you know it. A name search can return multiple cases or people with similar names; match the court and case number before relying on a result. Name-search results are not subject to the usual per-document fee cap.
Open the docket, then open the filings
A docket report is a chronological index of activity in a case. Each entry typically identifies an event or filing; its text is a short description, not the complete document. Select the linked entry or document to view the filing itself. The PACER User Manual explains docket reports and document viewing. When available, use case-number and date-range filters to focus repeat searches.
- Open the case in PACER and choose the docket report.
- Scan the entry dates, numbers, titles, and descriptions to find the filing you need.
- Select the document link attached to that entry to read the actual filing, rather than relying only on the docket text.
- Check later entries for orders or filings that may amend, replace, seal, resolve, or otherwise affect the document.
Read filings in sequence and distinguish allegations from decisions. A charging document, such as an indictment, states allegations; it is not itself a finding of guilt. Look for later court orders, verdicts, or other docket entries to understand what the court has decided. Docket wording and labels can vary by case.
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Sealed filings
Sealed documents, including sealed indictments, are not available to the public and cannot be found on PACER, according to the PACER FAQ. If a docket references a sealed filing, that reference does not grant public access to the document.
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Older criminal records
Most criminal documents filed before November 1, 2004 are electronically available only to case parties. Contact the court clerk to ask about access. Older records may exist on paper even when they are not publicly available online; the federal courts’ Journalist’s Guide to the Federal Courts advises starting with the court where the case was filed. The National Archives and Records Administration may hold some closed case files.
Transcripts and redactions
Transcripts are generally added to PACER 90 days after production. Before that, the clerk’s office can explain options for inspecting or purchasing one. Public filings may also have personal information redacted, such as identifying numbers, birth dates, minors’ names, financial account details, or home addresses in criminal cases.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What PACER costs and how to limit charges
As of 2026, PACER charges $0.10 per page. Most individual documents and case-specific reports have a $3 maximum charge each. Quarterly access charges of $30 or less are waived. These are current service terms, so check the PACER pricing page for changes and exceptions.
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| Access item | Cost or limit |
|---|---|
| Pages viewed or downloaded | $0.10 per page |
| Most individual documents and case-specific reports | $3 maximum per item |
| Quarterly charges of $30 or less | Waived |
| Name-search results, non-case-specific reports, and transcripts | The $3 cap does not apply |
| Court opinions | Free |
| Access at a courthouse | Free |
The court may grant a fee exemption on request; it is not automatic. Some courts also provide RSS feeds with case-activity notices, summary text, and links. Availability varies, and opening a linked docket or filing may still incur PACER charges.
Quick Recap
What to do when you cannot find a case or document
- Case absent from the locator: Newly filed cases typically appear within 24 hours, but timing can vary. Contact the federal court where the case may have been filed if you still cannot locate it.
- Docket entry appears, document does not: The filing may be sealed or otherwise unavailable to the public. Ask the clerk about access rather than assuming the document is missing from the court’s records.
- Older case or filing: Contact the filing court about paper records and access. Some closed files may be held by NARA.
- Transcript not online yet: Ask the clerk about inspection and purchase options during the 90-day period before transcripts are generally added to PACER.
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