Utah Criminal Court Records provide detailed documentation of criminal proceedings handled by courts across the state. These records typically include information about charges, court dates, judgments, sentencing details, and other relevant legal actions tied to a criminal case. They are created and maintained as part of the judicial process and serve as an official record of how cases were resolved in court.
These records are essential for understanding how criminal matters are processed within the Utah judicial system. They reflect the outcome of trials, plea agreements, and sentencing decisions, offering a factual account of each step in the legal process. Various courts in Utah—such as district and justice courts—play roles in generating and preserving these records as part of the criminal justice framework.
Are Utah Criminal Court Records Public?
Yes, many criminal court records in Utah are considered public records under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). This state law promotes transparency by granting individuals access to non-confidential public records. You can explore specific court details such as charges filed, court hearing dates, case outcomes, and sentencing information, all of which are maintained by the Utah courts.
However, public access to criminal court records in Utah is not absolute. Some records may be sealed or restricted based on legal protections or privacy concerns. Below are key points that explain when records are public and when access may be limited:
Publicly Accessible Criminal Court Records
Under GRAMA, the following types of criminal court records are generally open to the public:
- Adult criminal case files (including felonies and misdemeanors)
- Court calendars and dockets
- Sentencing and disposition records
- Plea agreements and judgments
- Final rulings and verdicts
These records are typically available through the clerk of the court, and some are accessible online through state-managed systems like the Utah Courts’ Xchange portal (registration required). Local court websites may also offer search tools for viewing public case details.
Records That Are Not Public
While GRAMA allows for broad access, several categories of criminal court records are not available to the general public, including:
- Sealed Records: A judge may seal a criminal case when public access would violate privacy rights or interfere with justice. Common examples include cases dismissed before trial or certain sensitive proceedings.
- Expunged Records: When a person successfully completes the expungement process, the court removes access to the related records from public view. These records are treated as if they never existed.
- Juvenile Criminal Records: Juvenile cases are handled under a separate legal framework and are typically confidential, even if the offense would have been criminal for an adult.
- Records Involving Mental Health or Protected Identities: These may be sealed or redacted to protect the privacy of victims or individuals with special legal protections.
How Utah Balances Public Access with Privacy
The Utah court system must balance two important principles:
- The public’s right to transparency in judicial proceedings
- The individual’s right to privacy, particularly in sensitive or rehabilitated cases
Therefore, while adult criminal court records are often accessible, courts retain the authority to restrict access in circumstances where it serves justice, ensures safety, or honors statutory protections.
Proper Use of Public Record Information
Public records may be reviewed for informational and lawful personal use only. According to legal guidelines and platform policies, including those followed by this site, the use of public court records:
- Is permitted for personal knowledge, research, or personal decision-making
- Cannot be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit evaluation, or insurance purposes
- Must not be used in any commercial or business context
How to Access Public Criminal Court Records in Utah
To lawfully search public criminal court records:
- Contact the relevant Utah court clerk’s office in the county where the case was filed
- Use the Utah State Courts’ Xchange system (for registered users)
- Request a copy in person or by mail, where available
Make sure to provide accurate identifying details, such as the full name of the individual, the court location, or a case number if known. Be aware that not all records are guaranteed to exist or be available, and some may require identity verification or additional authorization.
Who Maintains Criminal Court Records in Utah?
Utah’s criminal court records are official documents created and maintained by government entities involved in the judicial process. These records are part of the public record and can include details about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and final judgments. However, it’s important to understand which agencies are responsible for creating, storing, and managing this information in the state of Utah.
Below is a breakdown of the key government institutions responsible for maintaining these records:
Utah District Courts
The Utah District Courts handle serious criminal cases, including felonies and class A misdemeanors. These courts serve as the primary trial courts across the state and are responsible for maintaining full case records for the matters they oversee.
Each district court:
- Records the full history of a criminal case, from initial filing to sentencing or dismissal.
- Retains documentation such as charging documents, motions, evidence lists, and court orders.
- Is often the source for certified copies of criminal records and transcripts.
If a case originated in a district court, that court is the main source for official records.
Utah Justice Courts
The Justice Courts in Utah deal with less serious criminal matters such as:
- Class B and C misdemeanors
- Traffic infractions
- Violations of local ordinances
Justice Court records still form a crucial part of an individual’s court history, especially when those records involve convictions, guilty pleas, or repeated violations.
Although they do not handle felony cases, Justice Courts:
- Maintain their own records independently.
- Can transfer cases to District Courts if the charges escalate.
For individuals researching minor offenses or traffic-related violations, Justice Court records are often where the process begins.
Utah Appellate Courts
The Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court review criminal cases that have been appealed from lower courts.
While appellate courts do not create new criminal records, they:
- Maintain written opinions and decisions.
- Document whether a conviction was upheld, overturned, or remanded.
- Provide insight into legal interpretations and procedural history.
If a criminal case was subject to an appeal, the appellate court’s docket and rulings will be part of the full criminal court record.
Utah Department of Public Safety (Bureau of Criminal Identification – BCI)
While the court system manages individual court case records, the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) — under the Utah Department of Public Safety — compiles and maintains statewide criminal history records.
Key points:
- These records include arrests, prosecutions, and convictions across multiple jurisdictions in Utah.
- BCI records are typically based on fingerprint submissions and are more comprehensive than a single court’s record.
- The BCI is often used by individuals seeking their personal criminal history report.
Step-by-Step Process to Requesting Utah Criminal Court Records
Individuals may need access to Utah criminal court records for personal research, legal follow-up, or to stay informed about public legal proceedings. Whether requesting records in person or online, it’s important to understand the process, the limitations, and the appropriate use of the information.
In-Person Request for Utah Criminal Court Records
Many Utah criminal court records can be requested directly from the courthouse where the case was filed. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
1. Locate the Correct Court Clerk’s Office
Utah’s criminal cases are typically handled by:
- District Courts for felonies and serious misdemeanors
- Justice Courts for lesser misdemeanors and infractions
To begin, find the courthouse that handled the specific case. You can use the Utah Court Directory to locate the correct office by county or city.
2. Provide Specific Case Information
When visiting the court clerk’s office, be prepared with:
- The full name of the individual involved
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date of the case
- The type of case (e.g., criminal misdemeanor, felony)
Providing more accurate details helps avoid confusion and ensures faster access to the correct file.
3. Pay Any Applicable Fees
Courts may charge a fee for:
- Copies of records
- Certified documents
- Search assistance
Fee amounts can vary by court and the number of pages requested. It’s best to call ahead or check the specific court’s website for current pricing.
Online Access via the Utah Xchange System
For those who prefer remote access, Utah offers a statewide digital tool known as Xchange — a secure, searchable database of court records maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
What Is Xchange?
Xchange is Utah’s official court records system that allows users to view a variety of public case information, including criminal court records. It is available to the public but requires registration.
How to Register
To use Xchange:
- Visit the official Utah Xchange Login Page
- Follow the instructions for public account registration
- Complete and submit the required agreement and payment (as of writing, the system may require a monthly subscription or pay-per-search format)
Only individuals seeking records for personal use may apply. If you represent a business or are seeking records for employment or rental decisions, you are not permitted to access this system under Utah’s court use policies and federal law.
Search by Name or Case Number
Once registered, you may search records using:
- Full name of the party
- Case number (if known)
- Court location or case type (to narrow results)
Keep in mind that not all criminal court records may be available through Xchange. Sealed, juvenile, or restricted records are typically excluded in compliance with Utah law.
How to Search for Someone’s Criminal Court Record in Utah
Accessing criminal court records in Utah can be done through multiple avenues, depending on the type of case, the court involved, and the information available to the person requesting it. Whether you are seeking your own case records or reviewing public documentation for personal reasons, having accurate details is essential to ensure you find the correct information.
Use Accurate Details to Avoid Errors
To efficiently locate someone’s criminal court record in Utah, it is highly recommended to have specific identifying details. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in multiple matches or no results at all. Below are the most helpful pieces of information to begin your search:
Case Number (If Known)
The case number is one of the most reliable and direct ways to locate a criminal court record. Each court case in Utah is assigned a unique case number that remains linked to all official filings, hearings, and outcomes.
- If you already know the case number, enter it exactly as provided.
- Be mindful of court-specific prefixes or year codes that may be part of the case number (e.g., 221905435).
Why it helps: A case number bypasses the need to filter through similar names or dates, reducing errors and leading directly to the correct file.
Full Legal Name
- First name and last name (middle name if known)
- Correct spelling
- Common aliases (if applicable)
Date of Birth (If Known)
When searching by name, providing the correct date of birth (DOB) is critical for narrowing results, especially when the name is common. Including the DOB:
- Helps distinguish between people with similar or identical names
- Improves the accuracy of the search results
Additional Tips for Effective Searching
- Check the correct county: Utah has multiple courts across different counties. Knowing where the case was filed will save time and improve search accuracy.
- Use the Utah State Courts’ XChange system (for registered users): This official portal allows paid access to district and justice court case records.
- Visit the courthouse clerk’s office if you’re unsure about online access options. Many records are still maintained locally.
- Search during business hours for in-person access or clerk assistance if you are unsure about the correct filing information.
Criminal Court Records vs Criminal History Records
Understanding the distinction between criminal court records and criminal history records in Utah is essential for anyone researching their own case or reviewing public documents for personal reasons. These two types of records are maintained by different entities and serve distinct purposes.
What Are Criminal Court Records?
Criminal court records are official documents generated by the court system during the progression of a criminal case. These records are created and maintained by individual courts where a case is filed, heard, or adjudicated. In Utah, criminal court records are often held at the District Courts or Justice Courts, depending on the nature of the offense.
Common documents in criminal court records may include:
- Case filings and docket entries
- Court orders, motions, and judgments
- Arrest warrants and bail information
- Plea agreements and sentencing details
- Hearing dates and trial outcomes
These records reflect the activities and decisions made within the court as part of the judicial process. They do not include every detail related to a person’s background or involvement with law enforcement outside of the court system.
What Is a Criminal History Record?
In contrast, a criminal history record—sometimes referred to as a criminal background record—is a more centralized report compiled by a law enforcement agency. In Utah, these records are maintained by the Utah Department of Public Safety, specifically through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).
Criminal history records typically include:
- Arrest records from multiple law enforcement agencies
- Charges filed, including those that may not have gone to court
- Dispositions and sentencing from all jurisdictions
- Booking information and fingerprint-based identification
- Outcomes such as dismissals, convictions, or expungements
These reports are compiled from numerous sources across Utah and may cover a broader scope of activity than a single court’s record. They serve as a cumulative overview of an individual’s interactions with law enforcement in the state.
Can Utah Criminal Court Records Be Expunged or Sealed?
Utah allows certain individuals to request the expungement or sealing of their criminal court records under state law. This process can help limit public access to qualifying records in specific situations. However, not every case is eligible, and some offenses may remain permanently on file. Below is a general overview of how expungement works in Utah.
Who May Qualify for Expungement in Utah?
Eligibility for expungement in Utah depends on several factors, including the type of offense, whether the individual has met the required waiting period, and whether there are any new or ongoing criminal charges.
Generally, individuals may qualify if:
- They have completed all sentencing terms (including probation, restitution, or community service).
- Enough time has passed since the completion of the sentence.
- They have no pending criminal charges or new convictions.
- The offense is not one that is excluded by Utah law from expungement.
Utah offers a certificate of eligibility process through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), which confirms whether a person meets basic expungement requirements.
What Are the Waiting Periods for Expungement?
The waiting periods to file for expungement in Utah depend on the offense level:
- Class A Misdemeanor: 5 years after sentence completion
- Class B Misdemeanor: 4 years
- Class C Misdemeanor & Infractions: 3 years
- Felony Charges (including DUI): 7 years (some felonies require longer or may be ineligible)
- Dismissed Cases or Acquittals: 30 days (in many cases, eligible right away)
What Types of Offenses Cannot Be Expunged in Utah?
Certain convictions are not eligible for expungement under Utah law. These include:
- Capital felonies
- First-degree felonies
- Felony DUI offenses (if more than two convictions)
- Felony automobile homicide
- Any sex offenses that require registration
- Violent felony offenses
- Offenses involving child abuse or exploitation
- Offenses involving obstruction of justice in criminal investigations
Additionally, if someone has too many convictions on their record, they may become ineligible based on the number and type of prior offenses.
How to Start the Expungement Process in Utah
- Get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah BCI.
- File a petition for expungement with the appropriate court.
- Notify the prosecuting agency and wait for the response.
- Attend a hearing (if required).
- Await the judge’s decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to access Utah Criminal Court Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for criminal cases, court dockets, and other public records in Utah.
What are Utah criminal court records?
Utah criminal court records are official legal documents that contain detailed information about criminal cases processed through the Utah court system. These records typically include the defendant’s name, charges, court dates, case status, judgments, and sentencing. They serve as a comprehensive legal history and are often reviewed for personal background checks, legal research, or personal case tracking. Individuals may refer to these records to stay informed about their own criminal case outcomes or to verify information involving others.
How can I find Utah criminal court records for personal use?
To access Utah criminal court records for personal reference, individuals can:
- Visit the Utah Courts’ online XChange system and search using a case number or full name.
- Contact the clerk’s office of the district or justice court where the case was filed to request official copies.
- Visit the courthouse in person for records not available online, especially older or restricted cases.
These methods help individuals locate personal legal information, track criminal case progress, and verify public case details in Utah.
Are Utah criminal court records public?
Yes, most Utah criminal court records are public under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). This law allows individuals to access non-confidential criminal case files unless sealed by the court. While many basic case details are available online, full case documents may require a direct request or in-person review at the courthouse. Certain case types, such as juvenile or expunged records, remain confidential and are not accessible to the public.
Can I view my own Utah criminal court records?
Yes, you can legally access your own Utah criminal court records for personal use. You may do this by logging into the Utah State Courts XChange system or by contacting the appropriate court’s clerk. In some cases, especially if the records are restricted, you may need to provide identification or submit a formal request. Reviewing your records allows you to check for errors, prepare for legal actions, or explore expungement options to remove past charges from public view.
How long do Utah criminal court records stay on file?
Utah criminal court records are typically retained permanently unless expunged or sealed by a judge. Public access to these records may vary based on the nature of the offense. For example:
- Felony records usually remain visible longer than misdemeanor records.
- Juvenile or expunged cases are not available for public view.
To limit the visibility of past criminal records, individuals may qualify for expungement depending on the type of offense and the time that has passed since the case closed.