Queens County Supreme Court Case Search

In New York, the county Supreme Court serves as the central trial-level court. As the primary custodian of Queens County Supreme Court records, the County Clerk generates and maintains these documents from the beginning of a trial to the sentencing phase and beyond. Supreme Court case records typically include formal charges and pleas, communication between parties to evidence presentation, witness testimony, and exhibits documented throughout court hearings. Typically, those seeking information conduct case searches of Supreme Court records for trial research, tracking case status, personal matters, or background checks for employment or tenancy.

What Kinds of cases have been heard in Queens Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court is the county's primary trial court, with general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. However, the Court may only hear cases outside the legal authority of other courts.

The Supreme Court's position in relation to New York City influences where criminal cases are heard. Consequently, the Queens County Supreme Court has greater jurisdiction over criminal cases in New York City.

In Queens County, the Supreme Court usually handles general civil claims exceeding $25,000, small claims tax assessment, divorce, annulment, and complicated commercial cases.

The Queens County Supreme Court may hear domestic violence cases involving divorce or legal separation, including Orders of Protection.

In Queens County, the Supreme Court has specialized departments and divisions, including the Civil Commitments/Mental Hygiene, Commercial Division, Ex-Parte, Foreclosure, Guardianship, Matrimonial (Divorce), Motion Support, Subpoenaed Records, and Uncontested Matrimonial Program.

Queens County Supreme Court

The Supreme Court in Queens County is the primary trial court with the broadest jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters. The court usually handles major civil disputes and severe felony criminal cases.

Although the Supreme Court may hear any type of case brought before it, it usually only handles cases outside the jurisdiction of other county trial courts, which have limited powers.

As the county's primary trial court, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in upholding and protecting the rights of Queens County residents. The court offers the public an equitable and practical means of settling disputes, thereby preserving the rule of law.

The contact and locational addresses of the Queens County Supreme Court are as follows:

Queens County Supreme Court - Civil Term
88-11 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435
Phone: (718) 298-1000
Fax: (718) 298-1176

Queens County Supreme Court - Civil Term
25-10 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (718) 298-1000
Fax: (718) 520-2539

Queens County Case Lookup

Eligible requesters may conduct a county-wide search of the Supreme, Family, and other divisions' court records using the following resources:

Online Searches

Users may conduct a case search on the New York Unified Court System, accessible through the Queens County Clerk's website. The platform provides access to civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and other records.

Requesters searching as guests may access public information files in the Queens County Clerk's Office. However, they must register for an account to view or download information about certain court records.

To perform a case search, visit the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system. Users may search by case number, party name, or attorney. Enter the required information in the search fields and click "Search" to view results.

Please note that restricted or sealed records may not be accessible online, while records before 1992 may require in-person searches or requests.

Walk-in Requests

Eligible inquirers with a written request and a copy of their valid photo ID may visit the Queens County Clerk's Office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., to submit a request for public court records. They must, however, take note of the following conditions regarding in-person court records requests at the office:

• The Clerk's Office offers requesters public computers and index books to search for records.
• The cost of a search and a certificate reflecting the search results is $10.00. This cost is for a two-year search; searching for more years attracts additional fees.
• A copying fee of 65 cents per page is required, with a minimum fee of $1.50 for copies of the documents.
• The Queens County Clerk's Office accepts credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX).

Mail-in Requests

To expedite the search for records, requesters must provide the case number, party name, and hearing dates when sending record requests to the county clerk.

The time frame for processing mail-in requests varies; however, the Clerk's Office typically allows 48 to 72 hours for exemplification processes.

The fees for obtaining and certifying mail-in records also vary. For instance, certified copies of Supreme Court records cost $8.00 per certification, and the exemplification fee is $25.00 in addition to the certification fee. The Clerk's Office also charges a copying fee of 65 cents per page, with a minimum fee of $1.50 for copies of the documents.

Available payment methods include a U.S. postal money order, certified check, or New York State attorney's check. The County Clerk’s Office does not accept personal checks.

The mail-in application, a stamped self-addressed envelope, a copy of a valid photo ID, and all required payments must be mailed to:

Queens County Clerk’s Office
88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Room 106
Jamaica N.Y 11435

Queens Supreme Court Case Search by Name

Online Searches: Requesters must navigate to the WebCivil Supreme Case Search portal and select "Party Name". Next, they must insert the Plaintiff's or Defendant's Name in the "What to Search" Box and click "Find Case" to view results. Users may refine their search using court type, year of filing, and case status.

In-Person Searches: Searchers with a party name or case number may request a name-based court records search in person at the Queens County Clerk's Office.

Mail Requests: Individuals requesting a name-based search of Queens County Supreme Court records must provide a party's name (preferably a complete name), a case number, and other relevant information to facilitate the search process.

They must send the request packet containing the appropriate fee, a copy of their government-issued photo ID, and a self-stamped envelope to the Queens County Clerk's Office.

Queens Supreme Court Docket Search

A court docket is an extensive documentation of every legal action during a court proceeding. It summarises upcoming hearings, motions submitted, decisions rendered, and other significant events.

To search the Supreme Court docket, an information seeker must register for an account on the eTrack portal of the New York Unified Court System. When users log in, they are taken to the Account Maintenance screen, where they may modify notification options or delete cases they no longer wish to track.

In Queens County, court dockets benefit residents, parties to cases, judges, and court staff as they keep them informed of court dates, track case progress, and access recorded documents.

Lookup Queens County Supreme Court Online

The New York Unified Court System provides users with remote access to Queens County Supreme Court documents. Users may incur a fee when purchasing and copying records on the platform. Alternatively, platforms like Newyorkcourtrecords.us may offer access to select court records. These internet databases provide user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to locate specific case details. The main advantage lies in their accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, saving time and effort for those who do not visit the courthouse in person. Nonetheless, government agencies do not oversee the operation of third-party websites. Consequently, the integrity and availability of records cannot be guaranteed.

New York Supreme Court vs. Queen Supreme Court

In Queens County, the Supreme Court's legal authority is limited to initial civil and criminal proceedings involving felonies and significant civil legal issues. In contrast, the New York Supreme Court has jurisdiction across New York State. The State Supreme Court handles cases similar to Queens but with a broader jurisdiction across the state. The US Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the country, interpreting federal constitutional matters and appeals from lower federal and state courts.