Court records are the official files of legal cases, and many are open to the public. Some courts publish them online, and websites that collect them can make them easy to find by searching a name.
How court records end up in search results
Different courts publish different amounts of information. Federal courts and many state courts offer online search tools, and news sites and data aggregators may copy case details. Search engines can then show those pages when someone searches your name.
Why a sealed or expunged record may still appear
A court order can seal or expunge a record, depending on state law, the type of case and its outcome. That order applies to the court’s own records. Third-party websites may have copied the information earlier, and they are not always updated. Eligibility is a question for an attorney.
What affects the outcome
- Whether the record is civil or criminal, and how the case ended.
- The state and court involved.
- How many websites have copied the information.
- Whether accurate, newer content about you exists to appear alongside it.
What a reputation specialist can and cannot do
A specialist can assess where the information appears, explain what is realistic, and help build accurate content that gives a fuller picture. A specialist cannot change a court’s records or promise a particular result.
More reading
Related guides: content removal overview and search suppression.
Frequently asked questions
Are all court records public?
Many are, but not all. Some records, such as certain juvenile or sealed cases, are restricted. The rules vary by state and by court.
Can an employer find old court records?
Possibly. Background checks use several sources, and some of them keep older data. An attorney can explain how this applies where you live.
Do you guarantee a result?
No. We do not guarantee outcomes. Courts, publishers and search engines make their own decisions, and we tell you what is realistic before you commit.
This page is general information for readers in the United States, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time, so speak to a qualified attorney about your situation.