How do i get a docket number

As a result, the same docket number may be assigned to different cases in different courts. For example:. The docket number above tells us that this case was filed in , with the sequence number It might be from the Supreme Court or from any Court of Appeals- based on the docket number alone there is no way to tell.

The docket number above tells us that the case is from a district court that has been assigned the number 2 within its district, was filed in , and is an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court, with the sequence number It might be from a court in any district- based on the docket number alone there is no way to tell.

When searching for a docket, skip any letters or numbers after the sequence number. These are not officially part of the docket number but simply local notes, typically the judge's initials and sometimes information about the type of case. For details on court numbers, case type abbreviations, and local notes, check the court's website, such as the California Central District's district court website scroll down to Case Naming Conventions and the bankruptcy court website.

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. If you are a defendant or party to a civil case, you'll need this number to file documents on your own behalf. If you interview an attorney to take your case, they may ask for your docket number so they can research your issues.

Also, with the docket number, you can follow cases that you are interested in by tracking the documents that are filed by all parties and the court. The docket number is critical if you want to order copies of documents from the federal court archives. In most cases, criminal and civil proceedings are public record.

Anyone who knows the docket number can look at the public file. Some courts, including federal court, are fully computerized and all the documents are accessible via their website. In state courts, you may have to ask to see the public file at the courthouse. Cases involving juveniles are usually not accessible to the public. In divorces, reports dealing with child custody, such as psychological evaluations, are not public record. The court clerk may not even give out a docket number for a juvenile case.

Courts keep a running diary of the court's actions in the case files. These case notes can summarize appearances, court dates, arrest warrants, convictions, and sentencing.

Since people may be involved in more than one issue, you'll need to know the docket number to ensure you are following the right case. Identify where the case is being heard.

You need to know the state and county where the case is being heard, and whether it is a state case or federal case.

Since docket numbers are assigned on a court by court basis, different courts may use the same file number for two different cases. Clerks assign docket numbers based on their court's coding procedure. A state court docket number is very different from a federal court docket number because the two systems have different coding procedures. Figure out what kind of case it is. Criminal cases, for example, have different letter codes from civil cases. While two cases may have the same date or file number, they will have different letter codes, such as CR for criminal and CV for civil.

Part 2. Find the docket number on the case documents. Most documents filed with the court will include the docket number, so if you have a copy of the Complaint, Answer, or a motion, there's a good chance the docket number is on one of those. The docket number will usually be in one of the upper corners of the first page. Double-check the names to be sure you have the right docket number. A person may be involved in many cases, each with its own case number.

Find the docket number by contacting the court clerk where the case is being heard. This is the most straightforward way to get the case number. As long as you know the party's name and the county where the case is heard, the clerk can quickly access the docket number. The clerk can also give you basic public information such as the next hearing date.

Contact the court clerk by phone or in person at the courthouse. Go to the courthouse in the county hearing the case. Even if you can't speak with the clerk, if you have the correct spelling of the defendant's name in a criminal case or at least one of the parties in a civil case, you can look up the docket number if the court has a public computer terminal.

Bring a notebook, as not all courts offer printing services. If printing is available, there will likely be a charge per page. Find the docket number with the state's online search system.

Many states have computerized their records. To find the docket number, you will need a minimum of the last name for one party and the court hearing the case. The more information you have, the better results you will garner in your search. Many states have dozens or hundreds of courts, so check the National Center for State Courts, which maintains a list of state court websites. Go to source. Interpret the information contained in the docket number.

Knowing a few simple codes, you can tell a lot about a court case by looking at the docket number. Court case numbering conventions vary by jurisdiction, but there are some similarities. If a docket number includes the code "CR" it is probably a criminal case, either a felony or misdemeanor. A "CV" code typically stands for a civil case. Juvenile cases are often confidential to protect the child's identity. A typical state court docket number will include the county, the year of filing, the case type code, and the numerical file number.

As you can see, there are many ways to find a case or court order on Westlaw Edge. And if you ever need help, you can always contact our Reference Attorneys , who are bar-admitted lawyers and experts on Westlaw, including its databases, features, and functionality.

Customizable plans for solo and small law firms at affordable monthly rates. Once nearly impossible tasks are made possible with Westlaw Edge. Let our expert attorney-editors keep you up to date on ever-changing laws. Sign up for a monthly newsletter designed for legal professionals like you. You can search in the dockets themselves to find a court order or opinion If you have tried both options above and you are still having trouble finding the court opinion you need, there is another place you can look: the docket itself.

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