Sussex County Criminal Records

What Is Sussex County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Sussex County, Delaware, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
• Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing
• Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
• Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county detention facilities or state prisons

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings determined guilt. Similarly, felony records document more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanor records reflect less severe infractions with lighter penalties.

Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed under Delaware Code Title 10, Chapter 9 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Sussex County:

Sussex County Sheriff's Office
22215 DuPont Boulevard
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 855-7830
Sussex County Sheriff's Office

Superior Court of Delaware - Sussex County
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 855-7055
Delaware Courts

Delaware State Police - Troop 4
23652 Shortly Road
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 856-5850
Delaware State Police

Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
Carvel State Office Building
820 North French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-8787
Delaware Criminal Justice Information System

These records typically include charges filed, court proceedings, case dispositions, sentencing information, and probation or parole status.

Are Criminal Records Public In Sussex County

Criminal records in Sussex County are generally public documents, accessible to citizens under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This statute, codified in Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 100, establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice information.

According to § 10002(l) of the Delaware FOIA, "public record" is defined as "information of any kind, owned, made, used, retained, received, produced, composed, drafted or otherwise compiled or collected, by any public body, relating in any way to public business, or in any way of public interest, or in any way related to public purposes."

However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:

• Active Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations are restricted until case closure, as specified in § 10002(l)(3)
• Juvenile Records: Information concerning minors is generally sealed unless a court orders otherwise
• Expunged Records: Cases legally removed from public view pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 43
• Sealed Court Records: Documents restricted by judicial order
• Certain Victim Information: Personal details of crime victims, particularly in sensitive cases

Adult conviction records remain publicly accessible indefinitely unless expunged. Court proceedings in Sussex County are presumptively open to public observation, reflecting the constitutional principle of transparent judicial processes.

The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including Sussex County. While some information is available through public portals, comprehensive criminal history reports require proper authorization and identification verification.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records should note that while the records may be public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and, in some cases, paying established fees for reproduction or certification.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sussex County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sussex County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Sussex County Prothonotary's Office
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 855-7055
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Delaware Courts

When requesting records in person, requestors should:

1. Complete a public records request form, available at the service counter
2. Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
3. Specify the case number or approximate date of the incident, if known
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
5. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $10 for record search plus $1 per page for copies)

For mail requests, individuals should send a written request including:

1. Subject's full name and date of birth
2. Specific information sought
3. Requestor's contact information
4. Check or money order for applicable fees

Mail requests should be addressed to:

Sussex County Prothonotary's Office
ATTN: Records Request
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947

For certified criminal history records, individuals must contact:

Delaware State Bureau of Identification
655 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5871
Obtaining a Certified Criminal History

This process requires:

1. Submission of fingerprints (available at SBI locations)
2. Completion of the Criminal History Request Form
3. Payment of the $45 processing fee
4. Presentation of valid photo identification

Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, § 8513, individuals may also request their own criminal history for review and potential challenge of inaccuracies.

How To Find Criminal Records in Sussex County Online?

Sussex County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The primary online resources include:

1. Delaware Court Connect - This comprehensive portal provides access to:

   • Criminal case information for Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas
   • Case status and scheduled hearings
   • Party information and attorney details
   • Judgment and sentencing information

   Users must register for a free account and accept the terms of use. The system allows searches by name, case number, or attorney.

2. Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) - While full access is restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies, limited public information is available through:

   • The public portal section
   • Wanted person information
   • Sex offender registry links

   This system contains the most comprehensive criminal history information but has significant access restrictions.

3. Department of Correction Inmate Locator - This database allows users to:

   • Verify current incarceration status
   • View facility location information
   • Check scheduled release dates
   • Register for victim notification services

4. Sussex County Sheriff's Office - The official website provides:

   • Information about recent arrests
   • Warrant status in some cases
   • Sheriff sales information
   • Contact information for record requests

When using these online resources, users should note:

• Not all criminal record information is available online
• Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
• Case details may be limited compared to official court documents
• Some sensitive information is redacted from online versions
• Registration requirements vary by system

For comprehensive criminal background checks, individuals must still follow the formal request process through the Delaware State Police as online systems do not provide complete criminal history reports.

Can You Search Sussex County Criminal Records for Free?

Sussex County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, though comprehensive searches often involve fees. The Delaware Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to inspect records, while allowing agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction and staff time.

Free access options include:

• In-person inspection of non-confidential court records at the Sussex County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, § 10003, public bodies must provide reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from records.

• Delaware Court Connect provides free online access to basic case information after registration. This system includes:

  • Case status and type
  • Party names
  • Hearing dates
  • Judgment information
  • Docket entries

• Department of Correction Inmate Locator offers free searches for current inmates and their status.

• Public access terminals located at:

  Sussex County Prothonotary's Office
  1 The Circle, Suite 2
  Georgetown, DE 19947
  (302) 855-7055

  These terminals allow free searching of court records, though printing may incur fees.

• Sussex County Sheriff's Office website provides some information about recent activities and public notices without charge.

Services that typically require fees include:

• Certified copies of court documents ($10 per document)
• Criminal history background checks ($45 through Delaware State Police)
• Record searches requiring extensive staff time
• Copies exceeding minimal page counts (typically $1 per page after first 20 pages)
• Expedited processing requests

The Recorder of Deeds Office and Clerk of the Peace maintain additional public records that may be relevant in some cases, though these primarily concern property and marriage records rather than criminal matters.

What's Included in a Sussex County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained in Sussex County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include multiple categories of information as outlined below.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
• Mugshot photographs when available
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., Sussex County Sheriff's Office, municipal police)
• Booking number and processing details
• Initial charges filed
• Bail or bond information
• Detention facility placement

Court Case Information:

• Case number and jurisdiction
• Court of record (Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas)
• Filing date and case status
• Formal charges and applicable statutes
• Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
• Attorney information
• Plea entered
• Trial information if applicable

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Verdict or case outcome
• Conviction date if applicable
• Sentencing details including:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Special conditions (treatment, community service)
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal matters
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case age, severity, and the maintaining agency. Records are maintained in accordance with Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Medical information
• Information about minor victims
• Confidential informant details
• Grand jury proceedings

How Long Does Sussex County Keep Criminal Records?

Sussex County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Delaware Public Archives and state law. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense, ensuring appropriate preservation of judicial and law enforcement documentation.

Under Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 5, the Delaware Public Archives establishes records retention requirements for all government agencies, including those handling criminal records. The retention periods for key criminal record categories include:

Felony Case Records:

• Murder and Class A felonies: Permanent retention
• Other felonies: 20 years after case closure
• Appeals and post-conviction proceedings: 10 years after final disposition

Misdemeanor Case Records:

• DUI and domestic violence: 10 years after case closure
• Other misdemeanors: 7 years after case closure
• Traffic misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure

Arrest Records:

• Felony arrests resulting in conviction: 75 years
• Felony arrests without conviction: 5 years
• Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: 10 years
• Misdemeanor arrests without conviction: 3 years

Incarceration Records:

• Inmate master files: 10 years after release or discharge
• Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
• Probation/parole records: 10 years after completion

Court Proceedings:

• Trial transcripts in felony cases: 20 years
• Court recordings: 7 years
• Docket entries: Permanent (microfilm or digital preservation)

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after these periods, digital indexes and basic case information may be retained longer. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 43 are removed from public access regardless of retention schedules.

The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) maintains electronic criminal history information indefinitely for serious offenses, even after physical records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Delaware Public Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction, particularly in cases of notable public interest or legal precedent.

Lookup Criminal Records in Sussex County

Sheriff's Office information and services

Sussex County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Sales and property auctions

Recorder of Deeds public records

Clerk of the Peace services

Obtaining certified criminal history records

Delaware State Police official website

Delaware Court Connect case search system

Delaware Criminal Justice Information System

Department of Correction inmate locator