Arrest records are public documents in Goshen, Connecticut, pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, unless specifically exempted by statute. The Connecticut FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are accessible to the public to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials.
The Litchfield Judicial District, which serves Goshen, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may inspect these documents during normal business hours at designated facilities. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), including but not limited to juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information.
Law enforcement agencies in Goshen are required to maintain arrest logs that document basic information about arrests, which must be disclosed to the public within a reasonable timeframe following the arrest, typically within 24 hours, as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes § 1-215.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Goshen, Connecticut. The Connecticut State Police Troop B, which serves Goshen, maintains records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction. Interested parties may pursue the following methods to obtain arrest information:
• In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Connecticut State Police Troop B headquarters to submit a formal request for arrest records. Staff will assist with locating and providing accessible records.
Connecticut State Police Troop B
463 Ashley Falls Road
North Canaan, CT 06018
(860) 626-1820
Connecticut State Police
• Litchfield Judicial District Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are available through the clerk's office at the Litchfield Judicial District Court.
Litchfield Judicial District Court
50 Field Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 626-2100
Connecticut Judicial Branch
• Written Requests: Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, individuals may submit written requests for copies of arrest records to the appropriate agency. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include the requestor's contact information.
• Online Resources: The Connecticut State Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system where case information stemming from arrests may be accessed. This system provides docket information but may not include complete arrest details.
• Town Clerk's Office: While not the primary repository for arrest records, the Goshen Town Clerk's Office can provide guidance on accessing public records.
Goshen Town Clerk's Office
42 North Street
Goshen, CT 06756
(860) 491-2308
Town of Goshen
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212. The standard fee for copies is $0.50 per page for regular copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Additional fees may apply for specialized searches or extensive record compilation.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Goshen typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-215, the following information is generally included in publicly accessible arrest records:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases • Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race) • Residential address at the time of arrest • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying characteristics • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest • Statutory charges filed, including citation of applicable Connecticut General Statutes • Case docket number assigned by the court • Arresting agency and identification of arresting officer(s) • Circumstances leading to the arrest, often in narrative form • Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs • Bail or bond amount set • Court appearance date and location • Custody status following arrest
Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain information from public disclosure if release would compromise an ongoing investigation or prosecution, as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b)(3). Additionally, information related to victims of certain crimes, particularly those of a sensitive nature, may be redacted to protect privacy interests.
The Connecticut State Police Records Division serves as the central repository for criminal history information, including arrest data, for the entire state. This division maintains records in accordance with state and federal regulations governing criminal justice information systems.
Connecticut law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the erasure or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, which establishes criteria and procedures for record erasure.
Arrest records may qualify for expungement under the following conditions:
• Cases resulting in dismissal: Records of arrests that did not lead to conviction and were dismissed by the court become eligible for erasure 13 months after the date of dismissal.
• Cases resulting in not guilty findings: Records of arrests where the individual was found not guilty of all charges become eligible for immediate erasure upon the finding of not guilty.
• Nolle prosequi dispositions: When prosecutors enter a nolle prosequi (decision not to prosecute), the arrest records become eligible for erasure 13 months after the nolle date, provided the case is not reopened during that period.
• Pardoned offenses: Individuals who receive a full pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles may petition for erasure of the related arrest records.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court in the Litchfield Judicial District. Petitioners must complete form JD-CR-136, "Petition for Erasure of Record," and submit it to:
Litchfield Judicial District Court
Clerk's Office - Criminal Matters
50 Field Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 626-2100
Upon granting of an expungement petition, all records of the arrest are physically destroyed or sealed by the court, law enforcement agencies, and the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification. Following expungement, Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a(e) permits the individual to lawfully state that they have never been arrested with respect to the erased charges.
Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses, may have limited eligibility for expungement. Additionally, federal agencies and certain licensing boards may retain access to expunged records under specific statutory provisions.
• Connecticut State Police Press Releases • Connecticut Judicial Branch Case Look-up • Connecticut State Police Troop B Records • Litchfield Judicial District Court Records • Connecticut Criminal History Record Requests