Finding Public Records

I was trying to find out what happened to a friend of mine that I grew up with. I found out that he is in jail for 22yrs, but I can't seem to find out what he did. I was wondering is there a way to find the records that you don't have to pay for? I did some research and all I find are sites that want you to pay for the records and there is no gaurantee they even have the info as you can't see anything other then "We found a match". Which just tells me that they are either sincere or trying to get money out of me for nothing. I thought someone here might know a site where you can get that info for free.

If he's local to where you are I would try searching local court records or possible arrest records.Check the local papers most papers have websites these days.

reply to post by lonegurkha


No this is in another state and it was in 1994. I lost track of him back then and had heard rumors. This is the first time I have been able to find anything on him, but I saw his sentence was 22yrs and it had a case number but I did a search on the local court system web page and it had no records matching.

If you know where he was convicted,you can try that states records.To get 22 years it would have to be a felony conviction.Would either be in state or federal records.Unless the file was sealed it should be a matter of public record.

Best thing to do is check county records which are free and most counties keep a very updated site like here in Oklahoma for example there is OSCN

OSCN Oklahoma state courts network

If he didn't contact you, then why are you meddling in his business? Let the man do his bid in a bit of privacy.

reply to post by baked


Well I spent the better part of 16 years as his friend until he moved back home to Colorado with his mom and I never heard from him again. I tried to find out from his family what happened to him but none of them will talk. I don't have to know I guess I was just curious, because I never heard from him again.

I don't consider it meddling, but that is just me. I suppose after the time we knew each-other it counted for something.