Can the public see my criminal file at the courthouse?

In detail

The plumitif is the computerized register that gives access to the history of civil, criminal and penal court files. It shows, among other things, the parties, the counts, the hearing dates and the decisions rendered.

Consulting it in person is free, at the registry of any courthouse in Quebec. An online service is also offered by the Société québécoise d'information juridique (SOQUIJ), for a fee, aimed mainly at professionals.

This is something many people discover late: the criminal record is tightly framed and limited, whereas the court file is in principle public. A file that led to no conviction can therefore still be consulted.

There are exceptions: some publication bans or sealing orders limit access to specific information, in particular to protect the identity of a victim or a witness.

What to document

Note the court file number and the judicial district for each of your files: that is what makes them findable. If a publication ban was ordered, keep a copy of it and note exactly what it covers.

Official sources

• Plumitifs — Société québécoise d'information juridique (SOQUIJ)
• SOQUIJ — Plumitifs on site — Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

Related questions

• Can my name be published in the media if I am a victim?
• What is a victim impact statement and what is it for?
• Can I be compensated as the victim of a crime?
• Where can I find free help when I am the victim of a crime?
• What is the victim surcharge I have to pay?

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