Where to go
Manchester Superior Court, Geographical Area 12, is at 410 Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040, on Route 6 near the Manchester Police Department. It is part of the Hartford Judicial District. The clerk's office number is 860-647-1091. The building is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Everyone passes through security screening. Leave pocket knives, pepper spray, and anything that could be taken as a weapon in your car. Phones are allowed but must be silenced in the courtroom.
Parking
Public parking is in the lot at the courthouse. It may fill on heavy docket mornings, so arrive early. The building is wheelchair accessible through the front entrance.
What happens at arraignment here
Your first court date is called an arraignment. If you were released from the police station on a bond or a promise to appear, the date is printed on the paperwork you were given. If you were held overnight, you will be brought to court the next business day.
Arraignments at GA 12 are on the morning docket. When you arrive, you or your attorney check in with the State's Attorney's office, not the clerk, so the prosecutor knows you are present. Then wait to be called. On a family violence arrest, a Family Relations officer will usually meet with you before the judge takes the bench, and a protective order is typically issued at this first appearance. Read more on the arraignment and protective orders pages.
Bring the paperwork from your arrest, a photo ID, and the name of your attorney if you have one. If you cannot afford a lawyer, go to the public defender's office in the courthouse and apply before your case is called. Leave children at home if you can, and do not discuss your case with anyone in the hallway.
Common charges heard at GA 12 include DUI, domestic violence and family violence, assault, drug possession, and shoplifting and larceny. East Hartford and Manchester retail arrests, including shoplifting at the Buckland Hills area, come to this court.
Which police departments bring cases here
Arrests by the Manchester, East Hartford, Glastonbury, or South Windsor police departments come to GA 12. Marlborough is covered by Connecticut State Police, and a state police arrest in Marlborough also comes here. If you were arrested in Vernon or another Tolland County town, your case is at Rockville Superior Court, GA 19, instead.