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Find New York Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in New York?

Yes, New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) permits public access to criminal records. The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (NY DCJS) manages the state's central repository of criminal history information. However, individuals can only request their own criminal records from the NY DCJS. To view another person's criminal records, inquiries must be directed to the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA).

Requesters typically need to provide the following information to access these records:

The subject's full name (excluding juveniles)
The subject's last known location, including cities, counties, and states

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in New York?

New York criminal records are official documents detailing the criminal history of individuals within the state. These records include information about arrests, charges, court judgments, convictions, and pending dispositions. They are compiled from various jurisdictions, including trial and appeal courts, law enforcement agencies, and state-run correctional institutions.

What Information Is Included in New York Criminal Record?

Full name of the subject (including aliases)
Mugshot and physical descriptors
Birth date, gender, and nationality
Full set of fingerprints
Details of all indictments
Arrest information and outstanding warrants
Conviction details and pending dispositions

How To Check Criminal Records in New York

The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) issues Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) certificates. To obtain these records, individuals can apply online, in person, or by mail. The online application can be submitted through the Direct Access page. The search fee is $95, and results are typically emailed the next business day.

In-person or mail-in applicants must complete a CHRS Application Form, include the required information, and attach the $95 fee. The package should be submitted to the OCA's office at 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY. In-person applicants receive results the next business day, while mail-in applications are processed upon receipt.

Are Arrest Records Public in New York?

Yes, New York arrest records are public under the state's FOIL. Local law enforcement agencies generate these records when they apprehend suspects. Interested persons may visit a local police station to obtain arrest records, though administrative fees may apply for accessing and copying these records.

What Are Arrest Warrants in New York?

New York arrest warrants are official documents issued by a judge, authorizing the arrest, detention, and interrogation of a person. Arrests can be made without a warrant if the officer witnesses the crime or has probable cause. Warrants typically include the arrestee's full name, the arresting agency, the location and time of the arrest, and the warrant's expiry date, if applicable.

How To Lookup Mugshots in New York

Mugshots are close-up photographs of suspects or criminals taken by the police. They are publicly available under New York's Freedom of Information Law. Mugshots are stored in law enforcement databases and can be accessed by visiting police agency websites or querying local law enforcement offices.

How To Search Inmate Records in New York

Inmate records are publicly available and pertain to individuals incarcerated in local and state-run correctional facilities. These records are managed by the New York Department of Corrections and can be accessed through their public database. Inmate records typically include the inmate's full name, aliases, birth date, nationality, gender, incarceration date, expected release date, and convicted offense.

How To Find New York Criminal History Record for Free

A New York criminal history record, or "rap sheet," details a person's arrest, indictment, and conviction information within the state. These records are confidential and maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Only eligible parties, such as employers and law enforcement officials, can access them.

To obtain a criminal record in New York:

The subject must submit fingerprints to the DCJS
Eligible parties must have legal authorization to request the record

The DCJS charges a processing fee of $13.50 for New York residents and $43.50 for out-of-state requesters. Fee waivers are available upon request.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in New York?

Juvenile criminal records in New York are not public. These records detail criminal activities committed by minors and are sealed from public access. Juveniles are adjudicated delinquent rather than convicted of crimes. These records are stored within the juvenile justice system and can only be accessed through a court order or petition for expungement.

How To Find Sex Offenders in New York

Sex offender records in New York are public and managed under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). These records include the full name, aliases, addresses, and conviction histories of registered sex offenders. They are stored in the state sex offender registry and can be accessed through local law enforcement agencies or online databases.

Are Police Records Public Information in New York?

Yes, police records are public information in New York. These records include details about law enforcement activities such as arrests, 911 tapes, police blotters, incident/offense reports, and more. They are stored by local and state law enforcement agencies and can be accessed through physical visits or online databases. However, some records are exempt from public access to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

Police records typically contain:

Arrest records
911 tapes
Police blotters
Incident/offense reports

New York Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in New York are non-indictable offenses considered less severe than felonies. They are punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. There are three types of misdemeanor offenses:

Class A Misdemeanors: Most serious, e.g., impersonation, identity theft
Class B Misdemeanors: Less serious, e.g., fortune telling, unlawful assembly
Unclassified Misdemeanors: Vary in severity, e.g., reckless driving

New York Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in New York are the most severe crimes, categorized into five classes, each with specific penalties:

Class A-I Felony: Aggravated murder, first-degree arson
Class A-II Felony: Predatory sexual assault, use of chemical weapons
Class B Felony: Attempted murder, first-degree burglary
Class C Felony: Assault, drug distribution
Class D Felony: Manslaughter, fraud
Class E Felony: Aggravated harassment, theft

Overview of New York DUI Laws

Driving while impaired (DWI) in New York is a serious traffic violation. It involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% for adults, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for minors. Penalties for DWI include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, imprisonment for 1-7 years, and license suspension for 90 days to one year.

Are New York Probation Records Public?

Probation records in New York are official documents indicating that a person convicted of a crime is serving their sentence outside of custody under specific conditions. These records are not publicly available and are managed by the probation office. Access to these records is typically restricted to authorized personnel and the subject of the record.

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