New York County Criminal Records

Criminal records in New York County are accessible through several channels — from online tools to official court systems and law enforcement agencies. NewYorkCourt.us allows you to find publicly available information about criminal cases in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained through New York State court portals, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), police departments, and the court clerk's office — in person, by mail, or online.

How to Search Criminal Records in New York

Start your search by determining the type of record you need — court case, arrest history, or inmate information. Each channel operates differently.

Online Search

1. NewYorkCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to search for publicly available information about criminal cases in New York County courts.
2. WebCrims System (NYS Unified Court System) — the official New York State court portal for viewing criminal cases in the Supreme Court and Criminal Court. Available at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim. Searchable by defendant's name or case number.
3. Criminal History Check through DCJS — the Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains official state criminal history records. Individuals can order a review of their own history through fingerprinting.
4. NYC Person in Custody Lookup — search for individuals in custody at NYC Department of Correction facilities.
5. NYS DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup — database of individuals serving sentences in New York State correctional facilities or under supervision after release.

In-Person Visit

Visit the New York County Criminal Court Clerk's Office (Manhattan). Public access terminals allow viewing of case materials. The clerk can assist in finding a specific case by number or name.

Mail Request

A written request for criminal history records is sent to DCJS. To do this, you need:

• A completed criminal history check request form
• Fingerprints taken at an authorized location
• Payment of the established fee

To search, you will need at least one of the following: the person's full name, date of birth, case number, or NYSID (New York State Identification, available only to criminal justice agencies).

Search New York Criminal Cases by Case Number

The criminal case number in New York County is the primary identifier assigned by the court when proceedings are initiated. The format depends on the court where the case is being heard.

In the Supreme Court (where felonies are heard), the number usually looks like this: IND-XXXXX/YYYY, where IND stands for indictment, XXXXX is the sequence number, and YYYY is the year of filing. Cases in the Criminal Court (misdemeanors and violations) often have the format YYYY-XXXXXXX with a prefix indicating the type of proceeding.

To find a case by number:

1. Go to the WebCrims system on the state courts website.
2. Select the court — New York County Supreme Court or NYC Criminal Court, Manhattan.
3. Enter the case number in the appropriate field.
4. The system will show the filing date, charges, case status, and scheduled hearings.

If the number is unknown, try searching by the defendant's name. An old case may require contacting the clerk's office archive.

Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in New York

Each criminal case contains several key elements that define its content and current status.

Charges

Case Status

• Pending — the case is open, the trial is not yet concluded
• Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
• Disposed — the case is resolved: verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed
• Sealed — the case is sealed under CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55 and not available for public view

Hearings

1. Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge, charges are announced
2. Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough basis to proceed with the case
3. Pre-trial Conference — parties discuss procedural issues and the possibility of a plea deal
4. Trial — substantive court proceedings
5. Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty verdict

Court Results

How to Request Certified Criminal Records in New York

Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. The procedure depends on the type of record.

State Criminal History (rap sheet)

The official criminal history is maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. An individual can request only their own record. Procedure:

1. Visit an authorized fingerprinting location (IdentoGO by IDEMIA).
2. Pay the fee for the check.
3. DCJS will process the request and send the result by mail.

Copies of Court Documents

Certified copies of specific court documents (indictments, decisions, hearing transcripts) are issued by the court clerk's office. Visit the office at 100 Centre Street with a request containing:

• Case number or defendant's full name and approximate date
• Photo identification
• Payment for certification

Requests through NYPD

To obtain a Certificate of Conduct or arrest records, contact the NYPD Records Request Unit. Identification and a completed request form are required. Note: arrest records not leading to a conviction are usually sealed under CPL § 160.50.

Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in New York

Costs and processing times depend on the type of request and the processing institution.

Fees for copies of court documents are established according to CPLR § 8019 and the rules of the New York State Unified Court System. Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted by money order or check payable to the Clerk of the Court. Some courts also accept credit cards — confirm this in advance by phone.

If the request concerns a sealed case, the clerk will deny issuing copies. In such a case, the individual may petition the court to unseal it under CPL Article 160.