Search New York Felony Records
New York felony records are maintained by County Courts and the Division of Criminal Justice Services across all 62 counties. These records document arrests, indictments, convictions, and sentences for serious crimes under New York Penal Law. The public can search felony cases through several state systems, including the OCA Criminal History Record Search and the WebCrims case lookup tool. County Clerks also keep court files that include charges, plea agreements, and sentencing details. For records of individuals currently or previously in state custody, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision runs an online inmate lookup that covers all 44 state correctional facilities.
New York Felony Records Overview
How to Search New York Felony Records
There are several ways to search for felony records in New York. The state runs multiple databases that the public can use. Each one covers a different set of records, so the right tool depends on what you need. Some searches are free. Others cost a fee and take a few days to come back.
The Office of Court Administration Criminal History Record Search is the most thorough public option. It costs $95 per search and pulls conviction data from County Courts, Supreme Courts, City Courts, and Town and Village Courts in all 62 New York counties. You search by exact name and date of birth. Results show open cases and convictions but not sealed records. Each alias or different date of birth counts as a separate $95 search. The OCA sends results by email the next business day for online requests. Mail requests go to 25 Beaver Street, Room 940, New York, NY 10004. Contact them at 212-428-2943 or chrs@nycourts.gov for questions about the process.
For pending cases with a future court date, WebCrims is free and open to the public. It shows case status, charges, next court date, and attorney info for criminal cases across the state. You can search by name or docket number. WebCrims does not show disposed cases, sealed cases, or youthful offender adjudications under CPL § 720.35. The NYC Criminal Court info line is (646) 386-4900.
Online Tools for New York Felony Records
The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup covers anyone currently or previously held in a New York state prison. It is free and runs 24 hours a day. You can search by name with birth year or by the Department Identification Number (DIN) assigned to each person admitted to state custody. The results show the current facility, conviction, and earliest release date. Violent felony offenders and sex offenders stay in the system for good. Non-violent offenders are removed three years after finishing their full sentence and any parole term, as set by Correction Law § 9. Call 518-457-5000 if you need help finding someone in the system.
The NYSCEF e-filing portal lets you look up Supreme Court cases and view documents filed in those cases. Guest access is free and does not need an account. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Not all case types are on NYSCEF, but it is a good source for felony cases that went through Supreme Court. The E-Filing Resource Center can be reached at (646) 386-3033 or nyscef@nycourts.gov.
The NYS Court System records page explains how to get court records from any court in the state. It links to eCourts for case tracking and to the CHRS for statewide searches. A Certificate of Disposition, which is the official proof of how a case ended, can only come from the court where the case was heard.
DCJS Criminal History Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services is New York's central repository for official criminal history records. DCJS keeps fingerprint-based records that include arrest, indictment, conviction, and sentence data reported by police, prosecutors, courts, and other agencies across the state. These are the most complete felony records in New York. They are not public records and cannot be obtained through FOIL. Only the person named in the record (or their attorney) can request their own rap sheet from DCJS.
To get your own record, you submit fingerprints at an authorized location. The fee is $62.00 per request. You can ask for a suppressed record, which leaves out sealed cases, or an unsuppressed record that shows everything including cases sealed under CPL § 160.50, CPL § 160.55, and CPL § 160.59. Results come by mail in two to four weeks. If you find errors, you can challenge them through the DCJS Record Review process. Contact them at 518-457-9847 or RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in New York
New York has several laws that allow felony records to be sealed. When a case ends in the person's favor (dismissal, acquittal, or certain other outcomes), the court must seal the records under CPL § 160.50. This applies automatically. Sealed records are not available to the public. Fingerprints and photos are returned or destroyed.
For people with older convictions, CPL § 160.59 allows a petition to seal up to two eligible convictions after a ten-year waiting period. Only one can be a felony. The court looks at the person's character, how sealing would affect their life, and public safety. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and Class A felonies are not eligible. The process requires a sworn statement, certified disposition, and fingerprints. The District Attorney gets 45 days to object.
New York's Clean Slate Act took effect on November 16, 2024. It creates automatic sealing for eligible convictions. Misdemeanors seal three years after release. Felonies seal eight years after release. Sex offenses, sexually violent offenses, and non-drug Class A felonies like murder are excluded. The Office of Court Administration has until November 2027 to finish sealing all eligible older convictions. Drug convictions under CPL § 160.58 can also be sealed when the person completes a court-ordered treatment program. All marijuana convictions under the old Penal Law sections 221.05 through 221.40 have been vacated, dismissed, and expunged statewide.
How to Request Felony Records in New York
Court records for felony cases are generally public in New York. You can ask for copies at the County Clerk's office or the Clerk of the Court where the case was heard. Most offices charge $0.65 per page for copies and $5.00 for certification. Bring valid photo ID and the case name or number if you have it. Many offices also take mail requests with a check or money order.
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), found in Article 6 of the Public Officers Law, sections 84 through 90, gives the public the right to request government records. Agencies must respond within five business days. Copy fees are typically 25 cents per page. You can submit FOIL requests to the New York State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, or the Department of State. Each agency has its own FOIL officer and online portal. Note that FOIL does not cover rap sheets or fingerprint-based criminal history records held by DCJS.
- State Police FOIL: 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22, Albany, NY 12226
- DCJS FOIL: 80 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210 (email foil@dcjs.ny.gov)
- State Police report fee: $15.00 per incident report
- DCJS FOIL copies: 25 cents per page
- Response time: 5 business days for initial reply
New York Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry is maintained by DCJS. It tracks people convicted of sex crimes in New York. A judge assigns each person a risk level after a court hearing. Level 1 is low risk. Level 2 is moderate. Level 3 is high risk of re-offense. The state publishes an online directory of Level 2 and Level 3 offenders with photos, addresses, and conviction details.
For Level 1 offenders, you must call 800-262-3257 and provide the person's name plus one other piece of identifying information such as an address, date of birth, or driver's license number. Level 1 address info is limited to zip code only. You can sign up through NY-ALERT to get notified when a Level 2 or 3 offender moves into your area. The registry office is at 80 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210. Phone: 518-417-3384. Email: SORRequests@dcjs.ny.gov. Hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Failure to register as a sex offender is itself a felony under New York law, and registrants must report each year and within ten days of any address change.
Browse New York Felony Records by County
Each of New York's 62 counties has a County Court that handles felony cases. Pick a county below to find local court contact info, search tools, and resources for felony records in that area.
Felony Records in Major New York Cities
City residents file felony cases at the County Court in their county. Select a city below to find which court handles felony records for that area.