Amherst Felony Records

Amherst felony records are handled by the Erie County court system in western New York. As the largest suburb of Buffalo, Amherst falls in the 8th Judicial District. Felony arrests made by the Amherst Town Police go through the town justice court for arraignment, then move to Erie County Court for prosecution. This page covers every step of finding and requesting those records, from local police files to state databases.

Erie County Court and Amherst Felony Cases

All felony cases from Amherst are prosecuted in Erie County Court. The court sits at 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. Erie County handles felony trials, sentencing, and the long-term storage of case records through the County Clerk's office.

The Erie County Clerk maintains criminal case files at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. You can search some records through their criminal proceedings page. The clerk's office stores indictments, plea records, sentencing orders, and other filings from felony cases. Phone inquiries go to the main clerk line.

Amherst Town Justice Court handles the first appearance for felony charges. The judge reviews the complaint, sets bail, and schedules a preliminary hearing. Once the grand jury returns an indictment, the case transfers to County Court. Records from the justice court stay with the town, while county-level records go to the Erie County Clerk.

Amherst Police Department Records

The Amherst Town Police Department is the main law enforcement agency in town. For non-emergency calls, dial 716-689-1311. The department runs 24 hours a day and serves both the Town of Amherst and the Village of Williamsville.

FOIL requests for Amherst Police records should be filed with the town. Put your request in writing and send it to the appropriate records officer. Include full names, dates, and any case numbers you have. The standard copy fee is $0.25 per page for items up to 9 by 14 inches. Electronic copies via email may be provided at no cost, depending on the agency.

Fingerprinting services are available through the Amherst Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a completed fingerprint card. Prints are sent to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI for processing.

How to Get Felony Records in Amherst

The route you take depends on what you need. Here is a breakdown of the main options.

For your own criminal history, use the DCJS Record Review process. This requires a fingerprint submission. You cannot use FOIL to get your own rap sheet or someone else's criminal history from DCJS. The Record Review is the only way to get a complete personal record.

For court records from a specific felony case, contact the Erie County Clerk. You can visit their office in person or send a written request. The Criminal History Record Search from the Office of Court Administration is another option. It costs $95 and pulls statewide conviction data.

For police reports tied to an arrest in Amherst, file a FOIL request with the Amherst Police Department. The Erie County FOIL process has its own set of contacts. The County Clerk FOIL Officer can be reached at ECCOFOIL@erie.gov or 716-858-6636. The District Attorney's FOIL office is at DA.FOIL@erie.gov or 716-858-2422.

Sealed and Expunged Felony Records

New York does not use the term "expungement." The state seals records instead. Under CPL § 160.50, arrests that did not end in a conviction are sealed by default. This includes dismissals, acquittals, and cases terminated in the defendant's favor. These records will not show up in a public search.

CPL § 160.59 allows people to petition for sealing of up to two convictions, with no more than one felony. There is a ten-year waiting period after the sentence is done. Violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible. If the court grants the motion, the records are sealed from public view but still available to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

The Clean Slate Act, which took effect November 16, 2024, will eventually seal many older convictions without the need to file a petition. The Office of Court Administration has three years to set up the process. Murder and sex crimes are excluded. For Amherst residents with old felony records, this may change what shows up in a public court search in the coming years.

State Search Tools for Amherst Felony Records

The DOCCS Inmate Lookup is free and shows current state inmates and parolees. Search by name or DIN. The Sex Offender Registry from DCJS covers all registered offenders statewide. You can search by name, county, or zip code at no charge.

The NYS Courts records page explains what court records are public and how to get them. It is a good starting point if you are not sure which office to contact. For state police records tied to investigations in the Amherst area, submit a FOIL request through the State Police FOIL portal.

Amherst County Page

Amherst is part of Erie County. For a full guide to felony records across the county, including Buffalo and other towns, visit the Erie County felony records page. That page covers the county clerk, district attorney, sheriff, and all courts in the 8th Judicial District.

Nearby Cities

These nearby cities also have felony records pages with local court details and records access guides.