Hempstead Felony Records

Felony records for the Town of Hempstead are handled by the Nassau County court system. Hempstead is the most populous town on Long Island and one of the largest in New York State. All felony arrests within the town go through the Nassau County Supreme Court and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. The Hempstead Police Department and Nassau County Police Department both operate in parts of the town, and each keeps its own arrest records. Searching for felony records here means working with county-level courts and state databases rather than a single town office.

Nassau County Court for Hempstead Felony Cases

The Nassau County Supreme Court handles all felony trials for Hempstead residents. The courthouse is in Mineola, the county seat. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office prosecutes felony cases from across the county, including all parts of Hempstead.

Grand juries in Nassau County review felony charges and issue indictments. Once indicted, a case moves to the Supreme Court for trial. The Nassau County Clerk's Office at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola maintains criminal case files and conviction records. You can request copies in person or by mail.

The District Court of Nassau County handles misdemeanors and lower offenses. It also conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases before they go to the grand jury. If you are not sure whether a charge was a felony or misdemeanor, the District Court is a good place to start.

How to Search Felony Records in Hempstead

You can use several state tools to find felony records from Hempstead. The WebCrims system shows active criminal cases with upcoming court dates in Nassau County. It is free to use and does not require registration.

The OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 and covers all 62 counties. It returns conviction data for open and closed criminal cases. Each name and date of birth combination counts as one search. Results are sent by email the next business day for online submissions.

The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup is free. It shows current and former state prison inmates. You can search by name or Department Identification Number. Under Correction Law § 9, some non-violent offender records are removed three years after sentence completion.

For local police records, the Hempstead Police Records Bureau can be reached at 516-478-6306. FOIL requests go to the Village of Hempstead at 99 James A Garner Way, Hempstead, NY 11550 or by email at FOIL@villageofhempsteadny.gov. The standard copy fee is $0.25 per page.

Nassau County Police Records

Parts of Hempstead outside the Village are served by the Nassau County Police Department. The NCPD Records Bureau is at 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501. You can call (516) 573-7100 for records inquiries. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

A basic criminal history check through the NCPD costs $15. FOIL requests to the NCPD are submitted in writing or through their electronic portal. Processing typically takes 5 to 20 business days, though the department may extend the time frame for requests that need extensive searching.

Sealed Records and Legal Protections

Under CPL § 160.50, records of arrests that did not lead to a conviction are sealed automatically. This includes dismissals, acquittals, and cases where charges were reduced to a non-criminal violation. The court, police, and prosecutors must all seal their files once the case reaches a qualifying outcome.

CPL § 160.59 allows sealing of up to two older convictions if no more than one is a felony. The waiting period is ten years from the sentence or release, whichever comes later. A judge reviews the case and considers several factors before granting the seal.

The Clean Slate Act will eventually seal certain records automatically. The Office of Court Administration has until 2027 to set up the process. Records for sex offenses and non-drug Class A felonies will not be sealed. Until the system is running, people who want their records sealed must still file a motion under CPL § 160.59.

State Databases for Felony Record Searches

The DCJS Record Review lets individuals request their own fingerprint-based criminal history. The fee is $62 per request. You must be fingerprinted at an authorized location. Results arrive by mail in two to four weeks. This is the only source of official New York State rap sheets.

The Sex Offender Registry shows Level 2 and Level 3 offenders online. Call 800-262-3257 with a name and one identifier to check Level 1 offenders. The registry is maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services and is free to search.

You can also check the NYS Courts records help page for general guidance on getting court records, including felony case files and certificates of disposition.

Nearby Cities

Other nearby areas with felony records information you may find useful.