Search Cortland County Felony Records

Cortland County felony records are held by the County Clerk and the 6th Judicial District court system. The Clerk's Office at 46 Greenbush Street provides free access to court records through public terminals and an online search portal. Felony cases filed in County Court and Supreme Court are available for review during business hours, and the office also handles mail requests. The Sheriff's Office keeps arrest and booking data for law enforcement contacts across the county.

Cortland County Court Felony Records

County Clerk Elizabeth Larkin runs the records office for both Supreme Court and County Court filings. The office sits at 46 Greenbush Street, Suite 105, in Cortland. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Felony case records stored here include indictments, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and post-conviction motions. You can search these records at no cost using the public access computers in the Clerk's Office.

The SearchIQS platform gives online access to civil and criminal court records. This tool is free to use and runs around the clock. It covers Supreme Court civil actions, County Court criminal records, land records, deeds, and mortgages. For printed copies, the fee is $0.65 per page with a $1.30 minimum charge. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first four pages, plus $1.25 for each page after that.

Local record checks cost $5.00. That fee covers a two-year search per name. If you need to go back further, each extra two-year block costs another $5.00. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Results are not given over the phone.

Felony Case Processing in Cortland County Court

The Cortland County Court handles all felony criminal cases that take place within county borders. Judges Hon. Julie A. Campbell and Hon. Randolph V. Kruman preside over these matters. Chief Clerk Emily Stith manages court operations from the courthouse at 46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301. You can reach the court at 607-218-3320 or by email at cortlandcountycc@nycourts.gov.

Felony cases begin with an arrest and arraignment in local town or village courts. If the charges are serious enough, the case moves up to County Court after a grand jury indictment. All County Court papers must be filed with the Court Clerk in Suite 301. The court calendar runs year-round, with regular sessions for criminal and civil matters. Grand jury proceedings are sealed under CPL Article 190, so those records stay closed to the public.

The court keeps detailed case files. These include the indictment, all motions filed by both sides, court orders, trial records, jury instructions, verdict sheets, and sentencing documents. Felony case files are kept permanently under the state retention schedule. Public access is allowed during business hours, but some files may be restricted if they involve sealed proceedings or youthful offender adjudications under CPL 720.35.

Sheriff's Office and Felony Arrest Records

The Cortland County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records, booking data, and active warrant information. When someone is arrested on a felony charge, the Sheriff's Office creates an arrest record that includes the charges, booking details, and any bail or release conditions. These records are separate from the court records held by the County Clerk.

To get copies of arrest records or incident reports, you need to file a Freedom of Information Law request. FOIL is governed by Public Officers Law Sections 84 through 90. Agencies must respond within five business days of getting a request. Copy fees cannot go past 25 cents per page. The Sheriff's Office also keeps jail records for people held at the county facility.

Felony arrest records are kept permanently. Misdemeanor arrest files stay on record for 25 years. If charges are later dismissed or a person is acquitted, the records are sealed under CPL 160.50. The District Attorney's Office at the courthouse works closely with the Sheriff's Office on all felony cases. The DA reviews arrests and decides which cases to bring before the grand jury for possible indictment.

Statewide Felony Record Search Tools

Beyond the local options in Cortland County, New York State runs several online databases for criminal record searches. The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers all 62 counties for $95 per name. It works on exact name and date of birth matches. Each alias or different birth date counts as a separate search at the full $95 fee. Results include open cases, pending matters, and convictions from county, supreme, city, town, and village courts.

The DOCCS Inmate Lookup is a free tool that shows people currently in state prison or recently released. You can search by name and birth year or by a Department Identification Number. The database covers all 44 state correctional facilities. Under Correction Law Section 9, information about non-violent offenders is removed three years after they finish their sentence and supervision.

WebCrims shows pending criminal cases with future court dates. It is free and open to the public. The Sex Offender Registry lets you search for Level 2 and Level 3 offenders online, or call 800-262-3257 for Level 1 information. You can also check the NYSCEF e-filing portal for electronically filed case documents.

Record Sealing and the Clean Slate Act

Several state laws control when criminal records get sealed. CPL 160.50 seals records after a case ends in dismissal or acquittal. CPL 160.55 covers violations and infractions. CPL 160.58 applies to certain substance abuse convictions after treatment is done. Under CPL 160.59, a person can ask the court to seal eligible convictions once 10 years have passed since the last conviction or release from custody.

The Clean Slate Act took effect November 16, 2024. It sets up a process for auto-sealing eligible convictions. Misdemeanor records seal after 3 years. Felony records seal after 8 years from the date of release. Records of sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies like murder will not be sealed under this law. The Office of Court Administration has up to three years to build the auto-sealing system.

Sealed records are not destroyed. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain licensing boards still have access. For questions about your own record, contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov. The DCJS Record Review page explains how to request your rap sheet. You can also submit FOIL requests to the State Police for records they maintain.

Cities in Cortland County

Cortland County includes the city of Cortland and several towns. None of the cities in this county meet the population threshold for a separate page. Felony records for all communities in Cortland County are handled through the County Clerk's Office and County Court described above.

Nearby Counties

These neighboring counties maintain their own felony records through separate court systems and clerk offices.