Find Felony Records in Essex County
Essex County felony records are kept by County Clerk Chelsea M. Merrihew at 7559 Court Street in Elizabethtown. The clerk maintains court records from both Supreme Court and County Court proceedings, along with land documents and other public files. Essex County is part of New York's Fourth Judicial District. The County Court handles all felony cases that occur within the county, with limited civil jurisdiction up to $25,000. Online record searches are available through the SearchIQS system, and the statewide WebCrims and WebCivil portals also cover Essex County cases. For the most thorough look at felony records, a visit to the courthouse in Elizabethtown may be needed since not all older files have been digitized.
Essex County Overview
Essex County Court and Clerk's Office
The Essex County Clerk's Office is the main stop for felony records. County Clerk Chelsea M. Merrihew and Deputy County Clerk Stacey Hayes manage court records, land documents, and pistol permits from the Elizabethtown location. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM during the regular season. Summer hours, from June through August, end at 3:50 PM instead.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Essex County Clerk | 7559 Court Street, PO Box 247, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 |
| Phone | (518) 873-3600 |
| Fax | (518) 873-3548 |
| chelsea.merrihew@essexcountyny.gov | |
| County Court Clerk | 7559 Court Street, PO Box 217, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 |
| Court Phone | (518) 873-3371 |
| Supreme Court | 7533 Court Street, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 |
| Supreme Court Phone | (518) 873-3612 |
The Supreme Court at 7533 Court Street handles major civil matters, while the County Court manages felony criminal cases. Family Court and Surrogate's Court share facilities at the same address, each with their own phone lines. Family Court can be reached at (518) 873-3320 and Surrogate's Court at (518) 873-3384.
How to Search Essex County Felony Records
Online, you can use the SearchIQS system at www.searchiqs.com/nyess to look up Essex County records. The WebCrims portal also covers Essex County criminal cases and shows case identifiers, defendant names, and court calendar details. The WebCivil Supreme tool handles civil case searches by index number, party name, or attorney name.
For a statewide felony search, the OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name. Results are emailed the next business day. They cover County Courts, Supreme Courts, City Courts, and Town and Village Courts across all 62 counties. The results are not certified and should not be confused with a Certificate of Disposition.
In person, you can search records at the County Clerk's Office during business hours. You need to provide a case index number, party name, or firm and attorney name to assist in locating files. Record seekers should bring specific details to speed up the search process.
Essex County Felony Records and Sealing Laws
Records for felony cases in Essex County follow New York's statewide sealing rules. Under CPL § 160.50, cases that end in dismissal or acquittal are sealed. The defendant and their attorney are the only ones who can access sealed files unless a judge orders them unsealed. Cases that resulted in a conviction for a violation or infraction may also be sealed under CPL § 160.55.
CPL § 160.59 allows individuals to petition for sealing of certain convictions after ten years from the date of sentencing. The Clean Slate Act, effective November 2024, will eventually automate sealing for eligible conviction records. Sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies will not be eligible for Clean Slate sealing. The Office of Court Administration has up to three years to build out the automated process.
The Essex County Sheriff's Office at 702 Stowersville Road in Lewis, NY accepts FOIL requests for arrest records. You can submit requests by email, mail, or in person. Include "FOIL Request" in the subject line if emailing. The sheriff's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Statewide Resources for Essex County Searches
The DOCCS Inmate Lookup covers anyone who has been in a New York state correctional facility. The Sex Offender Registry lists registered offenders statewide. The NYS CourtHelp page explains how to request records from any New York court.
Town and Village Courts throughout Essex County maintain separate records for misdemeanors, violations, and small claims. These local courts handle preliminary felony proceedings before cases move to County Court. Appeals from Essex County courts go to the Appellate Division, Third Department.
Cities in Essex County
Essex County does not have any cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. All felony records for the county are handled through the County Clerk in Elizabethtown. Contact the clerk's office at (518) 873-3600 for record requests.
Nearby Counties
Essex County sits in the Adirondack region and borders several other northern New York counties. Each county maintains its own felony records.