Ontario County Public Records / Ontario County Arrest Records

Ontario County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ontario County

Arrest records in Ontario County, New York are generally considered public information pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under New York Public Officers Law § 87. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information is subject to public disclosure. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with an offense, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense through the judicial process.

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed from public view. This includes cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittals, or were otherwise terminated in favor of the accused. In such instances, the records are not accessible to the general public through standard record requests.

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and processes requests for these records in accordance with state law. Law enforcement agencies retain discretion to withhold certain information if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations, compromise personal privacy, or endanger public safety.

What's in Ontario County Arrest Records

Ontario County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Processing facility
Assigned identification numbers
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Payment status
Release conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled appearance dates
Case number
Assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Immigration status
Probation or parole status
Protective orders
Risk assessment scores

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the offense. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ontario County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ontario County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:

Submit a FOIL Request to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request form
- Provide specific details about the record being sought, including the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Ontario County Sheriff's Office
Visit the Ontario County Clerk's Office
- Request court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings
- Provide case numbers if available, or the individual's name and approximate date of court appearance
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
Ontario County Clerk's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4200
Ontario County Clerk
Contact the New York State Office of Court Administration
- Request a criminal history record search
- Complete the required application form
- Submit the form with the required identification and fee payment
NYS Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 428-2810
NYS Unified Court System
Request Records from the Arresting Agency
- Identify the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Submit a written request directly to that agency's records division
- Provide as much detail as possible about the arrest in question

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to:

Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Wait for processing time, which may vary depending on the age and availability of records
Receive redacted versions of records if they contain exempt information

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records, denying the request with an explanation, or acknowledging receipt and providing an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

How To Find Ontario County Arrest Records Online

Ontario County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information through official online channels. The following online services are available to the public:

Ontario County Online Record Search
- Access the Ontario County Online Record Search portal
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review available court filings and case information
- Note that this system primarily contains court records rather than arrest records
Incarcerated Individual Locator
- Visit the Ontario County Incarcerated Individual Locator service
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- View current custody status and facility information
- Access information about individuals currently held in county jails, New York City jails, and state prisons
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
- Access the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup database
- Search by name or Department Identification Number (DIN)
- View information about individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities
- Note that this system only includes individuals who have been sentenced and committed to state custody
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims
- Visit the WebCrims portal
- Search by name or case number
- Access information about pending criminal cases
- Review court appearance dates and case status

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware of the following limitations:

Not all arrest records are available online
Records may be incomplete or contain only summary information
Older records may not be digitized
Access to certain information may require registration or payment of fees
Some sensitive information may be redacted or restricted

For comprehensive arrest record information, particularly for cases that are older or more complex, direct contact with the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the County Clerk's Office may be necessary to supplement online research.

How To Search Ontario County Arrest Records for Free?

Ontario County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free public resources. The following methods are available for conducting no-cost searches of arrest records:

Visit the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Conduct in-person research during public counter hours
- Review publicly available arrest logs and police blotters
- Examine records in reading rooms without requesting copies
Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Records
Access Public Terminals at the County Clerk's Office
- Use on-site computer terminals to search court records
- View case information related to arrests and prosecutions
- Research without fees (though printing may incur charges)
Ontario County Clerk's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4200
Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monitor the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Website
- Check the Sheriff's Office website for press releases
- Review publicly posted arrest information and police activity
- Access information about significant arrests and ongoing investigations
Utilize Public Library Resources
- Visit local public libraries with access to newspaper archives
- Research arrest reports published in local news outlets
- Access public computers with internet connections to search online resources
Review Court Calendars
- Examine publicly posted court calendars at the courthouse
- Attend public court proceedings related to arrests
- Note scheduled appearances for specific cases of interest

When conducting free searches for arrest records, researchers should be aware of these important considerations:

Free access typically provides more limited information than formal record requests
Records available without charge may not include complete arrest details
Some information may be redacted or unavailable due to privacy protections
Research may require multiple visits to different agencies
Staff assistance for extensive research may be limited without payment of research fees

For individuals seeking the most comprehensive arrest record information, a formal FOIL request with applicable fees may ultimately be necessary, particularly for older records or cases with special circumstances.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Ontario County

Under New York State law, individuals cannot "delete" arrest records in the traditional sense, but may be eligible to have records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The legal processes of sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (physical destruction or permanent removal from public view) are governed by several statutes:

Record Sealing Options:

Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
- Applies to cases terminated in favor of the accused (dismissals, acquittals)
- Process occurs automatically in most cases
- Court orders all records sealed, including fingerprints and photographs
- Records remain accessible to law enforcement but not the general public
Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58
- Available for certain drug-related offenses after completion of judicial diversion program
- Requires application to the court that handled the original case
- Applicant must demonstrate successful treatment completion
- Seals records from public view but maintains law enforcement access
Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59
- Allows sealing of up to two eligible criminal convictions
- Requires waiting period of 10 years since sentencing or release
- Excludes sex offenses, violent felonies, and certain other serious crimes
- Application must be filed with the court of conviction

To initiate the sealing process, individuals must:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each arrest/conviction from the court of record
Complete the appropriate application form based on the sealing mechanism
File the application with the court that handled the case
Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the application
If approved, ensure the sealing order is distributed to all agencies with records

Legal Assistance Resources:

Ontario County Public Defender's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4284
Ontario County Public Defender

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
361 South Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-1465
Legal Assistance of Western New York

Individuals should be aware that even sealed records may remain accessible to certain government agencies and in specific circumstances as outlined in New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50(1)(d). Additionally, sealing does not guarantee that information has not been previously disseminated to private background check companies or other third parties.

What Happens After Arrest in Ontario County?

Following an arrest in Ontario County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to a detention facility
- Fingerprinting and photographing procedures are completed
- Personal information is recorded and entered into law enforcement databases
- Property is inventoried and secured
Arraignment
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest in most cases
- Takes place before a judge or magistrate
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made based on factors including:
  - Severity of the alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Community ties
  - Flight risk assessment
Bail Considerations
- Judge may:
  - Release on recognizance (ROR)
  - Set cash bail or bond
  - Order supervised release
  - Remand to custody without bail
- New York's bail reform laws limit cash bail for many non-violent offenses
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Held within 5-7 days if defendant is in custody
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed
- May be waived by defendant
Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases)
- Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury
- Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to indict
- Proceedings are confidential
- Defendant has limited participation rights
Plea Negotiations
- Discussions between prosecution and defense
- May result in:
  - Reduced charges
  - Sentencing recommendations
  - Dismissal of certain counts
  - Diversion program eligibility
Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings
- Challenges to evidence or procedures
- Suppression hearings
- Discovery proceedings
- Trial preparation
Trial
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
- Victim impact statements considered
- Sentencing guidelines applied
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines and restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction relief motions
- Parole consideration (for eligible sentences)

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from the Ontario County Public Defender's Office. The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the defendant is in custody or released pending trial.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ontario County?

Arrest records in Ontario County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, as mandated by New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

The primary retention periods for arrest-related records include:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
Fingerprint Cards: Retained for 50 years after creation
Photographs/Mugshots: Kept for 50 years after creation
Incident Reports: Preserved permanently when related to arrests
Investigation Files: Maintained for 25 years after case closure for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
Warrant Files: Retained for 10 years after execution or expiration
Arrest Logs and Blotters: Preserved permanently as historical records

Different agencies within Ontario County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Ontario County Sheriff's Office
- Maintains primary arrest records for unincorporated areas and contracted municipalities
- Follows state retention schedules for law enforcement records
- Preserves records in both physical and digital formats
Municipal Police Departments
- Maintain arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions
- Follow the same state retention schedules
- May have department-specific policies for organization and storage
Ontario County Clerk's Office
- Maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions
- Preserves case files according to court record retention schedules
- Retains felony case records permanently
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Maintains centralized criminal history repository
- Preserves fingerprint records and arrest data indefinitely
- Provides official criminal history reports to authorized agencies

It is important to note that sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 are not physically destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained separately with restricted access. These records remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts under specific circumstances authorized by law.

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Supports ongoing criminal investigations
Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the Ontario County Sheriff's Records Division for the most accurate information about record availability and retention status.

How to Find Mugshots in Ontario County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Ontario County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and are taken for identification purposes. Mugshots become part of the official arrest record maintained by the arresting agency.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Ontario County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Ontario County Sheriff's Office
- Stores mugshots as part of arrest records
- Maintains digital database of booking photographs
- Controls release according to departmental policies
Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Sheriff's Records
Municipal Police Departments
- Maintain mugshots for arrests within their jurisdictions
- May share images with county and state databases
- Have individual policies regarding public release
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Maintains central repository of booking photographs
- Restricts access to authorized criminal justice agencies
- Does not provide mugshots to the general public

Finding Mugshots

To locate mugshots in Ontario County, individuals may:

Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the arresting agency
- Specify the name of the individual and date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Check court records for cases where mugshots may have been entered as evidence
- Visit the Ontario County Clerk's Office
- Request to view case files for specific criminal proceedings
- Note that not all court files will contain booking photographs
Contact the Ontario County Jail for information about current inmates
- Inmate information may be available through the Incarcerated Individual Locator
- Jail records may include booking photographs
- Access may be restricted to authorized individuals

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The availability of Ontario County mugshots online is limited by departmental policies and state laws:

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office does not routinely publish mugshots on its website
Some municipal police departments may post booking photographs of recently arrested individuals
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may have obtained and published these images
Recent legislation in New York has restricted commercial publication of mugshots

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal FOIL request:

Complete the FOIL request form available from the arresting agency
Provide specific details about the arrest and photograph sought
Submit the request to the records division of the appropriate agency
Pay any required fees for document reproduction
Allow time for the agency to process the request and respond

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Ontario County is subject to several important restrictions:

Photographs related to sealed cases under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 are not publicly available
Juvenile arrest photographs are confidential and not subject to public disclosure
Law enforcement agencies may withhold mugshots if release would interfere with investigations
New York State has enacted legislation restricting the commercial use of booking photographs
Agencies may redact identifying information of certain protected individuals

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that law enforcement agencies balance public information rights against privacy concerns and investigative integrity when considering requests for booking photographs.