Ontario County Criminal Records

What Is Ontario County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Ontario County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Ontario County, New York.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories, each with specific legal implications:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual has been taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, arrest records without subsequent convictions may have limited public accessibility.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. The Ontario County Sheriff's Office maintains records of both categories.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors' futures.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions. The Ontario County law enforcement agencies maintain both types of records.

Several agencies in Ontario County are responsible for creating and maintaining criminal records:

Ontario County Sheriff's Office
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Ontario County Sheriff

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through the Ontario County Jail.

Ontario County Clerk's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4200
Ontario County Clerk

The County Clerk serves as the custodian of court records, including criminal case files.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
New York State DCJS

This state agency maintains the central repository of criminal history information for all of New York State, including Ontario County.

Ontario County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information. These records are maintained pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which establishes requirements for fingerprinting and processing arrested individuals.

Are Criminal Records Public In Ontario County

Criminal records in Ontario County are generally considered public documents under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This law establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

The law states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions... The people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society."

However, not all criminal records are equally accessible to the public. The following distinctions apply:

Publicly Available Records:

• Court proceedings and records of adult criminal cases
• Conviction records for adults
• Inmate records for currently incarcerated individuals
• Sex offender registry information

Restricted Records:

• Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as their disclosure could interfere with law enforcement proceedings
• Sealed records, including those sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (sealing of certain convictions after 10 years)
• Juvenile records, which are generally confidential under Family Court Act provisions
• Records that, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

The Ontario County Clerk's Office maintains court records that are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Additionally, the New York State Office of Court Administration provides criminal history record searches for a fee, though these searches only reveal convictions and pending cases, not sealed records or arrests that did not lead to convictions.

It is important to note that while criminal records are legally public, practical access may require formal requests, payment of fees, or in-person visits to specific government offices. The Ontario County law enforcement agencies follow established protocols for releasing criminal record information to ensure compliance with state law while protecting privacy rights where applicable.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ontario County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ontario County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides both in-person and online options for criminal record searches, with varying levels of detail available through each method.

In-Person Record Requests:

To obtain comprehensive criminal records in person, individuals may visit:

Ontario County Clerk's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ontario County Clerk

When requesting records in person:

• Bring government-issued photo identification
• Complete the appropriate request form available at the clerk's counter
• Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, case number if known)
• Be prepared to pay applicable fees (typically $5-$15 per record)
• Allow time for staff to retrieve records, which may not be immediately available

Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ontario County Sheriff

For arrest records and incident reports:

• Complete the Sheriff's Office records request form
• Provide case numbers or specific incident information when possible
• Present valid identification
• Pay applicable fees for copies of reports

Mail-In Requests:

For those unable to visit in person, mail-in requests are accepted by both the County Clerk and Sheriff's Office. Request letters should include:

• Full name and contact information of the requestor
• Specific information about the records being sought
• Copy of requestor's identification
• Check or money order for applicable fees
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents

Official Background Checks:

For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request an official background check through:

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
New York State DCJS

This process requires fingerprinting and submission of a formal application. The Clerk to the Courts can provide guidance on this process.

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 168-p, individuals may also check the sex offender registry maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to determine if someone is a registered sex offender.

How To Find Criminal Records in Ontario County Online?

Ontario County provides several digital platforms that allow the public to access certain criminal records online. These resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits, though the scope of information may be more limited than complete records available at government offices.

Ontario County Online Record Search Portal
The county maintains a comprehensive Online Record Search system that provides access to various public records, including certain court filings. To use this system:

• No registration is required for basic searches
• Advanced features may require creating a free account
• Search by name, case number, or filing date
• Records available include court filings, judgments, and certain criminal case information
• Documents can be viewed online and printed for reference

New York State Unified Court System WebCrims
The New York State Unified Court System provides online access to pending and closed criminal cases:

• Registration is required (free for basic searches)
• Search by defendant name or case number
• Information includes case status, charges, court appearances, and dispositions
• Coverage includes felonies and misdemeanors in Ontario County courts
• Updated daily with new case information

Ontario County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup
The Ontario County Corrections Division maintains an online inmate lookup system:

• No registration required
• Search by inmate name
• Information includes current inmates, charges, and release dates
• Updated regularly as individuals enter and exit the facility

New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup
For individuals sentenced to state prison, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup provides:

• Information on current and former state inmates
• Conviction details and sentence information
• Facility location and earliest release dates
• No registration required for searches

New York State Sex Offender Registry
The public can search for registered sex offenders residing in Ontario County through the NY Sex Offender Registry:

• Search by name, county, or zip code
• Information includes offender photos, addresses, and offense details
• Risk level designations are provided
• No registration required

When using online resources, users should note that:

• Not all criminal records are available online
• Some records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to state law
• Historical records may not be digitized
• For comprehensive searches, combining online research with in-person requests may be necessary
• The Recording & Filing Documents section of the county website provides additional guidance on accessing various types of records

Can You Search Ontario County Criminal Records for Free?

Ontario County residents and members of the public have several options to access criminal records without payment, though certain comprehensive searches may incur fees. New York State law, specifically Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of records, but generally allows free inspection of records in person.

Free In-Person Record Inspection:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Ontario County Clerk's Office
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ontario County Clerk

Visitors may:

• Review court records and case files at public terminals
• Inspect criminal case indices
• View judgment records
• Examine certificates of conviction

Ontario County Courthouse
27 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The courthouse provides:

• Access to criminal court calendars
• Ability to observe public court proceedings
• Review of publicly available case information at clerk's windows

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms offer free access to criminal record information:

• The Ontario County Online Record Search provides basic search capabilities without charge, though printing documents may incur fees.

• The Ontario County Sheriff's Office website includes current inmate information and recent arrest data at no cost.

• The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains a free Incarcerated Lookup database and Parolee Lookup service.

• The New York State Sex Offender Registry provides free searches for registered offenders in Ontario County.

Services With Associated Fees:

While inspection is often free, the following services typically require payment:

• Copies of court documents ($0.65 per page in most cases)
• Certified copies of records ($5-$10 per document)
• Background checks through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services ($65)
• Expedited record searches
• Records requiring extensive redaction or preparation

It is important to note that while free options exist, they may require more time and effort than paid services. Additionally, pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 50-b, certain sensitive records, such as those involving victims of sex crimes, are not publicly accessible regardless of payment.

What's Included in a Ontario County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Ontario County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, providing a detailed account of arrests, court proceedings, and case dispositions.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases or previous names
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
• Mugshot or booking photograph when available
• Current and previous addresses
• State Identification Number (SID) assigned by New York State
• FBI number if the individual has been processed through the federal system

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., Ontario County Sheriff, local police departments)
• Booking number and processing details
• Initial charges filed at the time of arrest
• Bail or bond information, including amounts and conditions
• Detention facility information if the individual was held in custody

Court Case Information:

• Court case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (e.g., Ontario County Court, local town or village courts)
• Formal charges filed by the prosecutor, including specific statutes violated
• Classification of charges (felony classes A-E or misdemeanor classes A-B)
• Plea information (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor assigned to the case
• Judge presiding over proceedings
• Court appearance dates and outcomes

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date if applicable
• Sentencing details, including:
  • Incarceration terms and facility
  • Probation conditions and duration
  • Fines, fees, and court costs imposed
  • Restitution requirements
  • Community service obligations
  • Treatment or program mandates
• Appeals filed and their outcomes
• Probation or parole status and conditions

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or pending charges
• Orders of protection or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements if applicable
• DUI/DWI history and related license sanctions
• Traffic violations connected to criminal matters
• Probation or parole violations
• Participation in specialty courts (drug court, veterans court, etc.)

The Ontario County Clerk's Office maintains court records, while arrest and incarceration records are primarily managed by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office and Corrections Division. For individuals sentenced to state prison, records are also maintained by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

How Long Does Ontario County Keep Criminal Records?

Ontario County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives and Records Administration (SARA) under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules dictate how long different types of criminal justice records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.

Arrest Records and Police Reports:

• Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor arrest records: 25 years after arrest date
• Violation-level offense records: 5 years after case closure
• Arrest records for cases resulting in dismissal: 5 years, though information may be sealed earlier under certain circumstances
• Police incident reports: 10 years for reports not resulting in arrests

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case disposition
• Violation-level offense files: 6 years after case disposition
• Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
• Grand jury records: Permanent retention, though access is strictly limited by law

Corrections and Incarceration Records:

• County jail inmate records: 10 years after release or discharge
• Booking information: 10 years after the inmate's release
• Inmate medical records: 7 years after release or discharge
• State prison records: Maintained permanently by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Probation and Parole Records:

• Adult probation case files: 10 years after discharge from supervision
• Juvenile probation records: Until the individual reaches age 21, then sealed
• Parole supervision records: 7 years after discharge from supervision

Special Categories:

• Sex offender registration information: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement (20 years to lifetime, depending on offense level)
• Youthful offender records: Sealed upon adjudication as a youthful offender
• Juvenile delinquency records: Automatically sealed when the individual reaches age 16 for most offenses

It is important to note that while records may be maintained for these periods, access to them may be restricted by various sealing and expungement provisions. For example, under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, certain criminal convictions may be eligible for sealing after 10 years, making them inaccessible to the general public while still being maintained in government archives.

The Ontario County Clerk serves as the primary custodian for court records, while the Sheriff's Office maintains law enforcement records according to these retention schedules.

Lookup Criminal Records in Ontario County

Ontario County Sheriff's Office

Ontario County Law Enforcement Resources

Ontario County Corrections Division

Ontario County Online Record Search

Ontario County Clerk's Office

Ontario County Clerk to the Courts

Ontario County Recording & Filing Documents

Ontario County Local Law Enforcement Agencies Directory

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

New York State Incarcerated Lookup

New York State DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup

New York State Parolee Lookup