Westchester County Criminal Records
What Is Westchester County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Westchester County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law § 86, which defines public records as "any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for an agency."
Criminal records in Westchester County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Westchester County Police Department, local municipal police departments, and the New York State Police. These records contain details of the arrest but do not constitute proof of guilt.
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in Westchester County Court, local city courts, and town/village courts, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and case dispositions.
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas, which may result from either felony or misdemeanor charges.
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of periods of confinement in the Westchester County Jail or state correctional facilities.
The distinction between felony and misdemeanor records is significant. Felonies, as defined by New York Penal Law § 10.00(5), are serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors carry maximum sentences of one year or less.
Juvenile records in Westchester County receive special protection under New York Family Court Act § 375.1, which generally seals records for individuals under 18 years of age. These records are not accessible to the public without a court order.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Westchester County include:
Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3070
Westchester County Clerk
Westchester County District Attorney's Office
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3414
Westchester County District Attorney
Westchester County Department of Correction
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Westchester County Department of Correction
Are Criminal Records Public In Westchester County
Criminal records in Westchester County are generally considered public information in accordance with the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 87(2) of the Public Officers Law states: "Each agency shall... make available for public inspection and copying all records..." This provision creates the legal foundation for public access to criminal records maintained by Westchester County agencies.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The following distinctions apply to record accessibility:
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Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, sentencing information, and incarceration data are generally available to the public. The New York State Office of Court Administration maintains publicly accessible court records for Westchester County.
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Restricted Records: Certain categories of criminal records have limited accessibility, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under FOIL § 87(2)(e)
- Sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under Family Court Act § 375.1
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under FOIL § 87(2)(b)
- Records that could endanger the life or safety of any person under FOIL § 87(2)(f)
The Westchester County government adheres to these statutory provisions when processing requests for criminal records. Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures, which may vary depending on the specific type of record sought and the agency maintaining it.
It is important to note that while conviction records are public, New York State has enacted protections against discrimination based on criminal history through the New York State Human Rights Law and Article 23-A of the Correction Law, which restrict how employers and licensing agencies may use criminal record information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Westchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Westchester County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The procedures outlined below reflect current practices that remain in effect:
In-Person Requests at the County Clerk's Office
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the record sought, including the individual's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies ($5.00 for a search, plus $0.25 per page for copies).
- Records may be reviewed on-site, and copies can be obtained immediately for readily available documents.
Westchester County Court Records
For criminal case records specifically:
- Visit the Westchester County Courthouse at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601.
- Proceed to the Criminal Records Department on the first floor.
- Complete a case record request form with the defendant's name and case number (if known).
- Pay the required search fee ($10.00 per name).
- Records may be viewed on public access terminals, with printed copies available for $0.65 per page.
Written Requests
For those unable to appear in person:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (County Clerk for general records, Department of Correction for incarceration records, etc.).
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate date of case/incident, and specific information requested.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail to the appropriate agency address.
FOIL Requests
For records not readily available through standard channels:
- Submit a formal FOIL request to the Records Access Officer of the relevant agency.
- Clearly state that the request is being made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law.
- Provide specific details about the records sought.
- Agencies must acknowledge receipt within five business days and provide records or a determination within 20 business days, pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3).
The Westchester County Records Access Officer can be contacted at:
Westchester County Records Access Officer
148 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-2000
Westchester County FOIL Requests
How To Find Criminal Records in Westchester County Online?
Westchester County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits, though the scope of available information varies by system.
New York State Unified Court System - WebCrims
The WebCrims database provides access to pending and disposed criminal cases in Westchester County courts.
- Navigate to the WebCrims portal.
- Select "Westchester County" from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney/firm.
- The system displays basic case information including charges, court appearances, and case status.
- No registration is required for basic searches, though attorneys may register for enhanced access.
Westchester County Clerk Records Online
The Westchester County Clerk's Legal Division maintains an online portal for certain court records:
- Visit the County Clerk's online records portal.
- Create a user account (free registration required).
- Select "Criminal Court Records" from the search options.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Pay applicable online search fees ($5.00 per name search).
- View basic case information and document listings.
- Order certified copies for an additional fee.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
The DOCCS Inmate Lookup provides information on individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities:
- Access the DOCCS Inmate Lookup service.
- Enter the individual's name or Department Identification Number (DIN).
- Review information including current location, earliest release date, and supervision status.
- No registration or fee is required for this service.
Westchester County Department of Correction Inmate Lookup
For individuals in county custody:
- Visit the Westchester County Department of Correction website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View basic custody information, including booking date and housing location.
- No registration or fee is required.
Limitations of Online Access
Online systems have specific limitations:
- Historical records (older than 10-15 years) may not be digitized and require in-person requests.
- Sealed or expunged records are not available online.
- Juvenile records are not accessible through public portals.
- Detailed case documents often require in-person inspection or formal requests.
- Some systems may experience periodic maintenance downtime.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides criminal history record searches for a fee of $95.00 per name, which includes statewide information beyond Westchester County.
Can You Search Westchester County Criminal Records for Free?
Westchester County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though free access is typically limited to basic information or on-site inspection. These no-cost options are established pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which states that agencies may not charge for "inspection and copying of records" when conducted in person, though fees may apply for searches and copies.
Free On-Site Inspection Locations
Members of the public may inspect certain criminal records without charge at the following locations:
Westchester County Courthouse
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-5100
Westchester County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Public access terminals are available for searching basic case information.
- Court calendars and dockets may be viewed without charge.
- Actual case files may be requested for on-site review at no cost.
Westchester County Archives
2199 Saw Mill River Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
(914) 231-1500
Westchester County Archives
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Historical criminal records (generally older than 25 years) may be accessed for research purposes.
- Advance appointment is recommended.
Free Online Resources
Several digital platforms offer free access to basic criminal record information:
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WebCrims Public Access: Basic case information is available without charge through the New York State Unified Court System, including defendant name, charges, and next court date.
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Westchester County Department of Correction Inmate Lookup: Basic information about current inmates is freely accessible through the Department of Correction website.
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New York State Sex Offender Registry: Information about registered sex offenders residing in Westchester County is available at no cost through the Division of Criminal Justice Services.
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Westchester County Police Blotter: Some local police departments in Westchester County publish recent arrest information online at no charge.
Cost-Associated Services
While inspection may be free, the following services typically involve fees:
- Copies of court documents ($0.65 per page)
- Certified copies of dispositions ($10.00)
- Background checks ($95.00 through OCA)
- Record searches requiring staff assistance ($5.00-$15.00 per name)
- Expedited service fees (variable)
Pursuant to FOIL guidelines, agencies may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest, though such waivers are discretionary and uncommon for criminal record searches.
What's Included in a Westchester County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Westchester County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which establishes requirements for criminal record documentation.
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- New York State Identification Number (NYSID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information
- Court docket or case number
- Court of jurisdiction (County Court, local court, etc.)
- Filing date and arraignment details
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-B)
- Defense attorney information
- Judge or judicial officer assigned
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing
- Plea information (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial outcome (if applicable)
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (minimum/maximum)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, restitution, and court costs
- Mandatory programs (substance abuse, anger management, etc.)
- Community service requirements
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information (if applicable)
Additional Information
- Active warrants or orders of protection
- Probation or parole status and violations
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Special conditions (firearms restrictions, occupational limitations)
- Prior criminal history references
- Related case information
- Victim restitution status
- Completion of court-ordered programs
The level of detail in criminal records may vary depending on the stage of proceedings and the specific agency maintaining the record. Records maintained by the Westchester County Clerk typically contain the most comprehensive documentation, while law enforcement agencies may maintain more limited information focused on arrest and charging details.
How Long Does Westchester County Keep Criminal Records?
Westchester County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule CO-2. These schedules, mandated under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Arrest Records
- Arrest reports and booking information: 5 years after date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards: 5 years after date of arrest for misdemeanors; permanent for felonies
- Photographs/mugshots: 5 years after date of arrest
- Arrest warrants (executed): Until case disposition plus 5 years
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until warrant is recalled or expires
Court Records
- Misdemeanor case files: 6 years after case disposition
- Felony case files: 25 years after case disposition
- Capital offense case files: Permanent
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent
- Grand jury records: 6 years after case disposition
Conviction Records
- Misdemeanor convictions: 10 years after completion of sentence
- Felony convictions: Permanent
- Certificates of conviction: Permanent
- Sentencing information: Same as underlying case file
Incarceration Records
- County jail inmate records: 10 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
- Inmate disciplinary records: 3 years after release
Specialized Records
- Probation records: 6 years after discharge from supervision
- Sex offender registration information: Permanent
- Order of protection registry: Permanent
- Youthful offender records: Sealed upon adjudication; maintained for 10 years
- Juvenile delinquency records: Sealed upon adjudication; maintained until subject reaches age 21
It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, this does not necessarily mean they remain publicly accessible throughout the entire retention period. Various sealing and expungement provisions under New York law may limit public access to certain records before the end of their retention period.
For example, under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, certain criminal convictions may be eligible for sealing after 10 years have passed since sentencing or release from incarceration. While sealed records are retained by agencies, they are no longer accessible to the public.
Additionally, pursuant to Executive Law § 296(16), it is generally unlawful to inquire about or act upon arrests or criminal accusations that did not result in conviction, regardless of retention status.