St. Lawrence County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Lawrence County
Arrest records in St. Lawrence County are considered public information pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under Public Officers Law § 87. This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumptively available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within St. Lawrence County, including the Sheriff's Office and local police departments. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with an offense. These records do not indicate guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
Certain exemptions to public disclosure exist under Public Officers Law § 87(2), including records that:
- Would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Could endanger the life or safety of any person
- Are compiled for law enforcement purposes which, if disclosed, would interfere with investigations or judicial proceedings
Additionally, records related to youthful offenders, juvenile delinquents, and certain sealed cases are not publicly accessible under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35 and related statutes.
What's in St. Lawrence County Arrest Records
St. Lawrence County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute/code violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Charge severity (A, B, C, D, E for felonies; A, B for misdemeanors)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number/case number
- Processing location
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case/docket number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Lawrence County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in St. Lawrence County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office records division during regular business hours.
- Complete a FOIL request form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (typically $0.25 per page).
- Allow processing time as specified by the records clerk.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 379-2222
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests:
- Submit a written FOIL request to the Records Access Officer at the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Include specific details about the records being requested (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
- Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records.
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (contact agency for current fee schedule).
St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 379-2237
St. Lawrence County Clerk
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, denying access with written explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
How To Find St. Lawrence County Arrest Records Online
St. Lawrence County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are currently available:
-
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office Website
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Lookup" or "Recent Arrests" section
- Search using available parameters (name, booking date, etc.)
- Review publicly available information
-
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
- Visit the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup portal
- Enter search criteria (name, DIN number)
- System provides information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision
- Results include commitment county, allowing filtering for St. Lawrence County cases
-
New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA)
- Access the WebCriminal portal
- Create user account if required
- Search by name and other identifiers
- Review case information, including arraignments and dispositions
- Pay applicable fees for detailed record searches ($95 per name search)
-
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Visit the DCJS website
- Navigate to "Criminal History Record Search" section
- Follow instructions for requesting authorized record checks
- Note that fingerprint-based searches require statutory authorization
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
How To Search St. Lawrence County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing St. Lawrence County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:
- Public Access Terminals
- Visit the St. Lawrence County Courthouse law library
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for on-site searches (printing fees may apply)
St. Lawrence County Courthouse
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 379-2260
St. Lawrence County Courts
-
Sheriff's Office Website
- The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database
- Includes recent arrests and current inmate information
- Limited to basic information (name, charges, arrest date)
- Updated regularly but may not include historical records
-
Local Newspaper Archives
- Public libraries maintain archives of local newspapers
- Many publications report on arrests and court proceedings
- Library staff can assist with searching digital archives
- No fee for library cardholders
Canton Free Library
8 Park Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 386-3712
Canton Free Library
- FOIL Requests for Specific Records
- Initial FOIL requests do not require payment
- Fees only apply for copying/certification of records
- Electronic delivery may be available without charge
- Requests must be specific and reasonable in scope
Under Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may waive fees when disclosure primarily benefits the general public. Requesters may include a fee waiver request with their FOIL application if appropriate.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Lawrence County
New York State law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. The two primary methods are record sealing and expungement:
Record Sealing: Record sealing restricts public access to arrest and conviction records but does not completely destroy them. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records. Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals may be eligible for record sealing if:
- At least 10 years have passed since their last criminal conviction
- They have no more than two criminal convictions, with no more than one felony
- The conviction(s) are not for sex offenses, violent felonies, or certain other serious crimes
The sealing process requires:
- Filing an application with the court where the conviction occurred
- Submitting fingerprints for a criminal history review
- Notifying the District Attorney's office
- Attending a hearing if the District Attorney objects
- Receiving a judicial determination
Expungement: True expungement (complete destruction of records) is limited in New York State. However, under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records are automatically sealed when:
- A case results in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Charges are dismissed
- Certain non-criminal dispositions occur (e.g., adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)
Additionally, Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions.
For assistance with record sealing or expungement:
St. Lawrence County Legal Aid Society
357 Main Street
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 386-4586
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Individuals should consult with qualified legal counsel to determine eligibility and navigate the process effectively.
What Happens After Arrest in St. Lawrence County?
Following an arrest in St. Lawrence County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. The typical progression includes:
1. Arrest and Booking:
- Law enforcement officers take the individual into custody
- Transportation to local police station or St. Lawrence County Jail
- Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection
- Property inventory and temporary storage
2. Arraignment:
- First court appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination made based on factors including:
- Severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Counsel assignment for indigent defendants
3. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Held within 120 hours if defendant is in custody (144 hours if not)
- Prosecution must demonstrate reasonable cause
- Judge determines if case proceeds to grand jury
4. Grand Jury (Felony Cases):
- Secret proceeding where prosecution presents evidence
- No judge present; prosecutor guides proceedings
- Grand jury votes whether to indict
- Requires majority vote (12 of 23 grand jurors)
5. Plea Negotiations:
- Discussions between prosecution and defense
- May result in reduced charges or sentencing recommendations
- Judge must approve all plea agreements
6. Pre-Trial Motions:
- Defense may file motions to:
- Suppress evidence
- Dismiss charges
- Change venue
- Address other legal issues
7. Trial:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
8. Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
- Victim impact statements considered
- Judge imposes sentence according to New York Penal Law
- Sentencing options include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Conditional discharge
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
9. Appeals:
- Notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing
- Appellate review limited to legal errors, not factual determinations
- Multiple levels of appeal possible (Appellate Division, Court of Appeals)
Throughout this process, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Lawrence County?
Arrest records in St. Lawrence County are maintained according to the New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which establishes minimum retention periods for local government records. The retention of arrest records varies based on record type and disposition:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum 25 years
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 5 years
- Violation/non-criminal offenses: Minimum 1 year
- Arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent for law enforcement purposes
Fingerprint Records:
- Retained permanently by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to Executive Law § 837(6)
- Local copies may be destroyed after transmission to state repository
Investigative Records:
- Felony cases: Minimum 25 years after completion
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum 10 years after completion
- Unsolved cases: Retained until solved or statute of limitations expires
Mugshot Photographs:
- Retained with arrest records according to corresponding schedule
- May be sealed or destroyed pursuant to court order under specific circumstances
Court Records:
- Criminal case files: Minimum 25 years after case closure
- Index records: Permanent retention
- Court calendars: Minimum 6 years
Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest and investigation records
- Courts maintain case files and disposition information
- Corrections facilities maintain incarceration records
- Probation departments maintain supervision records
Records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59 remain in existence but with restricted access. These records are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and accessible only to authorized entities under specific circumstances.
How to Find Mugshots in St. Lawrence County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in St. Lawrence County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of two images—a front-facing (portrait) view and a profile (side) view—taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs become part of the official arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: Primary custodians of mugshot photographs in St. Lawrence County include:
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 379-2222
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
Local Police Departments:
- Canton Police Department
- Ogdensburg Police Department
- Potsdam Police Department
- Massena Police Department
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking mugshot photographs may:
- Submit a FOIL request to the arresting agency
- Provide specific identifying information (name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Specify that booking photographs are being requested
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Can They Be Found Online: The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office currently maintains an online inmate lookup system that may include booking photographs for recently arrested individuals. However, comprehensive historical mugshot archives are not generally available through official government websites. Third-party websites that aggregate and publish mugshots may exist but are not officially sanctioned by St. Lawrence County law enforcement agencies.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshot photographs is through a formal FOIL request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests should:
- Be submitted in writing
- Include specific identifying information
- Clearly state that booking photographs are being requested
- Include payment for applicable fees
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshot photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59
- Juvenile records protected under Family Court Act
- Cases involving youthful offenders
- When disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- When disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations
Lookup Arrest Records in St. Lawrence County
Sheriff's Office St. Lawrence County