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St. Lawrence County Court Records

What Is St. Lawrence County Court Records

Court records in St. Lawrence County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under New York Judiciary Law § 255, which establishes the public nature of court records. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

St. Lawrence County court records are distinct from other public records such as:

  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Tax records
  • Business filings

The following courts maintain records in St. Lawrence County:

  • New York State Supreme Court (St. Lawrence County branch)
  • St. Lawrence County Court
  • Family Court
  • Surrogate's Court
  • City Courts (Ogdensburg)
  • Town and Village Justice Courts

These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims. The St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office serves as the official repository for many of these court records, particularly those from the Supreme and County Courts.

Are Court Records Public In St. Lawrence County

Court records in St. Lawrence County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 84, also known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and the constitutional principle of open courts. The New York State Constitution and case law establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and associated records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Most civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Court calendars

However, certain records may be sealed or redacted under specific circumstances as provided by New York Judiciary Law § 4 and related statutes. These exceptions include:

  • Family Court proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
  • Juvenile delinquency records
  • Sealed criminal records following dismissal or acquittal
  • Records containing confidential personal information
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Certain domestic violence cases

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York (which includes St. Lawrence County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county offices.

The New York State Unified Court System has established specific rules regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.

How To Find Court Records in St. Lawrence County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in St. Lawrence County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate method depends on the court of origin and record type.

For Supreme and County Court records:

St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2237
St. Lawrence County Clerk

The County Clerk maintains records for:

  • Supreme Court civil cases
  • County Court criminal felony cases
  • County Court civil cases
  • Judgment records

Requestors may:

  1. Visit the office in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
  2. Submit a written request by mail with appropriate search fees
  3. Use the online request system for certain record types

For Family Court records:

St. Lawrence County Family Court
80 State Highway 310
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2410
New York State Unified Court System

Access to Family Court records is restricted by New York Family Court Act § 166. Parties to cases and their attorneys may access records by:

  1. Appearing in person with proper identification
  2. Submitting a written request with case information

For Surrogate's Court records:

St. Lawrence County Surrogate's Court
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2260
New York State Unified Court System

Probate and estate records may be accessed by:

  1. Visiting the court during business hours
  2. Submitting a written request with the deceased's name and approximate date of death

For local court records (Town and Village Courts), requestors must contact the specific court directly, as these records are maintained independently by each court.

How To Look Up Court Records in St. Lawrence County Online?

St. Lawrence County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary by court type and record category.

For Supreme and County Court records, the following online resources are available:

  1. New York State Unified Court System WebCrims - This portal provides access to criminal case information for County Court cases. Users can search by:

    • Defendant name
    • Case number
    • Docket number

    The system displays case status, appearance dates, and charge information. Access is available at WebCrims Portal.

  2. New York State Unified Court System eCourts - This system allows searches for civil Supreme Court cases. Users can search by:

    • Party name
    • Index number
    • Attorney/firm name

    The system provides case status, appearance dates, and filed documents. Access is available at eCourts Portal.

  3. St. Lawrence County Clerk Records Search - The County Clerk offers limited online access to court records through their website. Users can search for:

    • Judgment records
    • Lis pendens filings
    • Supreme Court case indices

    This service is accessible through the St. Lawrence County Clerk's website.

For Family Court and Surrogate's Court records, online access is limited due to confidentiality requirements. However, case scheduling information may be available through the New York State Court Calendar.

When using these online systems, users should note:

  • Some records may require creation of a user account
  • Certain document types may not be available online
  • Fees may apply for document copies or certified records
  • Complete case files often require in-person inspection

How To Search St. Lawrence County Court Records for Free?

New York State law guarantees the right to inspect public court records without charge, as established in New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is generally free of charge.

The following methods allow for free searches of St. Lawrence County court records:

  1. In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the appropriate court or the County Clerk's office during regular business hours to inspect publicly available records at no cost. This method provides the most comprehensive access to complete case files.

  2. WebCrims and eCourts - These New York State Unified Court System portals offer free basic searches for criminal and civil case information. While document downloads may incur fees, case status and scheduling information is available without charge at NYS Courts Electronic Filing.

  3. County Clerk Index Search - Basic index searches are available without charge through the St. Lawrence County Clerk's website, though document retrieval may involve fees.

  4. Public Access Law Library Terminals - The St. Lawrence County Law Library provides public access terminals for searching court records databases. These terminals are available at:

St. Lawrence County Law Library
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2237

  1. New York State Court Calendar - Court appearance schedules can be viewed without charge through the NYS Court Calendar system.

When utilizing free search options, requestors should note:

  • Staff assistance may be limited due to resource constraints
  • Complex searches may require additional time
  • Some records may require formal FOIL requests
  • Identification may be required for in-person inspection

What's Included in a St. Lawrence County Court Record?

St. Lawrence County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of origin. The content of these records is governed by New York Judiciary Law § 255 and court procedural rules.

For Supreme and County Court civil cases, records typically include:

  • Summons and complaint/petition
  • Answers and replies
  • Motions and supporting affidavits
  • Judicial orders and decisions
  • Transcripts of proceedings (if ordered)
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Judgments and decrees
  • Notices of appeal
  • Case indices and docket sheets

For criminal proceedings in County Court, records generally contain:

  • Charging documents (indictments, informations)
  • Arraignment records
  • Bail determination documents
  • Motions and responses
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial transcripts (if ordered)
  • Sentencing information
  • Orders of protection
  • Probation reports (access restricted)
  • Appeal documents

Family Court records typically include:

  • Petitions and responses
  • Orders of protection
  • Support orders
  • Custody and visitation determinations
  • Adoption records (sealed)
  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings (confidential)
  • Child protective proceedings

Surrogate's Court records generally contain:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Probate petitions
  • Letters testamentary/administration
  • Inventories of assets
  • Accounting documents
  • Guardianship records
  • Estate tax filings
  • Decrees and orders

Town and Village Justice Court records typically include:

  • Traffic citations
  • Local ordinance violations
  • Small claims filings
  • Landlord-tenant proceedings
  • Minor criminal charges

How Long Does St. Lawrence County Keep Court Records?

St. Lawrence County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules vary by record type and court jurisdiction.

For Supreme and County Court records:

  • Civil case files: 25 years after case disposition
  • Criminal felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases: 25 years after case disposition
  • Judgment dockets: Permanent retention
  • Index books: Permanent retention
  • Court minutes: Permanent retention

For Family Court records:

  • Custody and visitation: 25 years after youngest child turns 18
  • Support proceedings: 25 years after youngest child turns 21
  • Juvenile delinquency: Sealed when youth reaches 16 (with exceptions)
  • Child protective: Permanent retention
  • Adoption: Permanent retention (sealed)

For Surrogate's Court records:

  • Estate proceedings: Permanent retention
  • Guardianship records: 25 years after termination of guardianship
  • Will depositions: Permanent retention

For Town and Village Justice Court records:

  • Criminal cases: 6 years after disposition
  • Traffic violations: 6 years after disposition
  • Civil cases: 6 years after disposition
  • Small claims: 6 years after disposition

The complete retention schedule for court records is available through the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.

Records that have exceeded their retention period may be transferred to the St. Lawrence County Historical Association or destroyed according to state guidelines. Certain historically significant records may be preserved beyond the minimum retention period.

Types of Courts In St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and record-keeping practices.

New York State Supreme Court - St. Lawrence County
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Supreme Court

St. Lawrence County Court
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2480
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
St. Lawrence County Court

St. Lawrence County Family Court
80 State Highway 310
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2410
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
St. Lawrence County Family Court

St. Lawrence County Surrogate's Court
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
St. Lawrence County Surrogate's Court

Ogdensburg City Court
330 Ford Street
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
Phone: (315) 393-1111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ogdensburg City Court

St. Lawrence County also has 32 Town and Village Justice Courts serving local communities. Contact information for these courts is available through the New York State Unified Court System directory.

The court hierarchy in New York State proceeds from Town and Village Justice Courts to County/Supreme Courts, then to the Appellate Division of Supreme Court, and finally to the New York State Court of Appeals, which is the highest court in the state.

What Types of Cases Do St. Lawrence County Courts Hear?

St. Lawrence County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority.

The New York State Supreme Court in St. Lawrence County handles:

  • Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Divorce and matrimonial actions
  • Corporate and commercial disputes
  • Real property matters
  • Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
  • Medical malpractice cases
  • Foreclosure proceedings
  • Declaratory judgments

St. Lawrence County Court presides over:

  • Felony criminal cases
  • Appeals from Town and Village Justice Courts
  • Civil cases with claims between $15,000 and $25,000

St. Lawrence County Family Court addresses:

  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child and spousal support
  • Paternity determinations
  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
  • Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS)
  • Family offense proceedings/orders of protection
  • Adoptions
  • Child protective proceedings
  • Foster care approvals and reviews

St. Lawrence County Surrogate's Court handles:

  • Probate of wills
  • Administration of estates
  • Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
  • Adoptions (concurrent with Family Court)
  • Trust administration

Ogdensburg City Court adjudicates:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Small claims (up to $5,000)
  • Civil cases (up to $15,000)
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Code violations

Town and Village Justice Courts in St. Lawrence County handle:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Small claims (up to $3,000)
  • Civil cases (up to $3,000)
  • Landlord-tenant matters
  • Local ordinance violations
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Case assignment is determined by subject matter, monetary thresholds, and geographic jurisdiction as established by New York State law.

How To Find a Court Docket In St. Lawrence County

Court dockets in St. Lawrence County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. These records are accessible through several methods depending on the court and case type.

For Supreme and County Court dockets:

  1. Online Access - The New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims (criminal cases) and eCourts (civil cases) systems provide docket information. Users can search by:

    • Case/docket number
    • Party name
    • Filing date range

    These systems are accessible at NYS Courts Electronic Filing.

  2. County Clerk's Office - Complete docket information is available through:

    St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
    48 Court Street
    Canton, NY 13617
    Phone: (315) 379-2237

    Requestors may:

    • Visit in person during business hours
    • Submit a written request with case information
    • Request certified docket sheets for official purposes

  3. Court Clerk's Office - For pending cases, the clerk of the specific court maintains current docket information:

    St. Lawrence County Supreme/County Court Clerk
    48 Court Street
    Canton, NY 13617
    Phone: (315) 379-2260

For Family Court dockets:

  • Access is restricted to parties, attorneys, and authorized agencies
  • Requests must be made directly to the Family Court clerk with proper identification
  • Case numbers are required for docket searches

For Surrogate's Court dockets:

  • Estate proceedings dockets are publicly accessible
  • Searches require the name of the deceased and approximate date of death
  • Requests can be made in person or by mail to the Surrogate's Court clerk

For Town and Village Justice Court dockets:

  • Contact the specific court directly
  • Provide case number or party name
  • Some courts may require in-person requests

When requesting docket information, it is advisable to provide:

  • Complete case number (if known)
  • Full names of all parties
  • Approximate filing date
  • Case type
  • Requesting party's contact information

Which Courts in St. Lawrence County Are Not Courts of Record?

In New York State, "courts of record" are defined by Judiciary Law § 2 as courts whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and whose judgments are formally documented according to strict procedural requirements. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts.

In St. Lawrence County, the following are not courts of record:

  1. Town Justice Courts - All 32 town courts in St. Lawrence County are classified as courts not of record. These include:

    • Canton Town Court
    • Potsdam Town Court
    • Massena Town Court
    • And 29 other town courts

  2. Village Justice Courts - The village courts in St. Lawrence County are also not courts of record, including:

    • Canton Village Court
    • Potsdam Village Court
    • Massena Village Court
    • And other village courts

These courts typically handle:

  • Traffic violations
  • Local ordinance violations
  • Minor criminal matters (violations and misdemeanors)
  • Small claims up to $3,000
  • Landlord-tenant proceedings
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases

As courts not of record, these tribunals:

  • May not maintain verbatim transcripts of all proceedings
  • Have simplified record-keeping requirements
  • Maintain records locally rather than with the County Clerk
  • Have decisions that may be appealed to County Court for trial de novo (new trial)
  • Are presided over by justices who may not be attorneys

In contrast, the following St. Lawrence County courts are courts of record:

  • New York State Supreme Court
  • St. Lawrence County Court
  • St. Lawrence County Family Court
  • St. Lawrence County Surrogate's Court
  • Ogdensburg City Court

Records from courts not of record may be less comprehensive than those from courts of record, and access procedures may vary significantly between individual town and village courts.

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