St. Lawrence County Criminal Records
What Is St. Lawrence County Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Lawrence 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 § 87, which establishes the framework for public records management throughout the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody on suspicion of criminal activity
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Conviction Records: Final judgments indicating a person was found guilty of a criminal offense
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county correctional facilities
The St. Lawrence County criminal justice system distinguishes between different types of offenses and records:
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, while misdemeanors typically carry sentences of less than one year. This distinction affects both record maintenance and accessibility.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18 are generally sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 and subject to stricter confidentiality protections.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Current warrants represent ongoing law enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in St. Lawrence County:
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street - Building #8
Canton, New York 13617
Phone: 315-379-2222
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records through its Criminal Division and Correctional Division.
St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: 315-379-2237
St. Lawrence County Clerk
The County Clerk maintains Supreme and County Court records, including felony convictions and related documentation.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, New York 12210
Phone: 518-457-5837
NY Division of Criminal Justice Services
The DCJS maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information, including fingerprint records and conviction data from St. Lawrence County.
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The comprehensiveness of these records is mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which establishes requirements for fingerprinting and record-keeping.
Are Criminal Records Public In St. Lawrence County
Criminal records in St. Lawrence County are generally considered public documents under the New York State 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, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
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. The public status of records varies based on several factors:
Publicly Available Records:
- Court proceedings and calendars for adult cases
- Adult conviction records
- Inmate rosters and custody status
- Sex offender registry information
- Criminal case dispositions
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Youthful offender adjudications
- Records expunged under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office maintains court records for Supreme and County Courts, including felony convictions. These records are available for public inspection during regular business hours, subject to applicable fees for copies.
It is important to note that while many criminal records are technically public, practical access may be limited by administrative procedures, search capabilities, and resource constraints. Additionally, the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) maintains a centralized criminal history record search system that provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history throughout the state, though this system requires payment of statutory fees.
Certain criminal records may become eligible for sealing under New York's criminal record sealing laws, particularly CPL § 160.59, which allows for the sealing of up to two criminal convictions (only one of which may be a felony) after a 10-year waiting period, provided the individual meets other eligibility requirements.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In St. Lawrence County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in St. Lawrence County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and limitations.
In-Person Requests at the County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 per name search plus $0.65 per page for copies).
- Allow staff time to locate and retrieve the requested records.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office Records:
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and jail records. To obtain these documents:
- Submit a written request to the Sheriff's Civil Division.
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of incident.
- Provide your contact information and the purpose of your request.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) Criminal History Search:
For a comprehensive statewide criminal history:
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System website.
- Create an account if you don't already have one.
- Pay the required fee ($95.00 per name search).
- Provide the full name and exact date of birth of the subject.
- Receive results electronically, typically within 5 business days.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests:
For records not readily available through other means:
- Submit a written FOIL request to the Records Access Officer of the appropriate agency.
- Clearly describe the records sought with as much specificity as possible.
- Include your contact information.
- Agencies must acknowledge your request within 5 business days and provide an approximate timeframe for response.
- If approved, you will be notified of any applicable fees for search and reproduction.
When requesting criminal records, it is advisable to provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available. This helps ensure accurate results and reduces processing time.
Certain records may require additional verification of identity or legal authorization to access. For example, sealed records, juvenile records, and records pertaining to ongoing investigations generally require a court order for release.
How To Find Criminal Records in St. Lawrence County Online?
St. Lawrence County offers several digital resources for accessing criminal records information online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of available information varies by platform.
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims:
The WebCrims database provides public access to pending and closed criminal cases in participating courts:
- Visit the WebCrims portal.
- No registration is required for basic searches.
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney/firm.
- Results include case status, charges, appearance dates, and disposition information.
- Coverage includes St. Lawrence County Court and local criminal courts within the county.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function:
- Navigate to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Correctional Division website.
- Access the inmate lookup feature.
- Search by name to view current inmates and their basic custody information.
- Information typically includes booking date, charges, and bail status.
New York State Sex Offender Registry:
For information on registered sex offenders residing in St. Lawrence County:
- Visit the NY Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, county, or zip code.
- Results include offender photos, addresses, conviction information, and risk levels.
- Registration is not required for basic searches.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup:
For individuals sentenced to state prison from St. Lawrence County:
- Access the DOCCS Inmate Lookup.
- Search by name or Department Identification Number (DIN).
- Results include current location, earliest release date, and supervision status.
E-Courts Case Search:
For civil and criminal cases filed in St. Lawrence County Supreme and County Courts:
- Visit the NY Courts Electronic Filing system.
- Registration is required for full access.
- Search by index number, party name, or attorney/firm.
- Access to documents may be limited based on case type and confidentiality status.
When using online systems, users should be aware of several limitations:
- Not all criminal records are digitized or available online
- Historical records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Some systems require registration or payment for full access
- Information may be limited compared to official court files
- Records may not include complete case histories or documents
For comprehensive criminal background checks, the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services provides fingerprint-based criminal history record searches, though these require the subject's consent or legal authorization.
Can You Search St. Lawrence County Criminal Records for Free?
St. Lawrence County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited in scope compared to fee-based services.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) guarantees the right to inspect public records at no cost. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may only charge for copies of records, not for inspection. To exercise this right:
- Visit the appropriate agency during regular business hours.
- Submit a written request to inspect specific records.
- Present identification if required.
- Review records under staff supervision.
The following locations offer free record inspection:
St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 315-379-2237
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street - Building #8
Canton, New York 13617
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 315-379-2222
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to limited criminal records information:
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WebCrims Basic Search: The New York State Unified Court System offers free basic searches of criminal cases without registration.
-
Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search function through their Correctional Division website.
-
NY Sex Offender Registry: The New York State Sex Offender Registry offers free public access to information about registered sex offenders residing in St. Lawrence County.
-
Court Calendars: Daily court calendars listing scheduled appearances are typically available for free viewing at the courthouse and sometimes online.
Limitations of Free Access:
While free options exist, they come with notable limitations:
- In-person inspection requires travel to the record custodian's location
- Staff assistance for locating records may be limited
- Free online resources typically provide only basic case information
- Historical records may not be included in free online databases
- Comprehensive criminal history information is generally not available without payment
For more extensive searches, particularly those requiring official documentation or certification, fees are typically assessed. The New York State Office of Court Administration charges $95.00 per name for official criminal history searches, while the Division of Criminal Justice Services charges $62.00 for fingerprint-based record reviews.
Local agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, typically $0.25-$0.65 per page, though the first two hours of search time are generally provided at no cost under FOIL guidelines.
What's Included in a St. Lawrence County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by St. Lawrence County agencies contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content and format of these records adhere to requirements established by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and relevant state statutes.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Distinguishing features such as scars, marks, or tattoos
- Mugshot photographs (booking photos)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest with corresponding penal code citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility and custody status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court docket or case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Town/Village Court, County Court, Supreme Court)
- Filing date and arraignment information
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with statutory classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned to the case
- Court appearance dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (minimum/maximum sentences)
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution requirements
- Probation terms and conditions
- Community service obligations
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and supervision details
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or wanted status
- Orders of protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole violations
- Participation in diversion programs or specialty courts
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case. Records maintained by the St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office focus primarily on Supreme and County Court cases, including felony convictions, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and custody records.
It is important to note that pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of cases resulting in favorable dispositions (acquittals, dismissals, etc.) are generally sealed and removed from public access. Similarly, records sealed under other provisions of law, such as youthful offender adjudications, are not included in standard criminal record reports.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official repository of fingerprint-based criminal history records for the state, including all reportable events from St. Lawrence County.
How Long Does St. Lawrence County Keep Criminal Records?
St. Lawrence County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records, though some records may be retained longer at the discretion of the maintaining agency.
Arrest Records and Police Reports:
- Arrest reports: 5 years after date of arrest
- Incident reports: 5 years after case closure
- Investigation files (no arrest made): 5 years after case closure
- Investigation files (felony arrest): 25 years after case closure
- Investigation files (homicide): Permanent retention
Court Records:
- Misdemeanor case files: 6 years after case disposition
- Felony case files: 25 years after case disposition
- Capital offense case files: Permanent retention
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: 6 years after panel discharge
Correctional Facility Records:
- Inmate case files: 15 years after inmate release or discharge
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after inmate release or discharge
- Booking information: 10 years after inmate release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
Probation and Parole Records:
- Probation case files: 10 years after case closure
- Pre-sentence investigation reports: 10 years after completion
- Violation reports: 10 years after final disposition
Sex Offender Registry Information:
- Level 1 offenders: 20 years from initial registration
- Level 2 and 3 offenders: Lifetime registration and record retention
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those with historical or administrative value. The St. Lawrence County Clerk maintains court records for Supreme and County Courts indefinitely, with records dating back to the county's formation in 1802.
Digital records management systems have expanded the county's capacity to retain criminal justice information, though older records may exist only in paper format and require in-person retrieval. The Sheriff's Office and County Clerk have undertaken digitization efforts for more recent records, improving accessibility while ensuring compliance with retention requirements.
It is important to note that retention periods may be extended for records subject to litigation holds or ongoing investigations. Additionally, while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, summary information may be maintained in databases for statistical or reference purposes.
Records that have been sealed pursuant to court order or statute, such as those sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, are removed from public access but typically retained by the originating agencies for internal purposes as required by law.
Lookup Criminal Records in St. Lawrence County
Sheriff's Office Criminal Records
St. Lawrence County Sheriff Contact Information
St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility Records