Rochester Criminal Court Records Lookup
Criminal court records in Rochester are handled by Rochester City Court for misdemeanors and Monroe County Court for felonies. Rochester has about 211,000 residents and is the county seat of Monroe County. Both courts operate out of the Monroe County Hall of Justice on South Fitzhugh Street. The City Court handles misdemeanor charges, violations, and traffic cases within the city. Felony cases are prosecuted by the Monroe County District Attorney in County Court. You can search pending cases through the free WebCrims system, and the Monroe County Clerk maintains records for felony cases.
Rochester Overview
Rochester Criminal Court Records and the Court System
Rochester City Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, and traffic infractions for the city. The court maintains records of all proceedings including arraignments, hearings, pleas, and sentences. Cases from the Rochester Police Department are prosecuted here at the misdemeanor level.
| Court | Rochester City Court - Criminal Part |
|---|---|
| Address | Monroe County Hall of Justice 47 South Fitzhugh Street Rochester, NY 14614 |
| Phone | (585) 371-3413 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Monroe County Court is also in the Hall of Justice. The Supreme and County Courts are managed by Chief Clerk Shelly Stork, phone (585) 371-3710. Felony cases from Rochester go through this court after indictment. The Monroe County District Attorney's Office handles all felony prosecutions in the county, working closely with the Rochester Police Department.
The Monroe County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and keeps all felony case records. For misdemeanor records, contact the Rochester City Court clerk. Both courts are in the same building, which makes it easier to get what you need in one trip. E-filing is mandatory for certain case types in Monroe County.
How to Search Rochester Criminal Court Records
WebCrims is the free online tool for pending cases. It covers the Seventh Judicial District, which includes Monroe County. Search by name or docket number. You will see charges, case status, court dates, and judge assignments. This is the quickest way to check on an active case.
The Criminal History Record Search from OCA costs $95 and searches all courts in the state. Submit the request through the OCA CHRS portal with the person's name and date of birth. Results arrive by mail and show all convictions and pending cases statewide.
For Rochester City Court records, call (585) 371-3413 or visit the Hall of Justice. The clerk can look up cases by name or number and provide copies. For Monroe County Court records, see the County Clerk at the same building. The search fee is $5 per two-year period. A Certificate of Disposition costs $10. Certified copies run $1.25 per page.
The Rochester Police Department maintains arrest records separately. Request police reports through their records division under FOIL. Court records follow different rules under Judiciary Law 255. visit the NYS Unified Court System website for more about Monroe County records access.
Criminal Record Sealing in Rochester
Record sealing in Rochester follows state law. CPL 160.50 requires automatic sealing when a case ends in dismissal or acquittal. All agencies involved must seal their files. No application is needed.
Non-criminal results are covered by CPL 160.55. If you pled to a violation or traffic infraction, the record is sealed from public view. Only law enforcement keeps access.
Under CPL 160.59, people with criminal convictions can ask the court to seal records after ten years. Up to two convictions can be sealed. Only one felony is allowed. The court considers the crime, your conduct since then, and the benefit of sealing. Drug treatment cases may qualify under CPL 160.58. Contact Rochester City Court or Monroe County Court depending on where the case was handled.
Sealed records do not show up on WebCrims, CHRS, or any public lookup. If you believe your Rochester record was sealed but still appears, get in touch with the court clerk or consult an attorney.
Rochester Criminal Court Records Fees
Common fees for Rochester criminal records:
- OCA CHRS statewide search: $95
- Certificate of Disposition: $10
- Certified copies: $1.25 per page
- County Clerk search: $5 per two years
WebCrims is free. Rochester City Court may have its own copy fees for local records. Call ahead to confirm. Fee waivers can be requested by people who can't afford the costs.
Requesting Rochester Criminal Court Records by Mail
Both Rochester City Court and the Monroe County Clerk accept written requests for records. Send a letter with the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number if available, and what documents you need. Include a check or money order for the fees. Make it payable to the appropriate office.
The County Clerk responds to most mail requests within two to four weeks. Rochester City Court may respond faster for recent cases. If the office needs more information or fees, they will contact you. For faster service, visit the Hall of Justice in person. Both courts are in the same building, which makes it convenient to handle both misdemeanor and felony record requests in one trip.
You cannot download official court documents online. WebCrims shows case information but does not provide copies. For certified documents that courts and agencies will accept, you must go through the clerk's office by mail or in person.
Legal Resources in Rochester
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester provides free defense for low-income residents in criminal cases. The Monroe County Public Defender's Office also represents those who qualify. Both can assist with record-related questions.
The Monroe County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. The DCJS Record Review page lets you check your own criminal history and dispute errors. Several Rochester nonprofits hold clinics to help people with CPL 160.59 sealing applications.
Monroe County Criminal Court Records
Rochester is the county seat of Monroe County. Felony cases from Rochester are tried in Monroe County Court at the Hall of Justice. The county page has full details on the court system and record access.
Nearby Cities
Other cities and towns near Rochester with criminal court records pages: