Southampton Criminal Court Records
Southampton criminal court records are handled through the Suffolk County court system and the Southampton Town Court. This large town on the eastern end of Long Island has about 66,000 year-round residents. Felony cases from Southampton go to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. The Southampton Town Court handles misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses. For a statewide criminal history check, the OCA charges $95 per name. Pending cases can be searched for free through WebCrims.
Southampton Overview
Where to Find Criminal Court Records in Southampton
Criminal records from Southampton sit at two court levels. Felony cases go to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. Misdemeanors and violations stay in Southampton Town Court. The charge level determines which court has the records.
Suffolk County Court is at the Criminal Court Building, First Court Street, Riverhead, NY 11901. Phone is (631) 852-1700. The court handles all felony prosecutions in Suffolk County. The County Clerk maintains the official case files. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays.
| Court | Suffolk County Court (Felonies) |
|---|---|
| Address | Criminal Court Building First Court Street Riverhead, NY 11901 |
| Phone | (631) 852-1700 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Southampton Town Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and other lower-level matters. Town courts are part of the unified court system but keep their own records. Contact the Southampton Town Court clerk for copies of misdemeanor case files. If a felony complaint starts in town court, it transfers to Suffolk County Court after the initial proceedings.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. The DA has offices in both Hauppauge and Riverhead. Specialized units cover Homicide, Special Victims, Economic Crimes, and Gang Investigations. The Southampton Town Police and Suffolk County Police both handle law enforcement in the area. Their arrest records are separate from court records.
How to Search Southampton Criminal Court Records
You can search criminal records from Southampton through several channels.
The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers all 62 counties at $95 per name. You need the full name and exact date of birth. Results arrive by email the next business day. Sealed records will not appear. Town court data is limited in CHRS, so some Southampton Town Court dispositions may not show up. These results are not certified.
WebCrims is a free search tool for pending criminal cases. Suffolk County Court cases appear in the system. Search by name or case number. Data updates happen four times daily. Closed cases are removed. For closed case records, use CHRS or contact the County Clerk.
For in-person searches, the Suffolk County Clerk in Riverhead can pull felony case files. Bring the defendant's name and case numbers if you have them. Certified copies carry fees under CPLR 8019(f). For Southampton Town Court misdemeanor records, contact the town court clerk directly.
Court records access in New York falls under Judiciary Law 255. Requests go to the court clerk, not through FOIL. Police records from the Southampton Town Police or Suffolk County Police need a separate FOIL request.
Criminal Record Sealing in Southampton
New York's sealing laws affect which criminal records from Southampton are visible in public searches.
CPL 160.50 seals records automatically when a case ends in the defendant's favor. This includes dismissals, acquittals, and ACDs. CPL 160.55 covers sealing of certain violation convictions after ten years without new arrests. CPL 160.58 allows sealing of up to two convictions for people who meet strict criteria, with a ten-year wait from sentencing or release.
CPL 160.59, the Clean Slate law effective in 2024, provides automatic sealing. Eligible misdemeanors seal three years after the sentence ends. Eligible felonies seal after eight years. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and Class A felonies are not eligible. Many old Suffolk County criminal records, including Southampton cases, will be sealed under this law.
Individuals can check their own record through DCJS. An "unsuppressed" report shows sealed records. Contact RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov or 518-457-9847.
Southampton Criminal Court Records Fees
The statewide CHRS is $95 per name. Aliases add $95 each.
At the Suffolk County Clerk's Office:
- Certificate of Disposition: $10 to $25
- Copy fees per CPLR 8019(f)
- Search fees for name lookups
- Certified copies carry extra charges
Pay by check or money order. Southampton Town Court has its own fee schedule for misdemeanor records. Call (631) 852-1700 for county fees or contact the town court for local rates.
Legal Resources in Southampton
Nassau Suffolk Law Services provides free legal help to income-eligible residents on Long Island. The Suffolk County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. An attorney can help with record sealing applications under CPL 160.50, 160.55, 160.58, or 160.59.
The NYS Unified Court System website has self-help forms and guides. DCJS handles personal record reviews at 518-457-9847. The Tenth Judicial District office can direct you to the right court for your records request.
Suffolk County Criminal Court Records
Southampton is in Suffolk County. All felony cases go to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. The Tenth Judicial District covers Suffolk and Nassau Counties. For full county court system details, visit the Suffolk County page.
Nearby Cities
Other Suffolk County communities with criminal court records pages: