Search Syracuse Criminal Court Records
Syracuse criminal court records are held at both the Onondaga County Courthouse and the Syracuse City Court. The county handles felony cases while the city court takes care of misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses. Syracuse is the seat of Onondaga County and the largest city in central New York. You can look up pending criminal cases through the state WebCrims system or use the OCA Criminal History Record Search for a statewide check. For certified copies or older case files, the Onondaga County Clerk is the main contact point.
Syracuse Overview
Where to Find Criminal Court Records in Syracuse
Criminal court records in Syracuse are split between two courts. The Onondaga County Court handles all felony cases. Syracuse City Court deals with misdemeanors and lesser charges. Both courts are in Syracuse, but they keep their own files. The type of charge tells you which court has the case.
The Onondaga County Courthouse sits at 401 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. The Chief Clerk for Supreme and County Courts can be reached at 315-671-2100. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and keeps the official case files for all felony matters in Onondaga County.
| Court | Onondaga County Court (Felonies) |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 Montgomery Street Syracuse, NY 13202 |
| Phone | (315) 671-2100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 5jd.onondaga@nycourts.gov |
Syracuse City Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, and traffic infractions for offenses that take place within city limits. The city court keeps its own records of arraignments, hearings, pleas, and sentences. For misdemeanor case files, you need to go through the city court clerk rather than the county.
The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office prosecutes both felony and misdemeanor crimes across the county, including all cases that start in Syracuse. The DA works with the Syracuse Police Department on investigations. If you need prosecution records or case status on an active matter, the DA's victim services unit can help.
How to Search Syracuse Criminal Court Records
There are several ways to look up criminal court records in Syracuse. Online tools give you basic case info fast. In-person visits let you see full files and get certified copies.
The NYS Office of Court Administration runs the Criminal History Record Search, known as CHRS. It costs $95 per search and covers all 62 counties in New York. You need the person's full name and exact date of birth. Results come back by email the next business day. Sealed records do not show up in CHRS results. Keep in mind that CHRS results are not certified. If you need official proof of a case outcome, you must get a Certificate of Disposition from the court where the case was heard.
WebCrims is a free tool for pending cases. It shows criminal cases with upcoming court dates in various courts across the state. You can search by name or case number. The system updates four times a day. Once a case is closed and sentenced, it drops out of WebCrims. For closed cases, you need CHRS or a direct request to the clerk.
To search in person, visit the Onondaga County Clerk at the courthouse. Bring the defendant's name, date of birth, and any case numbers you have. The clerk can pull files and make copies. Certified copies cost a fee set under CPLR 8019(f). A Certificate of Disposition typically runs $10 to $25.
Criminal Record Sealing in Syracuse
New York law allows certain criminal records to be sealed from public view. This matters when you search Syracuse criminal court records because sealed cases will not appear in search results. Several statutes control sealing in New York.
Under CPL 160.50, records are automatically sealed when a case ends in the defendant's favor. That includes dismissals, acquittals, and cases adjourned in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). Once sealed, the record is not available to the public. Law enforcement and some licensing agencies can still see it.
CPL 160.55 covers certain violation convictions like disorderly conduct. After ten years with no new arrests, a person can apply to have these records sealed. CPL 160.58 allows sealing of up to two convictions, with only one being a felony, for people who meet strict criteria. The wait is ten years from sentencing or release.
CPL 160.59, the Clean Slate law that took effect in 2024, provides automatic sealing for eligible convictions. Misdemeanors seal after three years. Felonies seal after eight years. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and Class A felonies are excluded. This law is expected to seal millions of old records across the state, including many from Onondaga County.
Sealed records are not available through CHRS or public court searches. Individuals can request their own record from DCJS to see sealed matters by asking for an "unsuppressed" report.
Syracuse Criminal Court Records Fees
Fees for criminal court records in Syracuse vary by service. The statewide CHRS costs $95 per name searched. Each alias or different date of birth counts as a separate search.
At the Onondaga County Clerk's Office, you can expect to pay:
- Certificate of Disposition: $10 to $25
- Copy fees under CPLR 8019(f) for documents from the file
- Search fees for locating records by name
- Certified copies cost more than plain copies
Payment is usually by check or money order made out to the County Clerk. Call ahead at 315-671-2100 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods. Cash may not be accepted for all transactions. Credit cards may be available for some services but not all.
Court records access in New York is governed by Judiciary Law 255, not FOIL. You submit your request directly to the clerk. The request must describe specific records and provide enough detail to find them in the court's filing system.
Legal Resources in Syracuse
Several organizations in Syracuse can help with criminal court records, expungement questions, and legal representation. Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York serves the Syracuse area and provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle criminal defense and can help with record sealing applications.
The Onondaga County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people who need a private attorney. The NYS Unified Court System website has self-help resources, forms, and guides for people who need to navigate the courts on their own. For DCJS record reviews, you can call 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov.
If you were arrested in Syracuse but the case was dismissed, your record should be sealed automatically under CPL 160.50. If it is not showing as sealed, an attorney can help you file the right papers to enforce the sealing. The Syracuse City Court and Onondaga County Court both handle these matters depending on where the original case was heard.
Onondaga County Criminal Court Records
Syracuse is the county seat of Onondaga County. All felony criminal cases from Syracuse go through the Onondaga County Court at 401 Montgomery Street. The county court system also serves surrounding towns and villages. For a full look at the county court system and all available resources, visit the Onondaga County page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities in the Syracuse area with criminal court records pages: