Herkimer County Criminal Court Records Search
Criminal court records in Herkimer County are managed by the County Clerk's Office in the village of Herkimer. The county is part of the Fifth Judicial District and sits in central New York, stretching from the Mohawk Valley into the southern Adirondack region. The County Court handles felony cases, while town and village courts across the county take on misdemeanors and violations. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and maintains all official case files. For anyone looking to search criminal court records, get copies of dispositions, or check on a case, the Herkimer County Office and Courts Facility at 301 North Washington Street is the place to go.
Herkimer County Overview
Herkimer County Clerk's Office
The Herkimer County Clerk's Office is at the Herkimer County Office and Courts Facility, 301 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350. The office maintains all Supreme Court and County Court records. Criminal case files stored here include indictments, plea transcripts, motions, orders, and sentencing documents. The clerk also keeps the official case index for finding specific records.
The Supreme and County Courts at this location are managed by Kathleen Grieco, Chief Clerk. Phone: 315-867-1172. Family Court is managed by Michelle P. Jackson at 315-867-1194. Surrogate's Court is managed by Sarah A. Woolsey at 315-867-1233. All courts operate from the same facility in Herkimer.
Herkimer County is part of the Fifth Judicial District, which also includes Oneida, Jefferson, Lewis, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. The County Court handles felony prosecutions for crimes committed in the county. The Supreme Court hears civil cases and felony appeals. The County Clerk's Office also manages land records, judgments, liens, and other official filings.
| Office | Herkimer County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Herkimer County Office & Courts Facility 301 North Washington Street Herkimer, NY 13350 |
| Court Phone | (315) 867-1172 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Herkimer County Government |
How to Search Herkimer County Criminal Court Records
The most direct way to search criminal court records in Herkimer County is to go to the County Clerk's Office at 301 North Washington Street. Staff can search by name or case number and pull full files for you to review. Bring ID and any details about the case. A full name and date of birth are most helpful.
The statewide OCA Criminal History Record Search covers Herkimer County. It costs $95 per name and checks all 62 counties. Submit at ww2.nycourts.gov or mail to 25 Beaver Street, Room 940, New York, NY 10004. You need the full name and exact date of birth. Results come the next business day for positive matches.
Herkimer County has some records available online through SearchIQS. This system covers land records and certain court filings. The index is searchable online, but full criminal case files typically need to be requested from the County Clerk directly. WebCrims does not cover Herkimer County, so free pending case searches are not available through that system.
For mail requests, write to the Herkimer County Clerk at 301 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350. Include the defendant's name, date of birth, approximate date of the case, and case number if known. Add a check for the search fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The search fee is $5 per two-year period.
Herkimer County Criminal Court Records Fees
Herkimer County follows standard New York fee rates under CPLR 8019(f) for record services.
- Record search: $5 per two-year period
- Certificate of Disposition: $10
- Document copies: $0.65 per page
- Certified copies: $1.25 per page
- OCA statewide criminal history search: $95 per name
Pay by check or money order for mail requests. Make it out to the Herkimer County Clerk. Call the office at 315-867-1172 to confirm current fees and what payment forms they accept for in-person visits.
Sealing Criminal Court Records in Herkimer County
New York's sealing laws apply in Herkimer County the same as in every other county. Under CPL 160.50, records are sealed automatically when a case ends in the defendant's favor. Dismissals, acquittals, and adjournments in contemplation of dismissal all qualify. No filing from the defendant is needed.
CPL 160.55 addresses violations and traffic infractions. After ten years with no new criminal history, you can ask the court to seal these convictions. You need to file a request. CPL 160.58 goes a step further and allows sealing of up to two convictions, only one of which can be a felony. The wait is ten years from the sentence or release date. Sex offenses, violent felonies, and Class A felonies are not eligible under either provision.
The Clean Slate law, CPL 160.59, provides automatic sealing for certain convictions without any filing needed. Misdemeanors seal after three years. Felonies seal after eight years. The countdown starts when the sentence is fully done, including probation and parole. Serious violent felonies and sex offenses do not qualify. Under Judiciary Law 255, court records in New York are not subject to FOIL. Requests for records go through the court clerk, and sealed records are not released to the public.
Online Access to Herkimer County Criminal Court Records
Online access for Herkimer County criminal court records is limited. The OCA Criminal History Record Search at ww2.nycourts.gov provides statewide coverage for $95 per name. WebCrims does not include Herkimer County.
The Herkimer County government website at herkimercounty.org has general county information and contact details for departments. For an overview of Herkimer County court records, visit the NYS Unified Court System website. The DCJS record review at criminaljustice.ny.gov lets individuals check their own fingerprint-based criminal history records. The full Criminal Procedure Law is published at nysenate.gov.
Legal Resources in Herkimer County
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York serves Herkimer County and provides free legal assistance to qualifying residents. They handle criminal record issues including sealing applications and record corrections. The Herkimer County Bar Association can refer you to local attorneys who practice criminal law.
The Fifth Judicial District provides self-help resources and court forms. All official NYS court forms are available free online. The court clerk at 301 North Washington Street in Herkimer can direct you to the right forms and explain basic filing requirements. For complex legal questions, consult with an attorney.
Cities and Towns in Herkimer County
Herkimer County has no cities large enough for their own pages on this site. The county includes Herkimer, Ilion, Frankfort, Little Falls, Mohawk, and Old Forge. All felony criminal cases from these communities go through the Herkimer County Court. Misdemeanors may be heard in local town and village courts across the county.
Nearby Counties
These counties neighbor Herkimer County. Check where the offense took place to find the right county for criminal court records.