Find Criminal Court Records in Lewis County
Criminal court records in Lewis County are held at the courthouse in Lowville. The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and keeps all official case files. Lewis County is a small, rural county in the Adirondack region of northern New York. It is part of the Fifth Judicial District. The County Court handles felony cases while town courts across the county deal with misdemeanors and violations. You can search criminal records through the state OCA system for $95 or go to the courthouse in person. Katherine Reff is the Chief Clerk for Supreme and County Courts.
Lewis County Overview
Lewis County Criminal Court System
The Lewis County Court handles all felony criminal prosecutions in the county. A County Court judge hears these cases at the courthouse on State Street in Lowville. The Supreme Court also sits here and takes some criminal appeals. Katherine Reff manages both courts as Chief Clerk.
Lewis County is one of the smaller counties in New York. The caseload is lighter than in urban areas. But the court still processes drug cases, assaults, burglaries, and other felonies that come through. Town courts in places like Lowville, Croghan, Harrisburg, and other communities handle lower-level offenses. Each town court keeps its own records. If you are not sure where a case was heard, the County Clerk can help point you in the right direction.
| Court | Lewis County Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Lewis County Courthouse 5202 State Street Lowville, NY 13367 |
| Phone | (315) 376-5345 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 5jd.lewis@nycourts.gov |
How to Search Lewis County Criminal Court Records
There are a few options for finding criminal court records in Lewis County. You can search online through the state system, go to the courthouse, or send a request by mail.
The OCA Criminal History Record Search is the main statewide tool. It costs $95 per name and date of birth. The system checks court records from all 62 counties. Results come by email the next business day. This search covers County Court, Supreme Court, and city court records across the state. Sealed records are excluded. Town and village court data may be limited. Apply at ww2.nycourts.gov.
A Certificate of Disposition is the official court document showing how a case ended. It costs $10 and must come from the court that heard the case. For felony cases in Lewis County, that is the County Court. For misdemeanors and violations handled at a town court, you contact that specific town court. Under CPL 160.50, cases that ended in a dismissal or acquittal are sealed and no certificate will be issued for public requests.
You can also visit the County Clerk's office at 5202 State Street in Lowville. Staff will look up records by name or case number. Bring your ID. They can make plain copies or provide certified copies for a higher fee. The Lewis County government website at lewiscountyny.gov has general information about county departments.
The NYS Office of Court Administration criminal history search covers Lewis County records.
Record Sealing in Lewis County
New York uses record sealing instead of expungement. CPL 160.50 requires that cases ending favorably for the defendant are automatically sealed. This covers dismissals, acquittals, and completed adjournments in contemplation of dismissal. The records become hidden from public searches once sealed.
CPL 160.55 applies to non-criminal outcomes. If a criminal charge was reduced to a violation or infraction, that record may be sealed. CPL 160.58 allows sealing of certain drug convictions after the person completes a court-ordered treatment program. CPL 160.59 lets people with older convictions petition to seal up to two cases, with no more than one felony among them.
Filing a sealing motion in Lewis County goes through the County Court. The District Attorney reviews the petition and can object. The judge then decides. Judiciary Law 255 gives courts broad power over how they manage records and proceedings. Legal aid services in the region can help with the paperwork if you qualify.
Lewis County Criminal Court Records Fees
Record searches in Lewis County follow state fee schedules. The OCA statewide search is $95 per name. A Certificate of Disposition is $10 from the court. Plain copies of documents cost a per-page fee. Certified copies are more expensive.
If you do not have a case number, the clerk may charge a search fee. Check with the Lewis County Clerk's office before sending payment. Money orders and checks are generally accepted. Call (315) 376-5345 to confirm current fees and payment methods.
Note: The DCJS also offers fingerprint-based criminal record checks. Visit criminaljustice.ny.gov to learn about the record review process.
Legal Resources in Lewis County
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York may serve Lewis County residents who qualify for free help. Services can include criminal defense, record sealing assistance, and help understanding court documents. Contact them to check if you are eligible.
The New York State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at nysba.org. You can find attorneys who practice in Lewis County. Free court forms are on the NYS Courts site at ww2.nycourts.gov. The Fifth Judicial District also provides some self-help resources for people who appear in court without a lawyer.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lewis County. Criminal cases are filed where the alleged crime happened.