Access Madison County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Madison County are filed at the courthouse in Wampsville. The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and holds all official case files. Madison County is in central New York and part of the Fifth Judicial District. The County Court handles felony cases. Town and village courts take care of misdemeanors and violations. Alisa Davis is Chief Clerk for Supreme and County Courts. You can look up criminal records through the OCA statewide search for $95 or visit the courthouse in person to get copies.
Madison County Overview
Madison County Criminal Court System
The Madison County Court handles all felony criminal prosecutions. Cases are heard at the courthouse on North Court Street in Wampsville. The Supreme Court shares the same building. It handles civil litigation and some criminal appeals. Alisa Davis manages the clerk staff for both courts.
Madison County includes small cities like Oneida and towns like Cazenovia, Hamilton, and Morrisville. Town and village courts throughout the county handle misdemeanors, traffic matters, and violations. Each of these local courts maintains its own records. If you need records from a town court, you must contact that court directly. The County Clerk's office only holds County Court and Supreme Court files. The Surrogate's Court is managed by Ashley J. Ladd. The office hours for all courts are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
| Court | Madison County Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Madison County Courthouse 138 North Court Street Wampsville, NY 13163 |
| Phone | (315) 366-2277 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 5jd.madison@nycourts.gov |
How to Search Madison County Criminal Court Records
Several methods let you find criminal court records in Madison County. The best choice depends on what you are looking for and how quickly you need results.
The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers the entire state. You submit a name and date of birth with a $95 fee. Results come by email the next business day. The search includes County Court, Supreme Court, and city court records from all 62 New York counties, including Madison. It does not show sealed records. Town and village court data may be limited in the results. You can apply at ww2.nycourts.gov.
A Certificate of Disposition is the official court document that proves how a case ended. The cost is $10. You get it from the court that heard the case. For Madison County felonies, ask the County Court in Wampsville. For misdemeanors at a town court, contact that specific court. CPL 160.50 bars the release of sealed records, so dismissed and acquitted cases will not appear.
You can visit the County Clerk's office at 138 North Court Street in Wampsville. Staff search by name or case number. Bring a valid photo ID. Plain and certified copies are available for a fee. Madison County's government website at madisoncounty.ny.gov has contact details for county departments.
Madison County court records information from the NYS Unified Court System.
Criminal Record Sealing in Madison County
New York does not allow full expungement. Instead, the law provides for record sealing. CPL 160.50 requires automatic sealing when a case ends in the defendant's favor. Dismissals and acquittals both trigger this rule. Once sealed, the public cannot access the records.
CPL 160.55 covers cases that result in a non-criminal finding. CPL 160.58 allows the sealing of some drug convictions after a defendant completes a court-ordered treatment program. CPL 160.59 is broader. It lets a person ask to seal up to two older convictions. Only one of those can be a felony. The Madison County District Attorney can object to the motion. The judge decides.
Judiciary Law 255 gives courts authority to manage their records and proceedings. If you think your Madison County criminal record qualifies for sealing, talk to a lawyer or contact a legal aid group. The Fifth Judicial District has self-help resources for people going through the court process on their own.
Madison County Criminal Court Records Fees
Fees for criminal records follow state rules. The OCA search costs $95 per name. Certificates of Disposition cost $10. Copy fees depend on the number of pages and whether you need plain or certified copies.
The clerk may charge a search fee if you lack a case number. Call (315) 366-2277 to confirm current fees before you go. The DCJS offers a fingerprint-based record check for people who need their own arrest history. Learn more at criminaljustice.ny.gov.
Tip: Fees can change. Always verify costs with the Madison County Clerk's office or the OCA before sending payment.
Legal Resources in Madison County
Legal aid organizations serving central New York may help Madison County residents with criminal record issues. This can include help with sealing motions, understanding court documents, and navigating the court system. Check with local legal aid offices to see if you qualify.
The New York State Bar Association at nysba.org has a lawyer referral service. Court forms are free at ww2.nycourts.gov. The NYS Courts site also offers guides and self-help tools for common legal issues.
Nearby Counties
These counties adjoin Madison County. Make sure you search in the county where the case was filed.