Ontario County Criminal Court Records
Ontario County criminal court records are maintained at the courthouse in Canandaigua. The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and stores all case files from criminal proceedings in Ontario County. Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ontario County is part of the Seventh Judicial District. The courthouse at 27 North Main Street handles felony cases, and the County Clerk's office there can help you find records, make copies, and provide certified documents. Whether you need records for a court proceeding or legal matter, this page explains how to find them.
Ontario County Overview
Ontario County Court
The Ontario County Court handles felony criminal prosecutions. It is located at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua. Jodi L. Roffe serves as Chief Clerk for the Supreme and County Courts. The court is open during regular business hours for records requests and other matters.
The County Clerk acts as clerk of both the Supreme and County Courts in Ontario County. All criminal case files from these courts are stored and managed by the clerk's office. You can search by name or case number. Staff can make plain copies or certified copies for a fee set by state law. Ontario County also provides some online record access through the SearchIQS system, though complete criminal court records may require an in-person visit.
| Court | Ontario County Supreme & County Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 27 North Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424 |
| Phone | (585) 396-4550 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 7jd.ontario@nycourts.gov | |
| Website | New York Courts - Ontario County |
How to Search Ontario County Criminal Court Records
There are several ways to look up criminal court records in Ontario County. Each method has its own cost and scope.
The OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. It covers all courts in all 62 New York counties, including Ontario County. Results come by email the next business day. This search shows open cases and convictions but does not include sealed records. Apply at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs.
In person, visit the Ontario County Clerk's office in Canandaigua. Bring the full name of the person you are searching for. A case number or approximate date helps narrow the search. The clerk can pull case files and make copies. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition have fees set under CPLR 8019(f). Plan to visit during business hours.
The Ontario County government website at ontariocountyny.gov has general information about county services. Court records access is governed by Judiciary Law 255, which presumes court records are public. Some records are sealed by law, and the court can restrict access to protect personal information or ongoing investigations.
Ontario County Criminal Court Records Resources
Ontario County court records resource page.
The NYS Unified Court System provides information about the Seventh Judicial District, which includes Ontario County. You can find court schedules, forms, and contact information on their website. The Ontario County Clerk's office also maintains land records and other official documents.
Ontario County District Attorney
The District Attorney's Office in Ontario County prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor crimes. The office works with local police departments, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, and New York State Police. The DA reviews arrests and decides what charges to bring before the County Court.
Prosecution records are separate from court records. The court file has the legal documents: complaints, indictments, motions, and judgments. Police reports and investigation files are held by law enforcement. To get those, you file a FOIL request with the appropriate agency. The DA's office can provide information about pending prosecutions and victim services.
Record Sealing in Ontario County
Criminal records in New York can be sealed under several provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law. Cases that result in dismissal or acquittal are automatically sealed under CPL 160.50. The defendant does not need to take any action.
Conviction records can also be sealed in some cases. CPL 160.55 covers violations. CPL 160.58 applies to drug offense convictions where the person completed a treatment program. CPL 160.59 allows sealing of up to two convictions after at least ten years have passed since the sentence ended. Violent felonies and sex offenses are excluded from CPL 160.59 sealing.
To seal a record under CPL 160.59, you file a motion with the Ontario County Court. The District Attorney is notified and can respond. The judge weighs the nature of the crime, your record since the conviction, and the public interest. If the motion is granted, the records are sealed from most public searches. Law enforcement can still access them in certain situations.
What Ontario County Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal court records from Ontario County include the full file from a case. The County Court handles felonies, while town and village courts handle minor offenses. A typical record shows:
- Defendant name, date of birth, and address
- Arrest date and criminal charges
- Grand jury indictment or misdemeanor information
- Court appearances and bail decisions
- Plea agreements or trial verdict
- Sentence and conditions imposed
Certificates of Disposition are the most commonly requested documents. They show the final outcome of a case. Courts, licensing boards, and immigration attorneys often need them. You get one from the court where the case was heard. For County Court cases in Ontario County, the County Clerk's office issues them.
Legal Resources in Ontario County
The Ontario County Bar Association can help you find a lawyer. Legal Assistance of Western New York serves low-income residents with civil legal matters, and the assigned counsel program provides defense attorneys for those who qualify. Free court forms and self-help guides are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. The DCJS record review program lets you check your own criminal history. Call 518-457-9847 for details.
Cities in Ontario County
Ontario County includes Canandaigua, Geneva, and several smaller towns. All felony criminal cases are handled at the Ontario County Court in Canandaigua. Town and village courts in the county handle minor offenses locally.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Ontario County. Criminal cases are filed where the offense took place.