Find Criminal Court Records in Orange County

Orange County criminal court records are filed at the courthouse in Goshen. The County Clerk maintains all Supreme and County Court case files for this part of southeastern New York. Orange County is in the Ninth Judicial District, which also covers Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties. The courthouse at 285 Main Street handles felony criminal matters, and the County Court sees a steady volume of cases given the county's large population. Pending cases in Orange County may also be searchable through the WebCrims online system, since the Ninth Judicial District is included in that database.

Orange County Criminal Court Records

The Orange County Court handles all felony prosecutions. Sharon Picariello serves as Chief Clerk. The courthouse in Goshen houses the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, and Surrogate's Court. All criminal case files from the County Court are maintained by the County Clerk.

Orange County is one of the larger counties in the Hudson Valley. It includes cities like Middletown, Newburgh, and Port Jervis. Criminal cases from anywhere in the county go through the County Court in Goshen for felony matters. City courts in Middletown and Newburgh handle misdemeanors within their jurisdictions. Town and village justice courts handle minor offenses.

How to Search Criminal Court Records in Orange County

Orange County offers more search options than many upstate counties because it is part of the Ninth Judicial District. WebCrims includes pending criminal cases from County Courts in this district. You can search by defendant name or case number at no cost. The system shows future court dates, charges, and basic case information. It updates four times daily.

For a full criminal history search, use the OCA Criminal History Record Search. It costs $95 per name. Submit a name and date of birth online at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs. Results come by email the next business day and cover all 62 counties. Sealed records are excluded.

You can also visit the Orange County Clerk's office at the courthouse in Goshen. The clerk can search for cases by name or docket number. Bring as much identifying information as you can. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition have fees under CPLR 8019(f). Under Judiciary Law 255, most court records are public, but sealed records and certain restricted documents are not available.

Orange County Court Resources

Orange County court records resource page for criminal case searches.

The Orange County government website at orangecountygov.com has information about county services. The Ninth Judicial District section of the NYS Unified Court System website provides court schedules and contact information for all courts in the district.

Orange County District Attorney

The Orange County District Attorney's Office handles all criminal prosecutions in the county. The office is in Goshen. It works with municipal police departments, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and state police. The DA reviews arrests and decides what charges to bring.

Prosecution records are not part of the court file. Police reports, witness statements, and investigation notes stay with law enforcement and the DA. Court files contain the legal papers: complaints, indictments, motions, and judgments. To get law enforcement records, file a FOIL request with the police department or the DA's office.

Criminal Record Sealing in Orange County

Dismissed and acquitted cases are sealed automatically under CPL 160.50. No paperwork is needed. Violation convictions may be sealed under CPL 160.55. Drug convictions can qualify for sealing under CPL 160.58 if the person completed a court-ordered treatment program.

CPL 160.59 allows you to seal up to two eligible convictions. You must wait at least ten years after completing the sentence. Violent felonies and sex offenses do not qualify. File a motion with the Orange County Court. The DA receives notice and can oppose it. The judge decides based on the facts of your case, your behavior since the conviction, and the interests of justice. Sealed records are hidden from most public searches but can still be accessed by law enforcement in limited circumstances.

Types of Criminal Cases in Orange County

Orange County criminal court records cover a wide range of offenses. The County Court handles felonies including assault, burglary, drug crimes, and weapons offenses. City courts in Middletown and Newburgh handle misdemeanors and violations within their jurisdictions.

A criminal court record in Orange County typically contains:

• Defendant name and identifying information
• Arrest date and charges
• Indictment or information filed
• Bail and pretrial motions
• Plea or trial outcome
• Sentencing information

Certificates of Disposition are the official record of how a case ended. They are commonly needed for jobs, licensing, and immigration matters. Request one from the court that handled the case. The fee is typically $10 to $25.

Legal Resources in Orange County

Legal Aid Society of Orange County provides free legal help to qualifying residents. The Orange County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. Free court forms are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. For your own criminal history, contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov. The DCJS record review requires fingerprinting at an authorized location and takes several weeks to process.

The NYS Unified Court System also provides self-help centers at many courthouses. These centers have staff who can help you understand court procedures and fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County includes Middletown, Newburgh, Port Jervis, and many smaller communities. All felony cases go through the Orange County Court in Goshen. City courts handle local misdemeanors.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County. Check where the alleged offense happened to find the right court.