Orleans County Criminal Court Records Search
Orleans County criminal court records are kept at the courthouse in Albion. The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and manages all criminal case files. Orleans County is a small, rural county in western New York, part of the Eighth Judicial District. The courthouse at 3 South Main Street handles felony cases, and Donna M. Simmons serves as Chief Clerk for multiple court types. Despite its small size, the county processes criminal matters through the same system used across the state. All records are available to the public unless sealed by law.
Orleans County Overview
Orleans County Court
Orleans County Court handles felony criminal cases. The Chief Clerk, Donna M. Simmons, also manages the Family Court and Surrogate's Court operations. This is common in smaller counties where one person oversees multiple court functions. The courthouse is at 3 South Main Street in Albion.
The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. All criminal case files are stored at the clerk's office. Staff can help you search for records by name or case number. They can provide plain copies or certified copies. Hours and fees follow state guidelines.
| Court | Orleans County Supreme & County Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 3 South Main Street Albion, NY 14411 |
| Phone | (585) 589-5454 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 8jd.orleans@nycourts.gov | |
| Website | New York Courts - Orleans County |
How to Search Criminal Court Records in Orleans County
The OCA Criminal History Record Search is the best statewide option. It costs $95 per name and covers all 62 counties. Apply online at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs. Results come by email the next business day. Sealed records are not included in the results.
For Orleans County specifically, visit the County Clerk's office in Albion. Bring the defendant's full name and any other details you have. Staff can search their records and pull case files. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition cost a fee set by CPLR 8019(f). A Certificate of Disposition is the official proof of how a case ended.
The Orleans County government website at orleansny.com provides basic information about county offices. Court records in New York are presumed public under Judiciary Law 255. Some records are sealed under CPL 160.50, 160.55, or 160.59 and will not appear in any public search.
Orleans County Court Records Resources
Orleans County court records resource page.
The Eighth Judicial District section of the NYS Unified Court System website has information about Orleans County courts, including schedules and contact details. For statewide searches, the OCA Criminal History Record Search at 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004, handles mail-in requests as well.
Record Sealing in Orleans County
New York law provides several paths for sealing criminal records. Dismissed cases are sealed automatically under CPL 160.50. Violation convictions can be sealed under CPL 160.55. Drug convictions may qualify under CPL 160.58 after completing a treatment program.
CPL 160.59 lets you seal up to two eligible convictions after ten years. File a motion with the Orleans County Court. The DA is notified. The judge weighs the nature of the crime, your conduct since then, and the public interest. Violent felonies and sex offenses cannot be sealed under this law. Sealed records are hidden from standard public searches but remain accessible to law enforcement in limited circumstances.
Types of Criminal Court Records in Orleans County
The County Court handles felonies. Town and village justice courts handle violations, traffic matters, and some misdemeanors. A criminal case file typically contains:
- Defendant name and identifying details
- Criminal charges and arrest information
- Indictment or information filed by the DA
- Pretrial motions and court orders
- Plea or trial verdict
- Sentence and conditions
Police reports and prosecution files are not part of the court record. Those are held by law enforcement and the District Attorney. To get those records, you would need to file a FOIL request with the police agency that handled the case. The DA's office also maintains separate files that are not part of the public court record.
Certificates of Disposition are the official proof of how a case ended. They show the charges, the outcome, and the sentence. You get one from the court that handled the case. The fee is usually between $10 and $25. Many courts and licensing agencies require this document as part of official proceedings.
Orleans County District Attorney
The Orleans County District Attorney's Office prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. The office works with the Orleans County Sheriff's Office and state police. Prosecution records are not part of the court file. Police reports, witness statements, and investigation notes are held by law enforcement and the DA. The court file contains only the legal documents. File a FOIL request with the appropriate agency to get law enforcement records.
Legal Resources in Orleans County
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo serves western New York including Orleans County. The Orleans County assigned counsel program provides defense attorneys for those who qualify. Free court forms are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. For your own criminal history, contact DCJS at 518-457-9847. The DCJS record review requires fingerprinting and results are mailed to your home address. The process takes several weeks.
Court Records Access Rules
In Orleans County, the court system follows the same rules as every other county in the state. Court records access is governed by Judiciary Law 255, not by the Freedom of Information Law. Requests go directly to the clerk of the court that handled the case. You need to describe the specific records you want. Bring a full name and date of birth or case number when you visit. The County Clerk in Albion can help you navigate the system.
Communities in Orleans County
Orleans County includes the village of Albion, Medina, and several small towns. All felony criminal cases go through the Orleans County Court in Albion. No cities in Orleans County meet the population threshold for a separate page.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Orleans County.