Putnam County Criminal Court Records Search
Putnam County criminal court records are maintained at the courthouse in Carmel. The County Clerk stores all Supreme and County Court files, and the courthouse at 40 Gleneida Avenue serves as the hub for criminal proceedings. Putnam County is in the Ninth Judicial District in southeastern New York, just north of Westchester County. Because Putnam is part of the Ninth Judicial District, pending criminal cases in the County Court may be available through the WebCrims system. Dana L. Jacabone serves as Chief Clerk for the Supreme, County, and Surrogate's Courts.
Putnam County Overview
Putnam County Court
The Putnam County Court handles felony criminal cases. The courthouse is at 40 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel. Dana L. Jacabone is the Chief Clerk. The office processes records requests and manages case files for both the Supreme and County Courts.
Putnam is a smaller county, but it sits close to the New York City metropolitan area. The County Clerk acts as clerk of the courts and maintains all criminal case files. Staff can help you find records during regular hours. You can search by name or case number. The clerk provides plain copies and certified copies for a fee set by state law.
| Court | Putnam County Supreme & County Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Gleneida Avenue Carmel, NY 10512 |
| Phone | (845) 808-1700 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 9jd.putnam@nycourts.gov | |
| Website | New York Courts - Putnam County |
How to Search Criminal Court Records in Putnam County
Putnam County is part of the Ninth Judicial District. This means pending criminal cases in the County Court may appear on WebCrims. You can search for free by defendant name or case number. The system shows future court dates and basic case information. It updates four times a day.
The OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name. It covers all counties in New York State, including Putnam. Apply online at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs. Results come by email the next business day. This search shows open cases and convictions. Sealed records do not appear.
For in-person searches, go to the Putnam County Clerk's office in Carmel. Bring the defendant's full name. A case number or approximate date helps. The clerk pulls files and makes copies. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition cost a fee under CPLR 8019(f). Court records are public under Judiciary Law 255, but sealed records are restricted.
The Putnam County government website at putnamcountyny.gov has general information about county departments and services.
Putnam County Criminal Court Records Resources
Putnam County court records resource page.
Putnam County District Attorney
The Putnam County District Attorney's Office prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. The office is in Carmel. It works with local police departments, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and state police. The DA reviews arrests and decides what charges to bring before the court.
Prosecution records are separate from court files. The court record has the legal documents like the indictment, motions, and judgment. Police reports and witness statements are held by law enforcement. To get those, file a FOIL request with the appropriate agency.
Record Sealing in Putnam County
Cases that end in dismissal or acquittal are automatically sealed under CPL 160.50. Violation convictions may be sealed under CPL 160.55. Drug convictions can qualify under CPL 160.58 after completing a court-ordered treatment program.
CPL 160.59 allows sealing of up to two convictions after ten years. File a motion with the Putnam County Court. The DA is notified and can respond. The judge weighs the crime, your record, and the public interest. Violent felonies and sex offenses cannot be sealed. Sealed records are hidden from most public searches but law enforcement retains limited access.
What Putnam County Criminal Court Records Contain
Criminal case files from the County Court include all legal documents filed during the case. Town justice courts maintain their own records for minor matters. A typical record includes:
- Defendant name and identifying information
- Charges and arrest details
- Grand jury indictment or information
- Bail decisions and pretrial motions
- Plea agreement or trial verdict
- Sentence and any conditions
Certificates of Disposition are the most commonly requested documents. They show the final outcome of a case including the charges, the plea or verdict, and the sentence. Courts, licensing agencies, and immigration attorneys often need them. Request one from the court that handled the case. The fee is typically $10 to $25.
The DCJS record review is another option for checking your own criminal history. Contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov. The review requires fingerprinting at an authorized location and takes several weeks. Your DCJS record may show information not found in court searches, including sealed matters if you request an unsuppressed version.
Legal Resources in Putnam County
Legal Aid Society of Westchester County also serves Putnam County residents with criminal defense and other legal matters. The Putnam County Bar Association can refer you to a private attorney. Free court forms for sealing motions, fee waivers, and other needs are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. The Ninth Judicial District provides self-help resources at courthouses where staff can assist with forms and explain procedures.
Court Records Access Rules
Court records access in Putnam County follows state rules under Judiciary Law 255. Requests go to the clerk of the court that handled the case. You need to describe the specific records you want and provide enough information to identify them. The County Clerk in Carmel handles Supreme Court and County Court records. Personal information may be redacted from public copies to protect privacy.
Communities in Putnam County
Putnam County includes Carmel, Mahopac, Brewster, and other communities. All felony criminal cases go through the Putnam County Court in Carmel. Town justice courts handle minor offenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Putnam County.