Access Schoharie County Criminal Court Records
Schoharie County criminal court records are kept at the county office building in Schoharie. The County Clerk maintains Supreme and County Court case files for this small, rural county in eastern New York. Schoharie County is part of the Third Judicial District. Ellen M. Durant serves as Chief Clerk for the Supreme and County Courts. The county has a population of about 30,000 people spread across several towns and villages. All felony cases go through the County Court, while town and village justice courts handle minor offenses throughout the county.
Schoharie County Overview
Schoharie County Court
The Schoharie County Court handles felony criminal prosecutions. The county office building at 290 Main Street houses the courts. Ellen M. Durant is the Chief Clerk for Supreme and County Courts. The office handles records requests and manages case files.
The County Clerk serves as clerk of both the Supreme and County Courts. All criminal case files are stored by the clerk's office. Staff can help you find records during business hours. Schoharie County also provides some online record access through the SearchIQS system at searchiqs.com/nyscho, though complete criminal court records may require an in-person visit or a direct request. The county government website at schohariecounty-ny.gov has additional information.
| Court | Schoharie County Supreme & County Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 290 Main Street Schoharie, NY 12157 |
| Phone | (518) 295-8311 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 3jd.schoharie@nycourts.gov | |
| Website | New York Courts - Schoharie County |
How to Search Schoharie County Criminal Court Records
The statewide OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and covers all 62 counties. Apply at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs. Results come by email the next business day. Sealed records are not included.
Visit the Schoharie County Clerk's office for local searches. Bring the defendant's full name and any case details. Staff can search records and pull files. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition have fees under CPLR 8019(f). Court records are public under Judiciary Law 255 unless sealed by law. Town and village court records must be requested from those courts directly.
Schoharie County Criminal Court Records Resources
Schoharie County court records resource page.
Schoharie County District Attorney
The Schoharie County District Attorney's Office prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor crimes in the county. The office is in Schoharie. It works with the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office and state police on criminal investigations. The DA reviews arrests and decides what charges to file with the County Court.
Prosecution records are separate from court files. Police reports, witness statements, and investigation notes are held by law enforcement and the DA's office. The court file contains the legal papers: complaints, indictments, motions, and judgments. To get law enforcement records, you file a FOIL request with the police agency or the DA.
Criminal Record Sealing in Schoharie County
New York law provides several ways to seal criminal records. Cases that end in dismissal or acquittal are automatically sealed under CPL 160.50. The defendant does not need to file any paperwork. The records are removed from public search results, including OCA searches.
Violation convictions may be sealed under CPL 160.55. Drug offense convictions can qualify under CPL 160.58 if the person completed a court-ordered treatment program. These provisions help people move past minor offenses or substance abuse issues.
CPL 160.59 allows sealing of up to two eligible convictions after ten years from completion of the sentence. File a motion with the Schoharie County Court. The DA is notified and can oppose. The judge weighs the nature of the crime, the person's behavior since the conviction, and public safety. Violent felonies and sex offenses cannot be sealed under this provision. Sealed records remain hidden from most public searches, but law enforcement retains limited access in certain situations.
Types of Criminal Cases in Schoharie County
The County Court handles felonies. Town justice courts handle violations and some misdemeanors. A criminal court record typically includes:
- Defendant name and date of birth
- Charges and arrest information
- Indictment or information
- Court orders and motions
- Plea or trial result
- Sentencing details
Police reports and investigation files are held by law enforcement, not the court. File a FOIL request to get those records separately. The court file contains only the legal documents from the case.
Certificates of Disposition are the most commonly requested documents. They show the charges, the outcome, 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 process lets you check your own criminal history separately. Contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov for details about the fingerprint-based review process.
Legal Resources in Schoharie County
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York serves the Schoharie area. The assigned counsel program provides attorneys for those who qualify. Free court forms are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. Contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 for your own criminal history review.
Court Records Access Rules
Court records access in Schoharie County follows state rules under Judiciary Law 255. The County Clerk maintains official files at the county office building. Given the small size of the county, the clerk's office handles requests personally. Mail requests are accepted with a certified check or money order. Personal information may be redacted from public copies to protect privacy.
Communities in Schoharie County
Schoharie County includes the village of Schoharie, Cobleskill, and several small towns. All felony cases go through the Schoharie County Court. Town courts handle minor offenses locally.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Schoharie County.