St. Lawrence County Criminal Court Records

St. Lawrence County criminal court records are filed at the courthouse in Canton. The County Clerk maintains all Supreme and County Court case files for this large, rural county in northern New York. St. Lawrence County is the largest county by area in the state. It borders the St. Lawrence River and Canada to the north. The county is part of the Fifth Judicial District, and Cindy J. Whittaker serves as Chief Clerk for the Supreme and County Courts. The courthouse at 48 Court Street handles felony matters. Town and village courts throughout the county handle minor offenses in their own areas.

St. Lawrence County Court

The St. Lawrence County Court handles felony criminal prosecutions. The courthouse is at 48 Court Street in Canton. Cindy J. Whittaker is the Chief Clerk. The Supreme Court shares this location for civil cases and appeals.

The County Clerk serves as clerk of both the Supreme and County Courts. All criminal case files from felony proceedings are stored at the clerk's office. Staff can help with records searches during business hours. You can search by name or case number. Plain copies and certified copies are available for a fee set by state law.

How to Search St. Lawrence County Criminal Court Records

The OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and covers all 62 New York counties including St. Lawrence. Apply online at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs. You submit a name and date of birth. Results come by email the next business day. Sealed records are excluded.

For local records, visit the St. Lawrence County Clerk's office in Canton. Bring the full name of the person you are searching for. A case number helps. Staff can pull files and make copies. Certified copies and Certificates of Disposition cost a fee under CPLR 8019(f). A Certificate of Disposition is the official document that shows the outcome of a case.

St. Lawrence County is a large county with many town and village courts spread across its territory. If a case was heard in a local justice court, you need to contact that specific court. OCA's statewide search may have limited data from these courts. Under Judiciary Law 255, court records are presumed public, but sealed and restricted records are not available.

St. Lawrence County Court Records Resources

New York State criminal court records search system covering St. Lawrence County.

The St. Lawrence County government website at stlawco.org has general information about county services. The NYS Unified Court System website has details about the Fifth Judicial District courts.

Record Sealing in St. Lawrence 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 for sealing under CPL 160.58 after the person completes a treatment program ordered by the court.

CPL 160.59 allows sealing of up to two eligible convictions after ten years from sentence completion. File a motion with the St. Lawrence County Court. The DA receives notice. The judge considers the nature of the crime, your behavior since then, and public safety. Violent felonies and sex offenses are excluded. Sealed records remain hidden from most public searches.

What St. Lawrence County Criminal Court Records Contain

A criminal court record from St. Lawrence County includes the legal documents from the case. Felony cases go through the County Court. Minor offenses go through town and village courts. A typical County Court record shows:

• Defendant name and identifying information
• Charges filed and arrest details
• Indictment or information
• Pretrial motions and orders
• Plea or trial verdict
• Sentence and conditions imposed

Police reports and investigation notes are not in the court file. Those are held by law enforcement. The DA's office keeps prosecution records separately. File a FOIL request to get police or DA records.

Certificates of Disposition are the official proof of how a case ended. 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 full criminal history by contacting DCJS at 518-457-9847.

Legal Resources in St. Lawrence County

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York serves St. Lawrence County residents with criminal defense and other legal needs. The county assigned counsel program provides attorneys for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Free court forms for sealing motions, fee waivers, and other common needs are at nycourts.gov/courthelp. The NYS Unified Court System website also has information about the Fifth Judicial District courts, schedules, and procedures.

Court Records Access Rules

Court records access in St. Lawrence County follows state rules under Judiciary Law 255. The County Clerk in Canton maintains official case files. Given the large geographic area of the county, many residents live far from the courthouse. Mail requests are accepted for copies. Include a certified check or money order for the fee. Personal information may be redacted from public copies.

Communities in St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County includes Canton, Ogdensburg, Massena, Potsdam, and many smaller communities. All felony cases go through the St. Lawrence County Court in Canton. Local justice courts handle minor offenses.

Nearby Counties

These counties border St. Lawrence County.