Access Cattaraugus County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cattaraugus County are managed by the County Court, the County Clerk, and the Sheriff's Office in Little Valley. Cattaraugus County is part of the 8th Judicial District and covers a large area in southwestern New York. The County Clerk at 303 Court Street maintains court records and serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. You can search Cattaraugus County criminal records through state online portals, at the courthouse in person, or by mail. The Sheriff's Office at 301 Court Street handles arrest records. The county has public access terminals at the courthouse in Little Valley and at satellite facilities in Olean and Salamanca for anyone who wants to look up criminal records for free.
Cattaraugus County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Cattaraugus County Criminal Records
The Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office at 303 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755 is the starting point for court records. Call 716-938-9111 for help. The clerk maintains land records, court records, and acts as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. You can inspect records in person for free at public access terminals during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cattaraugus County Court handles felony cases and civil cases up to $25,000. Criminal records from this court include indictments, pleas, trial results, and sentencing data. The Supreme Court, also in Little Valley, hears both civil and criminal cases beyond the County Court's reach. Both courts fall within the 8th Judicial District.
The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office at 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755-1090 handles arrest records. Call 716-938-2217. Visit during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You need to complete a public records request form and show photo ID. Allow up to five business days for a response.
Online Criminal Records Search Options
WebCrims is the fastest free way to check criminal cases in Cattaraugus County. Search by defendant name or case number. It shows active cases, charges, court dates, and case status. Sealed records and old closed cases will not appear.
The eCourts portal offers broader access to court records statewide. Search by name, case number, or attorney. You can also check civil Supreme Court cases through WebCivil Supreme by selecting the 8th Judicial District and Cattaraugus County.
Cattaraugus County Supreme Court provides online access to case records and search tools.
The Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and gives results from all 62 counties. Submit online or by mail. Results come the next business day. Town and village court records from before 2007 may be incomplete. You can also register for free email alerts when there is activity on a case you want to track.
DCJS Criminal History Records
DCJS maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records. These are not public. You cannot get another person's DCJS file through FOIL or any other method.
For your own record, use the Record Review program. Get fingerprinted at an approved vendor, pay about $77.75, and wait 7 to 10 business days. Cattaraugus County residents may need to travel to find a fingerprinting site, as the county is rural and options can be limited. This is the only official way to get a rap sheet in New York.
Criminal Record Sealing Laws
Cattaraugus County courts follow New York's sealing laws. Dismissed and acquitted cases seal automatically under CPL 160.50. No filing needed. The records drop out of public view.
Under CPL 160.59, a person can apply to seal up to two convictions after 10 years. Only one felony is allowed. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies are excluded. Youthful offender cases stay confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act began November 16, 2024. It provides automatic sealing. Misdemeanors seal after 3 years. Felonies seal after 8 years. Serious offenses like sex crimes and homicides are not covered.
Fees for Criminal Records
In-person inspection of records is free at the Cattaraugus County Courthouse under Judiciary Law 255. Copies and searches cost money.
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00 per name
- DCJS record review: about $77.75
- Paper copies: $0.25 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: additional certification fee
- FOIL copy fees: up to $0.25 per page
Free search options include public access terminals at the County Courthouse in Little Valley, the Sheriff's police blotter, the NYS DOCCS inmate lookup, and the NYS Sex Offender Registry. WebCrims and eCourts are also free to use online.
Public Access to Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cattaraugus County are generally public under Public Officers Law Article 6 and the open courts doctrine. Public records include criminal case files after charging, judgments, docket sheets, and hearing schedules.
Restricted records include sealed cases under CPL 160.50 and CPL 160.59, Family Court proceedings, juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and adoption records. The Committee on Open Government can help if your request is denied.
Cattaraugus County provides multiple ways to access court records online and in person.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you look up offenders in Cattaraugus County by name, county, or zip code. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are shown online. Level 1 info requires a call to 1-800-262-3257.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website lets you search for inmates in state prison or on parole. Search by name or DIN. For the Cattaraugus County Jail, contact the Sheriff's Office at 716-938-2217.
Towns in Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus County does not have cities with their own records pages on this site. The largest communities include Olean, Salamanca, Ellicottville, and Little Valley. Each has its own city or town court for local criminal matters. Olean City Court handles misdemeanors and violations within the city limits. Salamanca City Court also operates independently. Criminal records from these local courts can be searched through the CHRS or eCourts tools. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse in Little Valley and at facilities in Olean and Salamanca.
Nearby Counties
Cattaraugus County is in southwestern New York. Criminal records from these neighboring counties are held by their own courts and clerks.