Access Franklin County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Franklin County are held by the County Clerk and the courts in the 4th Judicial District. Malone serves as the county seat, and the main courthouse is at 355 West Main Street. Franklin County has maintained court records since 1808. You can search criminal records through the clerk's office, in person at the courthouse, or by using state tools like WebCrims and the CHRS system. The county also runs a Drug Treatment Court and an Integrated Domestic Violence Part, both of which generate their own criminal case records.
Franklin County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Franklin County Criminal Records
The Franklin County Clerk is at 355 West Main Street, Suite 248, Malone, NY 12953. The county clerk phone is 518-483-6767. The main county number is 518-481-1565. The clerk's office maintains criminal court reports, final assessment rolls, and various forms and documents. You can visit during business hours and look at public records for free under Judiciary Law 255.
One thing to know: the clerk's office does not do research for you. Staff will help you find materials, but the actual research is your job. If you need a specific record, come with as much detail as you can. A name, date, or case number will save you time. The office has land records and court records dating back to 1808, along with naturalization records, marriage records from 1908 to 1935, and census records.
Franklin County Supreme and County Court is at the Franklin County Courthouse, 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953. The Chief Clerk is Fawn Tatro. Call 518-353-7340 for Supreme and County Court matters. E-filing is mandatory for some case types. County Court handles felony criminal cases, including indictments, pleas, trial outcomes, and sentencing.
The county also has specialty court parts that handle specific types of criminal cases. The Franklin County Superior Court for Drug Treatment, run by Hon. Derek P. Champagne, deals with drug-related criminal matters. Call 518-353-7388 for that court. The Integrated Domestic Violence Part, under Hon. John T. Ellis, consolidates domestic violence cases across criminal and family court. These courts generate their own sets of criminal records.
Online Criminal Records Search Options
WebCrims is the fastest free way to check active criminal cases in Franklin County. It covers the 4th Judicial District. Search by name or case number. Sealed cases and old closed matters will not show up.
The eCourts portal gives wider access to court records from Franklin County and across the state. Search by name, case number, or attorney. It is free. Not all record types appear, and some older records may not be in the system.
The Franklin County Clerk's office in Malone maintains criminal court records dating back to 1808.
For a complete statewide search, the Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. Results cover every court in all 62 counties. You get results the next business day. This is name-based, not fingerprint-based. Sealed records will not show up. Town and village court data from before 2007 may have gaps.
Criminal History and DCJS Records
DCJS keeps fingerprint-based criminal history records for the whole state. These are not the same as court records. They are not public. You cannot get someone else's DCJS record through FOIL.
For your own record, use the Record Review program. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor. The cost is about $77.75. Results take 7 to 10 business days. You can get a suppressed version or an unsuppressed version. Franklin County is a rural area near the Canadian border, so finding a nearby fingerprinting site may take some effort. Check with DCJS or local law enforcement for the closest location.
Criminal Record Sealing Laws in Franklin County
Franklin County courts follow New York's statewide sealing rules. Dismissed or acquitted cases seal automatically under CPL 160.50. No motion is needed. The court and police seal their files. The person can say they were never arrested for that charge.
For convictions, CPL 160.59 lets a person apply to seal up to two convictions after 10 years. Only one can be a felony. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies do not qualify. The court decides based on the facts. Youthful offender adjudications are confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, provides for automatic sealing. Misdemeanors seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felonies seal after 8 years. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, violent felonies, and homicides are excluded.
Fees for Criminal Records in Franklin County
Fees follow state law. You can inspect records in person for free. Copies cost extra. Here are the standard charges.
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00 per name
- DCJS personal record review: about $77.75
- County clerk name search: $5.00 per name (two-year period)
- Copy fees: $0.25 to $0.65 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 to $10.00 per document
WebCrims and eCourts are free online tools. They show case info on screen but cannot provide certified copies. For a Certificate of Disposition, go through the County Clerk's office. Records may also be obtained through the New York State Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1-855-322-1022 for certain record types.
Public Access to Records
Most criminal court records in Franklin County are public. Public Officers Law Article 6 gives a broad right to access government records. Court records fall under Judiciary Law 255. You do not need to be a party to the case or state a reason for asking.
Sealed cases under CPL 160.50 and CPL 160.59 are off limits. Family Court records, juvenile cases, and youthful offender adjudications are confidential. Grand jury proceedings are secret. If a request is denied, the Committee on Open Government can advise you on your options.
Sex Offender Registry Search
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code. Look up offenders in Franklin County for free. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders appear online. Level 1 offenders are only available by calling 1-800-262-3257. This is separate from court records at the Franklin County Clerk's office.
The New York State Sex Offender Registry allows free searches for offenders in Franklin County.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website has an inmate lookup tool. Search by name or DIN number. This covers people sentenced in Franklin County who are in state prison or on parole. The Franklin County Jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Contact the jail for current inmate information.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County sits in the North Country region near the Canadian border. These neighboring counties each have their own court system and clerk's office.