Search Genesee County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Genesee County are managed by County Clerk Michael T. Cianfrini and the courts of the 8th Judicial District. Batavia is the county seat, and the primary courthouse sits at 1 West Main Street. You can search Genesee County criminal records at the clerk's office, through the county's court records system, or by using state tools like WebCrims and eCourts. The county maintains criminal, civil, traffic, and family court records. Multiple search options are available, including searches by name, date, case number, and other identifying details.
Genesee County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Genesee County Criminal Records
The Genesee County Clerk is at 1 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. County Clerk Michael T. Cianfrini runs the office. Call (585) 344-2550 for questions. The clerk maintains criminal court records along with civil, family, and probate documents. You can visit during business hours and inspect public records at no charge under Judiciary Law 255. Copies cost standard fees set by state law.
Genesee County Court handles felony criminal cases at the same address. Criminal records from this court include arrest dates and locations, charges filed, case outcomes (convictions or dismissals), sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The County Clerk acts as clerk of the court, so all felony case files end up at the main office.
Town and village justice courts across Genesee County handle misdemeanors and violations. Each court keeps its own records. Data feeds into the statewide system, but older records from before 2007 may not be fully digitized. For records from a specific town court, contact that court directly.
Online Criminal Records Search Options
The Genesee County Courts website provides information about court records searches. You can find details on how to search criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases from official court sources. The public records page lets you search by name, date, case number, property ID, or license number.
WebCrims is the fastest free tool for active criminal cases. It covers the 8th Judicial District, which includes Genesee County. Search by name or case number. Sealed cases and old closed matters will not show up.
Genesee County Courts provides access to criminal, civil, and traffic case records.
The eCourts portal gives broader access to court records across New York. Search by name, case number, or attorney. The system is free. Not every record type appears, and some older criminal records may not be in the database yet.
For a complete statewide search, the Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. Results come from every court in all 62 counties the next business day. Sealed records will not show. 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 separate from court records. They are not public. You cannot get someone else's DCJS record through any public request process.
To get your own record, use the Record Review program. Submit fingerprints at an approved vendor. The cost is about $77.75. Results take 7 to 10 business days. You can request a suppressed version that hides sealed records, or an unsuppressed version showing everything. Genesee County residents can check with local law enforcement for the nearest fingerprinting location. The DOCCS inmate lookup is also available for people in state prison or on parole.
Criminal Record Sealing in Genesee County
Genesee County courts follow New York's statewide sealing rules. When a case ends in dismissal or acquittal, records seal on their own under CPL 160.50. No filing is needed. The court and police seal their files. The case will not come up in public searches.
Under CPL 160.59, a person can ask to seal up to two convictions after a 10-year wait. Only one can be a felony. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies are excluded. The court decides based on the facts. Youthful offender adjudications remain confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, brings automatic sealing for certain records. Misdemeanors seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felonies seal after 8 years. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, violent felonies, and homicides are excluded from this process.
Fees for Criminal Records in Genesee County
The Genesee County Clerk charges standard state fees. In-person inspection is free. Copies cost money. Here are the common 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. They show case info on screen but cannot produce certified copies. For a Certificate of Disposition, request one through the clerk's office.
Public Access to Records
Most criminal court records in Genesee County are public. Public Officers Law Article 6 gives a broad right to see government records. Court records fall under Judiciary Law 255. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need a reason for asking.
Sealed cases under CPL 160.50 and CPL 160.59 are restricted. Family Court records, juvenile cases, and youthful offender adjudications are confidential. Grand jury proceedings remain secret. If a records request gets denied, the Committee on Open Government can help you with next steps.
The Genesee County courthouse at 1 West Main Street in Batavia handles criminal cases in the 8th Judicial District.
Sex Offender Registry Search
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code. Look up registered offenders in Genesee County for free. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show up online. Level 1 offenders require a call to 1-800-262-3257. This is separate from court records at the Genesee County Clerk's office.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website has an inmate lookup tool for people in state prison or on parole. Search by name or DIN number. This covers people sentenced in Genesee County now in state custody. The Genesee County Jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Contact the jail directly for current inmate information.
Nearby Counties
Genesee County sits between Rochester and Buffalo in Western New York. These neighboring counties each have their own court system and clerk's office.