Madison County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Madison County are held by the County Clerk, County Court, and local town courts throughout the 6th Judicial District. Wampsville serves as the county seat, though the village itself is tiny. The county stretches across central New York between Syracuse and Utica, covering a mix of small towns and rural areas. You can search Madison County criminal records through the clerk's office in Wampsville, state online databases, or by filing a FOIL request. Oneida and Hamilton are the largest population centers in the county, and their local courts handle a good share of the misdemeanor cases that come through.
Madison County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Find Madison County Criminal Records
The Madison County Clerk at 138 N. Court Street, Wampsville, NY 13163 is the primary office for criminal records tied to County Court and Supreme Court cases. The clerk files and stores felony case documents. You can visit in person and look at public records for free under Judiciary Law 255. Copies cost a per-page fee. The phone number is (315) 366-2261.
Madison County Court is at the County Courthouse in Wampsville. Felony cases are tried here. Criminal records from County Court include indictments, pleas, trial verdicts, and sentencing data. The County Clerk acts as clerk for this court, so records end up at the N. Court Street office for long-term storage.
Town and village courts across Madison County handle misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses. Oneida City Court at 109 N. Main Street, Oneida, NY 13421 handles a larger share of the county's misdemeanor cases. Phone is (315) 363-1340. Other town courts in Cazenovia, Chittenango, Hamilton, and Morrisville each deal with cases in their areas. Records from these courts stay with the local clerk and feed into the state system.
Online Criminal Records Search
The eCourts portal is a free way to search Madison County criminal records online. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. It pulls results from courts in the 6th Judicial District and across the state. Coverage for smaller courts may have gaps in older records.
The Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name. It covers every court in all 62 counties. Results come the next business day. Town court data from before 2007 may be incomplete. That matters in Madison County because many cases start in town courts. Sealed records will not appear in the results.
The Madison County Clerk in Wampsville handles criminal record searches and document requests.
WebCrims shows active criminal cases in some courts. Coverage for Madison County is limited. Check to see what is available. It is free and does not require an account.
DCJS Criminal History Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps fingerprint-based criminal histories. These differ from court records. DCJS records include arrest data, charges, and outcomes tied to fingerprints. They are not public.
For your own record, use the Record Review program. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor. The cost runs about $77.75. Results take 7 to 10 business days. Madison County residents can find fingerprinting services through local law enforcement or travel to Syracuse or Utica for more options.
Criminal Record Sealing Laws
Madison County courts follow the same sealing rules as every county in New York. These laws affect what records are visible when you search.
Dismissals and acquittals seal automatically under CPL 160.50. No motion needed. The court and police seal their files. Under CPL 160.59, a person can 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 Clean Slate Act started November 16, 2024. Misdemeanor convictions seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felonies seal after 8 years. Certain serious offenses are excluded. DCJS handles the automatic sealing for all counties, including Madison.
Fees for Criminal Records
Standard state fees apply at the Madison County Clerk's office. You can look at records in person for free. Copies cost money.
- 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
eCourts and WebCrims are free. They show case info on screen but cannot produce certified copies. For a Certificate of Disposition from Madison County Court, go through the County Clerk.
Public Access to Criminal Records
Most criminal court records in Madison County are public. New York's FOIL law, under Public Officers Law Article 6, grants broad access to government records. Court records fall under Judiciary Law 255. The clerk must search and provide copies when asked and paid.
Sealed cases are off limits. Family Court records, juvenile cases, and youthful offender adjudications under CPL 720.35 stay confidential. Grand jury proceedings are secret. Investigation files from the Madison County Sheriff or Oneida Police may be withheld under FOIL exemptions.
Court records from Madison County can be searched through state online tools and the clerk's office in Wampsville.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code. Look up registered offenders in Madison County for free. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show online. Level 1 offenders require a call to 1-800-262-3257.
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. The Madison County Jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (315) 366-2318 for current jail inmate information.
Nearby Counties
Madison County sits in central New York between Syracuse and Utica. These neighboring counties have their own courts.