Nassau County Criminal Records Search
Criminal records in Nassau County are held by the County Clerk, Nassau County Court, the District Court, and the 10th Judicial District court system. Mineola is the county seat. Nassau County sits on Long Island just east of New York City and has a population over 1.3 million, making it one of the most populated counties in the state. The court system here handles a heavy caseload. Nassau County is one of the few counties outside NYC that has its own District Court for misdemeanor and violation cases. You can search criminal records through state tools, visit the clerk at 240 Old Country Road, or use the CHRS for a full statewide name search.
Nassau County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Nassau County Criminal Records
The Nassau County Clerk at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 handles criminal records from County Court and Supreme Court cases. The clerk files and stores felony case documents. In-person inspection of public records is free under Judiciary Law 255. Copies cost a per-page fee. Phone is (516) 571-2664.
Nassau County Court at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 is where felony cases are tried. Criminal records from County Court include indictments, pleas, trial verdicts, and sentencing orders. The County Clerk serves as clerk for this court and stores records long-term.
The Nassau County District Court handles misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Unlike most upstate counties where town courts handle these cases, Nassau County consolidated lower-level criminal matters into a single District Court system. The First District Court sits at 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. Phone is (516) 493-4200. This court is one of the busiest in the state for misdemeanor cases.
Nassau County also has several village courts that handle local violations. Glen Cove City Court at 13 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542 and Long Beach City Court at 1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561 are the two city courts in the county that handle misdemeanor criminal cases independently.
Online Search Options for Criminal Records
WebCrims provides free access to active criminal cases in Nassau County courts. Nassau is one of the counties with strong WebCrims coverage. Search by name or case number. The tool shows pending cases, court dates, charges, and status. It does not show sealed or old closed cases.
The eCourts portal gives broader access to court records. Search by name, case number, or attorney. It covers courts across the 10th Judicial District. The system is free. Not all record types appear, and older records may have gaps.
The Nassau County Clerk's office in Mineola handles criminal record searches and copy requests.
The Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. It searches every court in all 62 counties. Results come the next business day. This is the most complete court-based search the state offers. Sealed records will not show up.
Criminal History and DCJS Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps fingerprint-based criminal histories. These are different from court records. DCJS records link arrest data, charges, and case outcomes to fingerprints. They are not public.
To get your own record, use the Record Review program. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor. Cost is about $77.75. Results take 7 to 10 business days. Nassau County has multiple fingerprinting locations. The Nassau County Police Department and several local police departments offer fingerprinting services.
Criminal Record Sealing in Nassau County
Nassau County courts follow the same sealing rules as every other county in New York. These laws shape what records are visible in a search.
Dismissals and acquittals seal automatically under CPL 160.50. No motion needed. 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. Nassau County Court and District Court handle these motions depending on the case level.
The Clean Slate Act took effect November 16, 2024. Misdemeanor convictions seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felony convictions seal after 8 years. Certain serious offenses are excluded. Youthful offender adjudications stay confidential under CPL 720.35.
Fees for Nassau County Criminal Records
The Nassau County Clerk charges standard state fees. In-person inspection of records is 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
WebCrims and eCourts are free. They show case data on screen but do not provide certified copies. For a Certificate of Disposition, contact the clerk's office or the specific court where the case was heard.
Public Access to Criminal Records
Most criminal court records in Nassau County are public. New York's FOIL law, under Public Officers Law Article 6, gives broad access to government records. Court records fall under Judiciary Law 255. The clerk must search and give copies when asked and paid.
Sealed cases under CPL 160.50 and CPL 160.59 are off limits. Family Court records and juvenile cases stay confidential. Grand jury proceedings are secret. Investigation files from the Nassau County Police Department or local police may be withheld under FOIL exemptions. The Nassau County District Attorney's office can answer questions about case status for victims and witnesses.
Nassau County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases for most of the county.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code. Look up registered offenders in Nassau County at no cost. 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 for state prison and parole. The Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow holds pre-trial detainees and people serving short sentences. Contact the Nassau County Sheriff's Office for current inmate information. The county also operates specialized courts including drug court and mental health court that may affect how criminal records are handled.
Cities and Towns in Nassau County
Nassau County is divided into three towns (Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead) plus two small cities. Criminal records for cases in each area go through the District Court system or the specific city court.
- Hempstead - Largest town in Nassau County. First District Court in Hempstead handles local criminal cases.
- Oyster Bay - Town of Oyster Bay cases go through the District Court system.
- North Hempstead - Town of North Hempstead cases also go through District Court.
Glen Cove and Long Beach are the two cities in the county with their own city courts for criminal matters.
Nearby Counties
Nassau County sits on Long Island between New York City and Suffolk County.