Niagara County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Niagara County are maintained by the County Clerk, Niagara County Court, and several city and town courts across the 8th Judicial District. Lockport is the county seat. The county sits in the far western part of the state along the Canadian border, with Niagara Falls being the most well-known city. Criminal cases flow through County Court for felonies and through city courts in Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda, and Tonawanda for misdemeanors. You can search Niagara County criminal records through state online tools, visit the clerk at 175 Hawley Street in Lockport, or submit a FOIL request. Town courts across the county also process a steady stream of lower-level criminal matters.
Niagara County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Niagara County Criminal Records
The Niagara County Clerk at 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094 is the main office for criminal records from County Court and Supreme Court cases. The clerk files and stores felony case papers. In-person inspection of public records is free under Judiciary Law 255. Copies cost a per-page fee. Phone is (716) 439-7022.
Niagara County Court is at the Niagara County Courthouse, 175 Hawley Street, Lockport. Felony cases are tried here. Criminal records from County Court include indictments, pleas, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders. The County Clerk acts as clerk for this court.
Niagara Falls City Court at 1925 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 handles misdemeanors and violations for the city. Phone is (716) 278-9800. This court sees the highest misdemeanor volume in the county. Lockport City Court at 1 Locks Plaza, Lockport, NY 14094 handles cases in the county seat. Phone is (716) 439-6660. North Tonawanda City Court at 216 Payne Avenue, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 and Tonawanda City Court also handle misdemeanors in their areas.
Town courts across Niagara County deal with misdemeanors, violations, and traffic matters in their jurisdictions. These include courts in Lewiston, Wheatfield, Pendleton, Cambria, and other towns. Records from town courts stay with the local clerk and feed into the state system over time.
Online Search for Criminal Records
The eCourts portal is a free tool for searching Niagara County criminal records online. Search by name, case number, or attorney. It covers courts in the 8th Judicial District. Coverage is decent for recent cases. Older records may have gaps.
The Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. It pulls data from every court in all 62 counties. Results come the next business day. Town court data from before 2007 may be incomplete. Sealed records will not appear.
Niagara County court records can be searched through the clerk's office and state online tools.
WebCrims shows active criminal cases in some courts. Coverage for the 8th Judicial District, which includes Niagara County, has expanded in recent years. Check the site for current availability. It is free and does not need a login. It works best for cases still moving through the court system.
Criminal History and DCJS Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps fingerprint-based criminal histories. These differ from court records. DCJS records include arrest data, charges, and dispositions linked to fingerprints. They are not public. You cannot request someone else's DCJS record.
For 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. Niagara County residents can find fingerprinting services through local law enforcement agencies. The Niagara Falls Police Department and Lockport Police both offer fingerprinting.
Criminal Record Sealing in Niagara County
Niagara County courts follow the same sealing rules as every other county in New York.
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. Niagara County Court handles these motions for felony cases.
The Clean Slate Act started November 16, 2024. Misdemeanor convictions seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felonies seal after 8 years. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, violent felonies, and homicides are excluded. Youthful offender adjudications remain confidential under CPL 720.35. DCJS handles the automatic sealing process for all counties.
Fees for Niagara County Criminal Records
The Niagara County Clerk charges standard state fees. You can look at records in person for free. Copies and searches 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 is free. WebCrims is free. They show case data on screen but do not produce certified copies. For a Certificate of Disposition from Niagara County Court, request it through the County Clerk at 175 Hawley Street.
Public Access to Criminal Records
Most criminal court records in Niagara 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 provide copies when asked and paid. You do not need a reason.
Sealed cases are off limits. Family Court records, juvenile cases, and youthful offender adjudications stay confidential. Grand jury proceedings are secret. Investigation files from the Niagara County Sheriff, Niagara Falls Police, or Lockport Police may be withheld under FOIL exemptions. The Niagara County District Attorney's office handles prosecution and can answer case status questions for victims.
Multiple resources are available for searching Niagara County criminal records.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code. Look up registered offenders in Niagara County at no cost. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show online. Level 1 offenders require a call to 1-800-262-3257. This is a separate system from court records held by the Niagara County Clerk.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website has an inmate lookup for state prison and parole. The Niagara County Jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Contact the Niagara County Sheriff's Office at (716) 438-3393 for current jail inmate information. The county also processes cases involving people connected to the Tuscarora Nation and Seneca Nation territories within the county.
Nearby Counties
Niagara County sits in the far western corner of New York along the Canadian border. These neighboring counties have their own court systems.