Find Criminal Records in Ontario County
Criminal records in Ontario County are held by courts and offices based in Canandaigua, the county seat. Ontario County falls within the 7th Judicial District and covers a mix of small cities, towns, and rural areas in the Finger Lakes region. The County Clerk at 20 Ontario Street maintains felony court records, while Canandaigua City Court and Geneva City Court handle misdemeanor cases in their respective cities. Town courts throughout the county process lower-level criminal matters. You can search Ontario County criminal records through local offices or by using the state's online court search tools.
Ontario County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Ontario County Criminal Records
The Ontario County Clerk at 20 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 stores criminal records from County Court and Supreme Court cases. The clerk handles documents for felony matters heard in Ontario County. Walk-in inspection of public records is free under Judiciary Law 255. You pay only when you want copies. The phone number is (585) 396-4200.
Canandaigua City Court handles misdemeanors and violations in the city of Canandaigua. Geneva City Court at 255 Exchange Street processes criminal cases in Geneva. Both courts keep their own files, and both feed data into the statewide system. Town courts in Victor, Farmington, Manchester, and other areas handle minor criminal matters in their own jurisdictions.
Ontario County Court is at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. This court tries felony cases. Criminal records here include indictments, plea agreements, trial verdicts, and sentencing data. The County Clerk acts as clerk for this court, which means records end up at the clerk's office for long-term storage.
Online Criminal Records Search
WebCrims is the fastest free tool for checking Ontario County criminal records. It shows active and pending cases by name or case number. Coverage includes courts in the 7th Judicial District. It does not display sealed cases or old closed matters.
The eCourts portal gives wider access to court records. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. Results come from multiple courts in Ontario County. The system is free, though not all record types appear and some older records may be missing from the database.
Court records search tools for Ontario County criminal case information.
For a full statewide search, use the Criminal History Record Search. It costs $95 per name and date of birth. Results come from every court level in all 62 counties. You receive results the next business day. This is name-based, not fingerprint-based. Sealed records will not show. Town and village court data from before 2007 may be incomplete.
Criminal History and DCJS Records
DCJS keeps fingerprint-based criminal history records separate from court records. These files include arrest data, charges, and outcomes linked to fingerprints. They are not public.
To get your own DCJS record, use the Record Review program. You submit fingerprints at an approved location. The cost is about $77.75, and results take 7 to 10 business days. Ontario County residents can find fingerprinting sites in the Canandaigua and Geneva areas, or in nearby Rochester. This is the only way to get an official rap sheet in New York.
Criminal Record Sealing Laws
Ontario County courts follow the same sealing rules as every other county in the state. Several laws control what shows up when you search criminal records.
Cases that end in dismissal or acquittal seal automatically under CPL 160.50. No one needs to file a motion. The court and police seal their files, and the case drops out of public searches. This covers Ontario County Court, both city courts, and all town courts.
Convictions can be sealed under CPL 160.59 after a 10-year waiting period. Up to two convictions can be sealed, with only one being a felony. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies do not qualify. Youthful offender adjudications stay confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, provides automatic sealing for certain convictions. 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 Ontario County
The Ontario County Clerk charges standard state fees for record searches and copies. In-person inspection is free. You pay for copies and certified documents.
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00 per name
- DCJS 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 cost nothing. They show case info on screen. You cannot get certified copies from those tools. For a Certificate of Disposition from Ontario County Court, go through the County Clerk's office.
Public Access to Criminal Records
Most criminal court records in Ontario County are public. New York's Freedom of Information Law under Public Officers Law Article 6 grants a broad right to see government records. Court records are governed by Judiciary Law 255. You do not need to be a party to the case or give a reason for the request.
Off-limits records include sealed cases, Family Court files, juvenile matters, youthful offender adjudications, and grand jury proceedings. Active investigation files from the Ontario County Sheriff or District Attorney may also be withheld. The Committee on Open Government can assist if a request is denied.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or zip code for registered offenders in Ontario County. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show up online. For Level 1 offenders, call 1-800-262-3257. This system is separate from criminal court records at the Ontario County Clerk's office.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website lets you look up inmates by name or DIN number. This covers people sentenced in Ontario County who are now in state prison. The Ontario County Jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Contact the jail at (585) 396-4585 for information on current inmates.
Cities in Ontario County
Ontario County has two small cities and many towns. Criminal records from each area go through the courts serving that location. Canandaigua and Geneva both have their own city courts. Towns like Victor, Farmington, and Phelps have town courts for local criminal matters. Records from all these courts can be searched through CHRS or eCourts.
Nearby Counties
Ontario County sits in the Finger Lakes region. If you need criminal records from nearby counties, each one has its own court system and clerk's office.