Tompkins County Criminal Records Search
Criminal records in Tompkins County are managed by the County Clerk at 320 North Tioga Street in Ithaca and by the courts in the 6th Judicial District. Tompkins County stands out because all civil and criminal cases from 1817 to 2009 have been digitized. The county processes about 1,400 civil cases and 4,500 criminal cases every year. A Laserfiche portal gives online self-serve access to court documents, and judges can view archived cases on laptops and iPads. Every piece of court paperwork is scanned the day it arrives. Everything goes through the County Clerk's Office, whether filed on paper or digitally. This makes Tompkins County one of the most technologically advanced counties in New York for records access.
Tompkins County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Tompkins County Criminal Records
The Tompkins County Clerk at 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 is the primary source for criminal records. The phone is (607) 274-5431. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk maintains court records related to arrests and all case filings. Self-service terminals are available at the office. Criminal court records can be requested by mail with a $5 search fee, or in person.
Tompkins County has several courts. The Supreme Court phone is (607) 216-6610. County Court is at (607) 216-6600. Family Court is at (607) 216-6640 (records are not public and have limited access). Ithaca City Court handles misdemeanors in the city. The county also has 10 town courts that hear local criminal matters.
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office at 779 Warren Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 maintains arrest records. The phone is (607) 257-1345. Submit a FOIL request for arrest records. The Ithaca Police Department at 120 East Clinton Street, Ithaca, NY 14850, phone (607) 272-3245, handles city arrests. Agencies must respond within 5 business days under Public Officers Law 89(3).
Online Criminal Records Search Options
WebCrims gives free access to pending and closed criminal cases. The eCourts portal covers civil cases. The county's Laserfiche portal provides additional online access to court documents. Self-service terminals at the County Clerk's Office allow in-person digital searches.
Tompkins County has digitized all court records from 1817 to 2009, making it one of New York's most accessible counties for record searches.
For a full statewide search, the Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name. It covers convictions and pending cases from all 62 counties. Sealed records do not appear. Pre-digital records that have not been converted may still need in-person requests in some cases.
DCJS Criminal History Records
DCJS maintains fingerprint-based records. Use the Record Review program to get your own. Submit Form DCJS-6 with fingerprints. The fee is $65 plus fingerprinting costs. Results take 7 to 10 business days. Free resources include the Sheriff's Inmate Lookup and the Sex Offender Registry.
Criminal Record Sealing
Dismissed cases seal under CPL 160.50. Convictions can be sealed under CPL 160.59 after 10 years. Sex offenses and violent felonies are excluded. Youthful offender adjudications stay confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act took effect November 16, 2024. Misdemeanors seal 3 years after sentencing. Felonies seal after 8 years. Certain serious offenses are excluded. Sealed records are not available online, even through the Laserfiche system.
Fees for Criminal Records
Free inspection is available at the clerk's office. Copies cost money.
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00 per name
- DCJS record review: $65.00 plus fingerprinting
- Mail search fee: $5.00
- Copies: $0.25 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 to $10.00
WebCrims is free. The Sheriff's Inmate Lookup is free. The Sex Offender Registry is free.
Criminal records in Tompkins County include charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation information.
Public Access to Records
Most court records are public. You have the right to inspect public court records at no charge under Judiciary Law 255. Sealed records, juvenile records, and active investigation files are restricted. The Committee on Open Government can help with access questions.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website has a statewide inmate lookup. The Tompkins County Sheriff runs an online system for the current jail population. Contact the Sheriff's Office at (607) 257-1345.
Nearby Counties
Tompkins County is in the Finger Lakes region. Nearby counties each have their own court system.