Find Criminal Records in Washington County
Criminal records in Washington County are held by the County Clerk at the courthouse in Fort Edward. The County Clerk's Office at 383 Broadway, Building A, Fort Edward, NY welcomes walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. You can search Washington County criminal records in person, through state online tools, or by requesting records by mail. The county has a rich historical record, with Supreme Court and County Court case files going back to the 1850s available on microfilm at the New York State Archives.
Washington County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Washington County Criminal Records
The Washington County Clerk's Office is at 383 Broadway, Building A, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Call 518-746-2170. Walk-ins have been welcome since January 2, 2024. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The clerk handles court records, oaths of office, and serves as the official repository for county records.
The Washington County Courthouse is also at 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. County Court handles felony criminal cases. Supreme Court hears certain criminal and civil matters. The County Clerk maintains the files for both courts. For questions about specific cases, call the clerk's office or visit in person. Staff can help you find what you need.
The clerk also runs satellite offices in Cambridge, Granville, Greenwich, Salem, and Whitehall. Check the county calendar for their schedules. These satellite offices handle DMV and some other services, but main court records stay at the Fort Edward office. Appointments are strongly suggested for driver's permits and CDL permits at the satellite locations.
Online Criminal Records Search
WebCrims shows active criminal cases in Washington County for free. Search by name or case number. No account is needed. The tool covers courts in the 4th Judicial District. Sealed cases and old closed matters do not appear.
The Washington County Clerk's Office at 383 Broadway, Fort Edward handles criminal record searches.
The eCourts portal gives broader access to Washington County court records. Search by name, case number, or attorney. It is free. Note that town and village court civil cases are not accessible through eCourts portals. For full coverage, visit the clerk in person.
A statewide search through the Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name and date of birth. It covers all 62 counties. Results come the next business day. This is a name-based search. Sealed records do not show up.
Historical Criminal Records
Washington County has historical court records going back over 170 years. The New York State Archives at 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230 holds a collection of Washington County Clerk's Office Supreme Court and County Court records. The collection spans from about 1850 to 1983 and consists of 303 rolls of 16mm microfilm.
The archived records include case files, motion papers, lis pendens, and grand jury affidavits. The grand jury materials contain district attorney's records from about 1887 to 1911, with complaints, depositions, appeals, and even newspaper clippings. Records are arranged by type and then by case number or chronological order. An index gives case numbers, dates, and roll numbers to help you find what you need.
Additional Washington County records are available in the State Archives under series A4510, which covers county and town records. These historical collections make Washington County one of the better-documented upstate counties for anyone doing deep research into old criminal cases.
Criminal History and DCJS
DCJS keeps fingerprint-based criminal history records for the whole state. A DCJS record check requires a fingerprint appointment with a third-party vendor. The fingerprint fee is $14.25 at the appointment. Processing takes 3 to 4 weeks. These records are not public. You cannot get someone else's DCJS record.
For your own rap sheet, use the Record Review program. The total cost is about $77.75. Results take 7 to 10 business days. Washington County residents can find print sites through DCJS.
Criminal Record Sealing Laws
Dismissed cases and acquittals in Washington County seal on their own under CPL 160.50. No motion is needed. The records disappear from public view.
Under CPL 160.59, a person may apply to seal up to two convictions after 10 years. Only one can be a felony. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies are not eligible. Youthful offender records stay confidential under CPL 720.35.
The Clean Slate Act started November 16, 2024. Misdemeanors seal 3 years after sentencing or release. Felonies seal after 8 years. Sex offenses, violent felonies, Class A felonies, and homicides are excluded. DCJS runs the process statewide.
Fees for Criminal Records
Washington County follows state fee guidelines for record searches and copies.
- Name search: $5.00 per name per two-year period
- Plain copies: $0.50 per page ($1.00 minimum)
- Certification: $0.50 per page ($4.00 minimum)
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00
- DCJS fingerprint fee: $14.25 at appointment
WebCrims and eCourts are free online tools. The Sheriff's Office handles arrest record requests with a FOIL process. Response time is 5 business days for acknowledgment and 20 business days for a decision.
Public Access to Records
Most criminal court records in Washington County are public under Public Officers Law Article 6 and Judiciary Law 255. You can ask the clerk for records without being part of the case.
Sealed records are off limits. Family Court files, juvenile matters, and youthful offender adjudications are confidential. Active investigations held by law enforcement may be withheld under FOIL exemptions. The Committee on Open Government provides guidance on denied requests. The Sheriff's Office has a designated Records Access Officer who handles FOIL requests.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender Registry lets you search for registered offenders in Washington County for free. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show up online. Level 1 info is only available by calling 1-800-262-3257.
Washington County court records are available through the County Clerk's office and state databases.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website provides free inmate lookup by name or DIN. This covers people sentenced in Washington County who are in state prison. For the county jail, contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff also posts recent arrests on the department website.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in eastern New York, near the Vermont border. Neighboring counties each have their own court systems for criminal records.