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Niagara County Court Records

What Is Niagara County Court Records

Court records in Niagara County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and proceedings conducted within the jurisdiction of Niagara County, New York. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court records are defined as "all records, dockets, books, indexes, and papers required by law to be maintained by a clerk of the court."

Court records typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
  • Docket sheets chronicling chronological case events
  • Judicial orders and decisions
  • Judgment records
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing information in criminal matters
  • Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), which are typically maintained by the County Clerk's office rather than the court system.

In Niagara County, court records are maintained by several courts operating within the New York State Unified Court System, including:

  • New York State Supreme Court (Niagara County)
  • Niagara County Court
  • Niagara County Family Court
  • Niagara County Surrogate's Court
  • City Courts (Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda)
  • Town and Village Courts

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations, with each generating distinct record types according to their jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Niagara County

Court records in Niagara County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with New York's commitment to judicial transparency. The presumption of public access to court records is established under New York Public Officers Law § 84, which states that "government is the public's business and that the public, individually and collectively and represented by a free press, should have access to the records of government."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
  • Criminal case records (post-arraignment)
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules
  • Judgment records
  • Docket information
  • Court orders and decisions

However, public access is subject to important limitations. Under New York Judiciary Law § 4, certain proceedings may be closed to the public, and associated records may be sealed. Additionally, the New York State Unified Court System has established rules governing public access to court records.

Records that may be restricted from public access include:

  • Family Court proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
  • Juvenile delinquency records
  • Sealed criminal records following dismissal or acquittal
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by court rules
  • Grand jury proceedings and records

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Western District of New York (which includes Niagara County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations, and are accessible through the federal PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in Niagara County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Niagara County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the court of origin and record type.

For in-person requests at the Niagara County Courthouse:

  1. Identify the specific court that maintains the desired records
  2. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
  3. Complete a records request form providing case information
  4. Present valid photo identification
  5. Pay applicable search and copy fees
  6. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Niagara County Courthouse
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
Niagara County Courts

For written requests:

  1. Prepare a detailed letter specifying the case name, docket number, filing date, and documents needed
  2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
  3. Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
  4. Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office

For electronic access:

  1. Visit the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)
  2. Create a user account if accessing non-public case information
  3. Search using case number, party name, or filing date
  4. Pay any applicable access fees
  5. Download available documents

For criminal record searches:

  1. Contact the Niagara County District Attorney's Office or submit a request to the New York State Office of Court Administration
  2. Provide the subject's full name and date of birth
  3. Complete required forms and pay applicable fees
  4. Allow processing time as specified by the agency

Niagara County District Attorney's Office
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7085
Niagara County District Attorney

How To Look Up Court Records in Niagara County Online?

Niagara County court records may be accessed through several online portals, each providing different types of case information. The New York State Unified Court System maintains comprehensive electronic resources for public access to court records.

The primary online resource is WebCriminal, accessible through the New York State Unified Court System website. This system allows users to:

  1. Search for criminal cases by defendant name
  2. View case status and upcoming appearance dates
  3. Access limited case information without registration
  4. Create an account for expanded search capabilities
  5. Obtain information from multiple courts within the county

For civil case records, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) provides access to:

  1. Supreme Court and County Court civil cases
  2. E-filed documents in participating courts
  3. Case status information
  4. Calendaring details
  5. Filed motions and decisions

To search for specific case types:

  • For matrimonial cases: Contact the Matrimonial Part clerk directly as these records have restricted online access
  • For family court matters: Limited information is available online due to confidentiality requirements
  • For surrogate's court: Probate and estate matters can be searched through the Surrogate's Court Records Search

When using these online systems:

  1. Begin with the most specific information available (case number preferred)
  2. Use exact name spellings when possible
  3. Narrow searches by date ranges if available
  4. Be aware that older cases may not be fully digitized
  5. Note that document viewing may require fees or in-person visits

How To Search Niagara County Court Records for Free?

New York State law provides for public inspection of court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge a fee for copies of records, but inspection of records is generally free of charge.

Free access options in Niagara County include:

Niagara County Supreme Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
Niagara County Supreme Court

Free search methods include:

  1. Using public access terminals at the courthouse to search case indexes
  2. Reviewing publicly posted court calendars
  3. Attending public court proceedings
  4. Consulting the court clerk for basic case status information
  5. Accessing the WebCriminal system for basic criminal case details

While inspection is free, users should note that:

  • Copy fees typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page
  • Certification fees may apply for official documents
  • Search fees may be charged for staff-assisted searches
  • Expedited service may incur additional charges
  • Electronic access to complete documents may require payment

What's Included in a Niagara County Court Record?

Court records in Niagara County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of origin. The content of these records is governed by the New York State Unified Court System rules and procedures.

For civil cases, court records typically include:

  • Summons and complaint initiating the action
  • Defendant's answer or response
  • Motions filed by either party
  • Affidavits and supporting documentation
  • Discovery materials filed with the court
  • Court orders and decisions
  • Judgment records
  • Transcripts of proceedings (if ordered)
  • Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
  • Appeals documentation

Criminal case records generally contain:

  • Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
  • Arraignment records
  • Bail or bond information
  • Pre-trial motions and responses
  • Evidence logs (but not necessarily the evidence itself)
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial transcripts (if ordered)
  • Verdict forms
  • Sentencing information
  • Probation terms
  • Appeals documentation

Family Court records may include:

  • Petitions for custody, support, or visitation
  • Orders of protection
  • Child protective proceedings
  • Juvenile delinquency records (with access restrictions)
  • Support enforcement documents
  • Adoption records (typically sealed)

Surrogate's Court records contain:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Probate petitions
  • Estate inventories
  • Accounting documents
  • Guardianship proceedings
  • Trust documents

Each record also contains administrative information such as:

  • Case or docket number
  • Filing dates
  • Judge assignments
  • Scheduling information
  • Party and attorney contact information
  • Service documentation

How Long Does Niagara County Keep Court Records?

Niagara County courts retain records according to schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System and the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. Retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and historical significance.

For criminal cases:

  • Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
  • Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 25 years after case disposition
  • Violation/infraction cases: Minimum of 6 years after case disposition
  • Sealed records: Maintained according to sealing order requirements
  • Dismissed cases: Typically 6 years, though records may be sealed earlier

For civil cases:

  • Supreme Court and County Court cases: Minimum of 25 years after disposition
  • Small claims matters: 6 years after disposition
  • Landlord-tenant proceedings: 6 years after disposition
  • Civil judgments: 20 years from entry (may be renewed)
  • Index books and case registers: Permanent retention

For family court matters:

  • Child support cases: Until the youngest child reaches 21 plus 6 years
  • Custody proceedings: Until the child reaches 21 plus 6 years
  • Juvenile delinquency: Until the subject reaches 21 (with exceptions)
  • Orders of protection: 6 years after expiration
  • Adoption records: Permanent retention (with access restrictions)

For surrogate's court:

  • Probate files: Permanent retention
  • Estate administration: Permanent retention
  • Guardianship records: 25 years after termination of guardianship
  • Trust documents: 25 years after trust termination

Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 89, the Chief Administrator of the Courts has authority to establish records retention schedules. Additionally, the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.05 grants the Commissioner of Education authority to develop records retention schedules for local governments, including court records.

Types of Courts In Niagara County

Niagara County's court system operates within the framework of the New York State Unified Court System, with various courts handling different case types and jurisdictional levels.

New York State Supreme Court - Niagara County
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
Niagara County Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Supreme Court, despite its name, is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases and some criminal matters.

Niagara County Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
Niagara County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Court handles felony criminal cases and civil matters up to certain monetary thresholds.

Niagara County Family Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6575
Niagara County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Family Court addresses matters including custody, support, juvenile delinquency, and family offenses.

Niagara County Surrogate's Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6394
Niagara County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Surrogate's Court handles probate, estate administration, adoptions, and guardianships.

Niagara Falls City Court
1925 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
(716) 278-8610
Niagara Falls City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lockport City Court
One Locks Plaza
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-6773
Lockport City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

North Tonawanda City Court
216 Payne Avenue
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 695-8450
North Tonawanda City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City Courts handle misdemeanors, violations, traffic infractions, and civil matters up to $15,000.

Additionally, Niagara County has numerous Town and Village Courts serving local jurisdictions. These courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic violations, and small claims.

The court hierarchy proceeds from Town and Village Courts to City Courts, then to County Court and Supreme Court, with appeals going to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and ultimately to the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court.

What Types of Cases Do Niagara County Courts Hear?

Niagara County's courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority over particular case types.

The New York State Supreme Court in Niagara County handles:

  • Major civil litigation with no monetary limit
  • Divorce and matrimonial actions
  • Corporate and commercial disputes
  • Real property matters
  • Equity proceedings
  • Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
  • Medical malpractice cases
  • Some criminal matters (concurrent with County Court)

Niagara County Court presides over:

  • Felony criminal prosecutions
  • Appeals from lower courts
  • Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
  • Landlord-tenant proceedings
  • Foreclosure actions

Niagara County Family Court addresses:

  • Child custody and visitation disputes
  • Child support proceedings
  • Juvenile delinquency cases
  • Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
  • Family offense proceedings and orders of protection
  • Child abuse and neglect cases
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Paternity determinations
  • Foster care approvals and reviews

Niagara County Surrogate's Court manages:

  • Probate of wills
  • Estate administration
  • Trust proceedings
  • Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
  • Adoption records
  • Estate litigation

City Courts (Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda) handle:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Parking infractions
  • Civil claims up to $15,000
  • Small claims up to $5,000
  • Housing code violations
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Town and Village Courts preside over:

  • Misdemeanor cases
  • Traffic infractions
  • Local ordinance violations
  • Small claims up to $3,000
  • Civil cases up to $3,000
  • Landlord-tenant matters
  • Preliminary proceedings in felony cases

Case assignment is determined by factors including:

  • Nature of the legal matter
  • Monetary amount in controversy
  • Geographic location within the county
  • Criminal classification (felony vs. misdemeanor)
  • Specialized subject matter (family, probate, etc.)

How To Find a Court Docket In Niagara County

Court dockets in Niagara County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.

For in-person docket searches:

  1. Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
  2. Provide the case name or index number to the clerk
  3. Request to view the docket sheet
  4. Pay any applicable search fees
  5. Review the information on public access terminals if available

Niagara County Clerk's Office
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7022
Niagara County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For online docket searches:

  1. Access the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)
  2. Select "Public Inquiry" for basic case information
  3. Enter search criteria (case number preferred)
  4. Review available docket entries
  5. Note that document access may be limited without registration

For criminal case dockets:

  1. Visit the WebCriminal portal
  2. Enter defendant name or case number
  3. Select Niagara County from jurisdiction options
  4. Review available case information and appearance dates
  5. Note that detailed information may require attorney registration

For future court appearances:

  1. Access the New York State Court Calendar
  2. Select Niagara County and the specific court
  3. Choose the relevant date range
  4. Review scheduled appearances by judge or case type
  5. Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance

When searching for docket information:

  • Case numbers provide the most accurate search results
  • Party names should be entered exactly as they appear in court records
  • Docket information may be limited for sealed or confidential cases
  • Historical cases may not be available electronically
  • Some docket entries may require in-person review of physical files

Which Courts in Niagara County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New York State judicial system, "courts of record" are defined by New York Judiciary Law § 2, which establishes which courts maintain formal records of all proceedings and have the authority to fine or imprison. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters and maintain less comprehensive records.

In Niagara County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts), including:

  • Town of Cambria Justice Court
  • Town of Hartland Justice Court
  • Town of Lewiston Justice Court
  • Town of Lockport Justice Court
  • Town of Newfane Justice Court
  • Town of Niagara Justice Court
  • Town of Pendleton Justice Court
  • Town of Porter Justice Court
  • Town of Royalton Justice Court
  • Town of Somerset Justice Court
  • Town of Wheatfield Justice Court
  • Town of Wilson Justice Court
  • Village of Lewiston Justice Court
  • Village of Middleport Justice Court
  • Village of Wilson Justice Court
  • Village of Youngstown Justice Court

These courts are characterized by:

  • Limited jurisdiction over minor offenses and small claims
  • Justices who may not be attorneys (though they receive judicial training)
  • Simplified procedures compared to courts of record
  • Less formal record-keeping requirements
  • Limited authority to impose penalties

By contrast, courts of record in Niagara County include:

  • New York State Supreme Court
  • Niagara County Court
  • Niagara County Family Court
  • Niagara County Surrogate's Court
  • City Courts (Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda)

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

  • Appeal procedures (appeals from courts not of record typically involve a new trial)
  • Record-keeping requirements
  • Formality of proceedings
  • Availability of transcripts
  • Precedential value of decisions

Pursuant to New York Uniform Justice Court Act § 2104, proceedings in Town and Village Courts must be recorded either by stenographic notes or by mechanical or electronic recording devices, despite their status as courts not of record.

Lookup Court Records in Niagara County

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