Niagara County Criminal Records
What Is Niagara County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Niagara County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, these records document the history of arrests, prosecutions, and dispositions of criminal matters involving individuals processed through the Niagara County criminal justice system.
Criminal records in Niagara County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes an individual into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records include booking information, fingerprints, and photographs.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, whether through trial proceedings or negotiated agreements.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year, such as robbery, assault, or homicide.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration or fines.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: While adult records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Current outstanding warrants for arrest versus completed case documentation.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Niagara County, including:
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
5526 Niagara Street Extension
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-3370
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
Niagara County District Attorney's Office
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7085
Niagara County District Attorney
Niagara County Clerk's Office
Niagara County Courthouse
175 Hawley Street, 1st Floor
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7022
Niagara County Clerk
Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Niagara County
Criminal records in Niagara County are generally considered public information under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This statute establishes that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations.
The law specifically states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions... The people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society."
However, public access to criminal records in Niagara County is subject to certain limitations and exceptions:
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Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and sentencing information are generally available to the public.
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Restricted Records: Several categories of criminal records have limited accessibility:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records expunged under New York's sealing laws
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 provides for the sealing of records in cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. Additionally, under recent criminal justice reforms, certain conviction records may be eligible for sealing after specified waiting periods through the sealing process administered by the New York State Attorney General's office.
Law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors maintain discretion regarding the release of certain sensitive information, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations or where public safety concerns exist. The Niagara County Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office follow established protocols for determining which records may be released to the public and which require additional authorization or court orders.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Niagara County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Niagara County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information and requiring specific procedures.
For in-person requests at the Niagara County Courthouse:
- Visit the Niagara County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 per name search plus $0.65 per page for copies).
- Allow processing time, which varies based on the complexity and age of the records requested.
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form from the Niagara County Clerk's website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
Niagara County Clerk's Office
Niagara County Courthouse
175 Hawley Street, 1st Floor
Lockport, NY 14094
For criminal case information from the courts:
- Contact the specific court where the case was heard (City, Town, Village, or County Court).
- Provide the defendant's name and, if possible, the case number.
- Specify which documents are being requested (e.g., charging documents, disposition, sentencing information).
For comprehensive criminal history reports:
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting vendor.
- Complete the required forms from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Pay the required fee (currently $65.00).
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
Authorized agencies and individuals may also request criminal records through the eJusticeNY Integrated Justice Portal, though this system requires credentials and is not available to the general public.
How To Find Criminal Records in Niagara County Online?
Niagara County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information available online may be more limited than complete records available at county offices.
The primary online resources include:
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New York State Unified Court System WebCrims - This portal provides access to pending and closed criminal cases in Niagara County courts.
- Visit WebCrims
- Registration is not required for basic searches
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney
- Information includes case status, charges, court appearances, and disposition
- Does not include complete case files or documents
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Niagara County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
- Visit the Niagara County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
- Search by name or booking number
- Information includes current charges, booking date, and scheduled release date
- Updated daily
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Niagara County Clerk's Records Portal - This system provides access to certain court records.
- Visit the Niagara County Clerk's Records Portal
- Registration and subscription may be required for full access
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Information includes case filings, judgments, and certain court documents
- Fees may apply for document copies
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New York State Sex Offender Registry - This database provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Niagara County.
- Visit NY Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, county, or zip code
- Information includes offender photos, addresses, and conviction information
- No registration or fees required
When using online resources, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Some online systems may have limited information compared to official court files
- Certain sensitive or sealed records will not appear in public online searches
- Information accuracy should be verified through official county offices
For the most comprehensive criminal records search, combining online resources with direct inquiries to the Niagara County Clerk's Office or relevant courts is recommended.
Can You Search Niagara County Criminal Records for Free?
Niagara County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, the public has the right to inspect many government records during regular business hours without fee, though charges may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free inspection options include:
- In-Person Court Record Review: Members of the public may visit the Niagara County Courthouse to review publicly available criminal case files at no cost. This service is available at:
Niagara County Courthouse
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to basic case information, though printing fees may apply.
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Online Resources Without Subscription Requirements:
- New York State WebCrims - Basic criminal case information
- Niagara County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - Current jail population information
- New York State Sex Offender Registry - Information on registered sex offenders
While these resources provide free access to basic criminal record information, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free services typically do not include copies of documents
- Comprehensive criminal history reports require fees
- Certified copies of court documents incur charges
- Some detailed case information may only be available through paid services
- Older records may not be available through free online resources
For individuals seeking their own criminal history information, the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services provides a process to obtain personal records, though fees apply for this service.
Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain government entities have broader access to criminal records through specialized systems not available to the general public.
What's Included in a Niagara County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Niagara County typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete overview of criminal proceedings from arrest through final disposition and any subsequent actions.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Pre-arraignment detention details
Court Case Information:
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (City, Town, Village, or County Court)
- Filing date and arraignment details
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with applicable statutes
- Classification of charges (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-B)
- Defense attorney information
- Plea information and hearing dates
- Pre-trial motions and decisions
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, restitution, and court costs
- Mandatory programs or treatment
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or bench warrants
- Orders of protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history and related license sanctions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Post-conviction relief applications
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the status of the proceedings. Records maintained by the Niagara County Clerk's Office typically focus on court proceedings, while records from the Sheriff's Office contain more detailed arrest and booking information.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, information about minors, victim identifying information, and details sealed by court order.
How Long Does Niagara County Keep Criminal Records?
Niagara County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records, though many records are maintained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Key retention periods for criminal records in Niagara County include:
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Felony Case Records: Permanent retention for all documentation related to felony prosecutions, including case files, evidence logs, and court transcripts.
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Misdemeanor Case Records: Minimum retention of 25 years after case closure or completion of sentence, whichever is longer.
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Arrest Records Without Prosecution: Minimum retention of 7 years from the date of arrest if no formal charges were filed.
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Criminal Court Dockets: Permanent retention as these serve as the official chronological record of court proceedings.
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Booking Records and Mugshots: Minimum retention of 10 years after the individual's release from custody or completion of sentence.
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Warrant Information: Active warrants remain in effect until executed or recalled by the court. Records of executed or recalled warrants are retained for 10 years.
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Probation Records: Minimum retention of 10 years after discharge from probation or maximum retention period of the underlying offense, whichever is longer.
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Sex Offender Registration Records: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement, which may be 20 years to lifetime depending on the level of offense.
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Sealed Records: While physically maintained, these records are removed from public access pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and § 160.55.
The Niagara County Clerk's Office and County Courts have implemented digital archiving systems to preserve older records, making many historical criminal records accessible despite their age. However, the format and completeness of older records may vary, with some existing only on microfilm or in paper format.
Law enforcement agencies in Niagara County may maintain their own records beyond the minimum retention periods for investigative purposes. Additionally, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a central repository of criminal history information that may retain records beyond local retention schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in Niagara County
Niagara County Police Department Contact Information
Niagara County Official Website
Niagara County Clerk's Office Records
New York State Criminal History Records and Background Checks