Check New York Criminal Records Online

New York Criminal Records Search

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How to Check for New York Criminal Records

New York’s State Office of Court Administration (OCA) offers the public 24/7, access to criminal records through their New York Statewide criminal history record search (CHRS). You need the person’s name and date of birth to search, and each record will cost you $65. If you are a business who does a lot of them, you can apply for a corporate account and get a discount. The reports will show any activity for the past six months. All 62 counties are included in the records search.

Federal Records vs. Court Criminal Records in New York

New York has a dedicated office that handles public requests for federal court records; it is called the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). They used to offer online assistance, but that has changed. Now, you can contact them via mail or email for a copy of someone’s federal criminal records. You can also contact any local district or federal courthouse to obtain copies in person. You may also contact the FBI who keeps federal criminal records on file indefinitely.

How Long do Felony or Misdemeanor Charges Last?

Misdemeanors will stay on your record for the entire sentence (usually one year or less) and during probation (of up to three years). Felonies vary, and penalties can be one year or more up to a life sentence in prison. Some offenses will never be removed from your record. Regarding employment and background checks, repositories are supposed to remove anything that is older than seven years. So if you apply for a job, and your felony charge was ten years ago, you can claim to have none, and it should not show up.

Who Can Lookup your Criminal Background?

New York’s Division of Criminal Justice only allows you to obtain a copy of your own criminal records. They do not let anyone else order a copy of your criminal records. The DCJS will allow “qualified agencies” to request copies of your criminal records, but only the ones listed on their approved list can do so.

Why Check Someone’s Filed Criminal Charges?

Agencies you apply to for licensing or certification, often need to look up your criminal history. When you rent a new apartment, your landlord might want to make sure you don’t have a history of skipping out on the rent or vandalizing property. Private citizens use them for a variety of reasons.

Types of Criminal Records

The types of criminal information contained in a criminal record will be basic information of name, address, phone number, and a physical description. You might also see mug shots and fingerprints. Any charges including felonies, misdemeanors, and other violations will also show up. Your sentencing and prison stints will also be included.

How Are NY Criminal Records Created?

When someone enters the criminal justice system, paperwork is initiated at every new event. For example, when you are arrested, your RAP sheet is the first document created. After that every move, court appearance, charge, sentence, and disposition is logged, and your paper trail continues throughout your stay.