Suffolk County Criminal Records

What Is Suffolk County Criminal Records

Suffolk County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Suffolk County, New York. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions of criminal cases processed through the Suffolk County legal system.

Criminal records in Suffolk County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Suffolk County Police Department or local municipal police departments
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, whether through trial or plea agreement
• Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
• Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older (fully public in most cases)
• Juvenile Records: Proceedings for those under 18 (generally sealed and confidential under New York Family Court Act § 375.1)
• Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
• Historical Case Records: Complete case histories including arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing

Multiple agencies maintain different components of Suffolk County's criminal records system:

Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
100 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2200
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office

Suffolk County District Court
400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
631-208-5775
Suffolk County District Court

Suffolk County Police Department
30 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY 11980
631-852-6000
Suffolk County Police Department

According to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, law enforcement agencies are required to collect and maintain specific information upon arrest, including fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying information that becomes part of the criminal record. These records typically include charges filed, court appearances, plea information, trial proceedings, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.

Are Criminal Records Public In Suffolk County

Criminal records in Suffolk County are generally considered public records pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The law 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."

While many criminal records are publicly accessible, important exceptions and restrictions apply:

• Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, sentencing information, and sex offender registry information
• Restricted Records: Ongoing criminal investigations, sealed cases, youthful offender records, and juvenile delinquency proceedings

Records may be sealed under specific circumstances outlined in New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, which allows for the sealing of certain criminal convictions after a 10-year waiting period. Additionally, records related to cases that resulted in acquittals, dismissals, or declined prosecutions are automatically sealed under CPL § 160.50.

The Suffolk County Clerk's Office serves as the custodian for many court records, while the Suffolk County Sheriff maintains jail records and the District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records. Each agency applies relevant state laws regarding public access to the records under their jurisdiction.

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Clerk

Access to these records is subject to verification of identity and adherence to proper procedures established by the maintaining agencies. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted from public records to protect privacy.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Suffolk County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Suffolk County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Suffolk County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
2. Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 per name search, $0.25 per page for copies)
5. Allow 3-5 business days for processing if records are not immediately available

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Clerk

Written Requests:

1. Download the FOIL Request Form from the Suffolk County website
2. Complete the form with detailed information about the records being requested
3. Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification
4. Mail the request to the appropriate agency (Clerk's Office for court records, Sheriff's Office for jail records)
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees
6. Allow 10-15 business days for processing

For criminal case information specifically, the New York State Unified Court System provides access through their case information system:

Suffolk County Criminal Court
400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
631-208-5775
New York State Unified Court System

For sex offender registry information, the public may access the New York State Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 168-b, this registry contains information about registered sex offenders residing in Suffolk County and throughout New York State.

How To Find Criminal Records in Suffolk County Online?

Suffolk County residents and interested parties may access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system provides specific types of information and may require registration or fees.

New York State Unified Court System WebCriminal: This portal provides access to pending and closed criminal cases in Suffolk County courts.

1. Visit the WebCriminal portal
2. Create a user account or log in as a guest
3. Select Suffolk County from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Enter the defendant's name or case number
5. Review case information including charges, appearances, and dispositions

Suffolk County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: This database contains information on currently incarcerated individuals in Suffolk County correctional facilities.

1. Access the Suffolk County Sheriff's Inmate Search
2. Enter the inmate's name or booking number
3. Review custody status, facility location, and scheduled release date (if available)

New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup: For individuals sentenced to state prison from Suffolk County:

1. Visit the DOCCS Inmate Population Information Search
2. Enter the individual's name or Department Identification Number (DIN)
3. Review current facility, custody status, and earliest release date

New York State Sex Offender Registry:

1. Access the Sex Offender Registry
2. Search by name, county, or zip code
3. Review offender information, including risk level, address, and offense details

New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) Criminal History Record Search: This is a fee-based service ($95.00 per search) providing statewide criminal history information.

1. Visit the OCA Criminal History Record Search
2. Create an account and log in
3. Complete the search request form with subject's name and date of birth
4. Pay the required fee
5. Receive results within 5-7 business days

It is important to note that online records may not be comprehensive. Some records, particularly older cases or sealed records, may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Additionally, certain identifying information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy.

Can You Search Suffolk County Criminal Records for Free?

Suffolk County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, as provided under New York Public Officers Law § 87, which states that agencies may not charge for inspection of records or searches for records.

Free In-Person Inspection: The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suffolk County Clerk

Suffolk County District Court
400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
631-208-5775
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suffolk County District Court

While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records ($0.25 per page is standard) or for certified copies ($5.00-$10.00 per document).

Free Online Resources: Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:

1. WebCriminal Guest Access - Provides basic case information for criminal matters in Suffolk County courts without requiring registration
2. Suffolk County Sheriff's Inmate Search - Free access to current inmate information
3. New York State Sex Offender Registry - Free public access to registered sex offender information
4. New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup - Free access to state prison inmate information

It is important to note that while basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal history reports from the New York State Office of Court Administration require payment of a $95.00 fee. Additionally, certified copies of court documents, fingerprint-based background checks, and expedited services typically involve fees.

For individuals seeking their own criminal history information, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services offers a process to review personal criminal history records, though fingerprinting fees may apply. More information is available through the DCJS Record Review Unit.

What's Included in a Suffolk County Criminal Record?

Suffolk County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Mugshot/booking photograph
• Last known address
• New York State Identification (NYSID) number
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., Suffolk County Police Department)
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest with corresponding penal code citations
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

• Court case/docket number
• Court of jurisdiction (District Court, County Court, Supreme Court)
• Case filing date
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statutory classification of charges (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-B)
• Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
• Court appearance dates
• Plea information

Disposition Information:

• Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length and facility
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation or parole status and conditions

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or orders of protection
• Sex offender registration requirements and level
• DWI/DUI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Probation or parole violations

The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and whether any information has been sealed or expunged pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59. Records maintained by the courts typically contain the most complete case information, while law enforcement records focus primarily on arrest and charging details.

For cases resulting in conviction, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains additional records regarding incarceration, including disciplinary history, program participation, and release information for individuals sentenced to state prison.

How Long Does Suffolk County Keep Criminal Records?

Suffolk County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.

Court Records Retention:

• Felony case records: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor case records: 25 years after case disposition
• Violation/infraction records: 6 years after case disposition
• Sealed records: Maintained but with restricted access according to sealing order
• Youthful offender records: Sealed automatically with restricted access

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

• Arrest reports: 25 years
• Investigation files for major crimes: Permanent
• Investigation files for non-major crimes: 7 years
• Booking photographs/mugshots: 25 years
• Fingerprint cards: Permanent (forwarded to state repository)
• Incident reports: 10 years

Corrections Records Retention:

• Inmate case files: 10 years after release or discharge
• Jail admission/discharge records: Permanent
• Inmate medical records: 7 years after release or discharge
• Visitation logs: 3 years

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records, particularly those related to serious offenses, are maintained permanently. Digital conversion has enabled longer retention of many record types that previously might have been destroyed due to storage limitations.

The New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1 provides detailed guidance on records retention for all local government agencies in New York, including Suffolk County departments. This schedule is periodically updated to reflect changes in law and recordkeeping practices.

It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in electronic databases indefinitely. Additionally, commercial background check companies may maintain copies of public records beyond government retention periods.

For individuals seeking to limit the availability of their criminal records, New York law provides mechanisms for sealing certain convictions under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 after a 10-year waiting period, though certain serious offenses are ineligible for sealing.

Lookup Criminal Records in Suffolk County

Find an offender through the Incarcerated Lookup system

Access Criminal History Records and Background Checks through NY DCJS