Criminal records in Westchester County, New York, are available through several channels. WestchesterCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Westchester County Department of Public Safety — and the County Clerk's office. Each of these sources provides different amounts of data depending on the type of request and the status of the case.
How to Search Criminal Records in Westchester
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county. Here are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Online Search
- WestchesterCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to find publicly available information about criminal court cases.
- New York State Courts Portal (WebCriminal) — the New York State Unified Court System allows you to search for criminal cases heard in state courts. A full name of the defendant or a case number is required for the search.
- NY DCJS — Criminal History Check — the Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a registry of criminal records at the state level. Individuals can request their own criminal history by submitting fingerprints.
- DOCCS Inmate Lookup — if a person is in a state correctional facility, they can be found using this tool by name or DIN number.
In-Person Visit
The County Clerk's Office in White Plains stores materials from criminal cases heard in the County Court and Supreme Court. Visitors can view available records on-site. Bring identification with you.
Westchester County Clerk's Office
There are also public terminals in the courthouse for case searches.
Written Request by Mail
To obtain an official state-level criminal history, send a request to the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The request requires a completed form, fingerprints, and a fee payment. The County Clerk's office also accepts written requests for copies of court documents — include the case number, full name of the party, and return address.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person (First and Last Name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (case number or docket number)
- NYSID (for requests through DCJS — available only to law enforcement agencies)
Search Westchester Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal case. In New York, the format of the number depends on the court, but it usually contains several elements.
Typical structure of a criminal case number in state courts:
- Court prefix or county code — indicates which court is hearing the case (e.g., index for Westchester County Court).
- Year of filing — two or four digits of the year when the case was opened.
- Sequential number — a unique sequential number within that court and year.
For example, the format might look like XX-12345-2024, where the first characters indicate the type or court, followed by the sequential number and year. The exact format varies: City Courts, Town and Village Courts, and County Court use slightly different numbering schemes.
If you have a case number, enter it into the WebCriminal portal or inform the court clerk during an in-person visit or phone call — this will significantly speed up the search.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Westchester
A criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the article of the New York State Penal Law under which the charges are brought (e.g., PL 120.00 — Assault 3rd Degree) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Violation. Felony is classified from A to E, Misdemeanor from A to B |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or drop some charges during the case; updated information is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is under consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including the execution of the sentence
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to continue the case (mainly applies to felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — the parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial.
- Trial — the case is heard on its merits.
- Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty plea.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with the conditions of the punishment (e.g., probation).
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found innocence |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquittal following a trial |
| Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | The case is postponed; if the defendant does not break the law for a specified period, the case is closed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Westchester
Certified copies are official documents with the seal of the court or relevant authority, accepted as legal evidence.
Where to Apply
The request depends on what you need:
- Copies of court documents for a specific case — Westchester County Clerk's office or the relevant local court (City Court, Town Court) where the case was heard.
- Complete state-level criminal history — NY DCJS Record Review. Fingerprints must be submitted.
How to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the County Clerk's office in White Plains. Present photo identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or full name of the defendant.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party name, and type of document. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee.
- Through DCJS — to obtain your own criminal history, complete the request form, contact an authorized agency for fingerprinting, and pay the fee.
Westchester County Clerk's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Westchester
Fees for obtaining criminal records are determined by New York State law and the internal rates of the respective institutions.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 | According to CPLR § 8019 (County Clerk's fee for copies) |
| Document certification | $1.25 per document | CPLR § 8019 |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (for individuals) | $75.00 | NY Executive Law § 837(6); fee for fingerprint processing and check |
| Name search (County Clerk) | $5.00 per name for two years of search | CPLR § 8019 |
Processing Times
- Copies of court documents at the clerk's office — usually issued the same day for in-person requests if the case is easily accessible. Mail requests may take one to three weeks.
- Criminal history check through DCJS — four to eight weeks from the receipt of fingerprints.
For current rates, contact the County Clerk's office at (914) 995-3080 or check the information on the official Westchester County website.