Nassau County Court Records
What Is Nassau County Court Records
Nassau County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the official account of actions, proceedings, and determinations made by the courts serving Nassau County residents. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Nassau County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
The following courts maintain records within Nassau County's judicial system:
- New York Supreme Court (Nassau County branch)
- Nassau County Court
- Nassau County Family Court
- Nassau County Surrogate's Court
- District Courts
- City Courts (Glen Cove, Long Beach)
- Village Courts
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The New York State Unified Court System maintains oversight of these records in accordance with state regulations and retention schedules.
Are Court Records Public In Nassau County
Court records in Nassau County are presumptively public under New York's open courts doctrine and the Public Officers Law § 84, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This statute establishes that government records, including court records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are generally available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records filed with courts
However, certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 50-b and other privacy statutes. These typically include:
- Family Court proceedings involving minors
- Sealed criminal records following dismissal or acquittal
- Records containing confidential personal information
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of New York (which includes Nassau County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. The New York State Court Administrative Rules provide additional guidance on public access to court records throughout the state, including Nassau County.
How To Find Court Records in Nassau County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Nassau County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The County maintains multiple access points for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the specific court that handled the case
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
Written Requests:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Case name and number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of document sought
- Requestor's contact information
- Mail request with appropriate fee to the relevant court clerk
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Electronic Requests:
- Access the Nassau County Courts and Legal Services portal
- Navigate to the specific court's records section
- Complete the online request form with case details
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive notification when records are available
For historical court records dating prior to current electronic systems, researchers may need to contact the Nassau County Archives or consult the Historical Society of the New York Courts for guidance on accessing archived materials.
How To Look Up Court Records in Nassau County Online?
Nassau County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and record category:
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims
- Visit the WebCrims portal
- Register for an account or log in as a guest
- Select Nassau County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review available case information
- Note that this system primarily covers criminal cases
Nassau County Land Records Viewer
- Access the Land Record Lookup system
- Create a user account for full access
- Search by name, document type, or property identifier
- View document indices and images
- Pay applicable fees for document copies
New York State eCourts
- Navigate to the NY State eCourts website
- Select the appropriate court type
- Enter party name or index number
- Review case information, appearances, and motions
- Note that document images may require in-person retrieval
Nassau County Family Court Records Family Court records have restricted online access due to confidentiality requirements under New York Family Court Act § 166. Limited case scheduling information may be available through the New York State Court Electronic Filing System.
Each online system contains different record types and search capabilities. Users should consult the specific court's website for detailed instructions on navigating these platforms.
How To Search Nassau County Court Records for Free?
New York State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is available at no cost through several channels:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
- No fee is required for on-site inspection of publicly available records
Free Online Search Options:
- New York State WebCivil Supreme - Free basic case information for civil Supreme Court cases
- WebCrims - Free criminal case information (guest access available)
- Nassau County Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court appearances
Nassau County Public Libraries: Several public libraries in Nassau County offer free access to legal research databases that may include court records:
Nassau County Library System
900 Jerusalem Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-292-8920
Nassau Library System
While basic record searches are available without charge, fees typically apply for:
- Printed or electronic copies of documents
- Certified copies of court records
- Extended database searches
- Records requiring retrieval from archives
Researchers should note that while inspection is free, staff assistance time may be limited, and complex searches may require professional assistance at additional cost.
What's Included in a Nassau County Court Record?
Nassau County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Summons and complaint
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting affidavits
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Judgments and orders
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeals documentation
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arraignment records
- Bail determination documents
- Motions and responses
- Evidence logs (not necessarily the evidence itself)
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (often restricted)
- Appeals documentation
Family Court Records:
- Petitions and responses
- Orders of protection
- Child support determinations
- Custody and visitation orders
- Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
- Juvenile delinquency records (restricted access)
- Transcripts of hearings
- Court-ordered evaluations (often confidential)
Probate/Surrogate's Court Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary
- Inventories of assets
- Accountings
- Objections to probate
- Guardian appointments
- Estate distribution orders
Each record includes a case docket sheet that serves as an index of all filings and proceedings. Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), certain personal identifying information must be redacted from publicly accessible documents, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How Long Does Nassau County Keep Court Records?
Nassau County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System under Judiciary Law § 89. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony convictions: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor convictions: 25 years after case disposition
- Acquittals or dismissals: 6 years after disposition (may be sealed earlier under certain circumstances)
- Youthful offender records: Sealed upon adjudication, maintained for 25 years
Civil Case Records:
- Supreme Court judgments: 25 years after case disposition
- Contract disputes: 6 years after final judgment
- Personal injury cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Property disputes: 25 years after final judgment
- Small claims: 6 years after disposition
Family Court Records:
- Adoption proceedings: Permanent retention (sealed)
- Child support orders: Until the youngest child reaches 21 plus 6 years
- Custody determinations: Until the youngest child reaches 21 plus 6 years
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches 21, then sealed
- Orders of protection: 6 years after expiration
Probate Records:
- Wills: Permanent retention
- Estate proceedings: Permanent retention
- Guardianships: 25 years after termination of guardianship
The New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on retention periods. Records that have exceeded their retention period may be transferred to the Nassau County Archives for historical preservation or properly destroyed according to state protocols.
Researchers seeking older records should contact:
Nassau County Archives
1550 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-1924
Nassau County Archives
Types of Courts In Nassau County
Nassau County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels:
New York Supreme Court - Nassau County
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
516-493-3200
NY Supreme Court - Nassau County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles major civil cases, divorces, and serious criminal matters
Nassau County Court
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-493-3650
Nassau County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles felony criminal cases and civil matters up to $25,000
Nassau County Family Court
1200 Old Country Road
Westbury, NY 11590
516-493-4000
Nassau County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles family matters including custody, support, and juvenile cases
Nassau County Surrogate's Court
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-493-3800
Nassau County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles wills, estates, and guardianships
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
516-493-4200
Nassau County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims, and civil cases up to $15,000
City Court of Glen Cove
23 Bridge Street
Glen Cove, NY 11542
516-676-0100
Glen Cove City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles local ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and small civil matters
City Court of Long Beach
1 West Chester Street
Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-1800
Long Beach City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles local ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and small civil matters
The court hierarchy in Nassau County follows the New York State judicial structure: Village/City Courts → District Court → County Court/Family Court/Surrogate's Court → Supreme Court → Appellate Division → New York Court of Appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Nassau County Courts Hear?
Nassau County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters distributed among its various courts according to subject matter jurisdiction:
New York Supreme Court (Nassau County)
- Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
- Corporate and commercial disputes
- Real property actions
- Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
- Medical malpractice claims
- Foreclosure proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Election law matters
Nassau County Court
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Civil matters between $15,000 and $25,000
- Criminal forfeiture proceedings
- Gun licensing matters
- Certificate of relief from disabilities
Nassau County Family Court
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Paternity determinations
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Persons in need of supervision (PINS)
- Family offense proceedings/orders of protection
- Adoption
- Child protective proceedings
- Foster care approvals and reviews
Nassau County Surrogate's Court
- Probate of wills
- Administration of estates
- Trust administration
- Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
- Adoptions (concurrent with Family Court)
- Estate litigation
- Kinship hearings
Nassau County District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Commercial claims (up to $5,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Civil actions up to $15,000
- Local code violations
City Courts (Glen Cove and Long Beach)
- Local ordinance violations
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Civil actions up to $15,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Village Courts
- Local ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Small civil claims
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by New York Judiciary Law § 190 and related statutes defining court authority.
How To Find a Court Docket In Nassau County
Court dockets in Nassau County provide chronological listings of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public may access dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the New York State eCourts WebCivil Supreme for civil cases
- Access WebCrims for criminal matters
- Enter case information (index number or party name)
- Review the chronological listing of case events
- Note that full document access may require in-person visits
In-Person Docket Requests:
- Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court
- Complete a docket request form
- Provide case identifying information
- Review docket information on public access terminals
- Request printed copies (fees apply)
Nassau County Clerk's Office Docket Services
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Telephone Docket Information: Limited docket information may be available by telephone for certain courts:
- Supreme Court Calendar Information: 516-493-3120
- County Court Calendar Information: 516-493-3660
- Family Court Calendar Information: 516-493-4005
Researchers should note that while basic docket information is publicly accessible, certain case types (family, juvenile, sealed cases) have restricted access pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 4 regarding court proceedings.
Which Courts in Nassau County Are Not Courts of Record?
A "court not of record" is a judicial body whose proceedings are not required to be transcribed or recorded verbatim, and whose judgments may be appealed for a completely new trial (trial de novo) rather than on the record established in the original proceeding. In Nassau County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record under New York Uniform Justice Court Act § 2001:
Village Justice Courts Nassau County contains numerous village courts that function as courts not of record, including:
Village Court of Garden City
351 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
516-465-4010
Garden City Village Court
Village Court of Hempstead
99 James A. Garner Way
Hempstead, NY 11550
516-489-3400
Hempstead Village Court
Village Court of Rockville Centre
1 College Place
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-678-9396
Rockville Centre Village Court
These courts typically handle:
- Traffic infractions
- Local ordinance violations
- Minor criminal matters (violations and misdemeanors)
- Small civil claims
Characteristics of these courts not of record include:
- Proceedings may not be stenographically recorded
- Judges may not be required to be attorneys
- Appeals result in new trials in County Court rather than record review
- Limited authority to issue certain types of orders
All other courts in Nassau County, including Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, District Court, and City Courts, are courts of record as defined by New York Judiciary Law § 2. These courts maintain verbatim records of proceedings, and appeals are based on the established record rather than de novo review.
Lookup Court Records in Nassau County
Nassau County Courts and Legal Services