Nassau County Criminal Records
What Is Nassau County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Nassau County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which mandates the collection and preservation of criminal history information.
Criminal records in Nassau County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Nassau County Sheriff's Department or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, which become permanent parts of an individual's criminal history.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes 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 vs. Juvenile Records: While adult records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors.
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts.
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions, including dismissed cases.
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Nassau County include:
Nassau County Sheriff's Department
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-3800
Nassau County Sheriff's Department
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 571-2800
Nassau County District Court
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
NY Division of Criminal Justice Services
Complete criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Nassau County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Nassau County
Criminal records in Nassau County are generally considered public documents under 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.
Section 87(2) of the Public Officers Law states: "Each agency shall... make available for public inspection and copying all records..." This provision forms the legal basis for public access to criminal records in Nassau County.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The public status of records varies based on several factors:
Publicly Available Records:
- Court proceedings and calendars
- Adult conviction records
- Inmate custody information
- Criminal case dispositions
- Sex offender registry information
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (protected under Family Court Act)
- Youthful offender records
- Records expunged under specific statutes
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) maintains the official criminal history record repository for the state, including Nassau County. While conviction records are public, the New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 provides for the sealing of records in cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittals.
Additionally, recent criminal justice reforms in New York, including the 2019 amendments to CPL § 160.50, have expanded the categories of records eligible for sealing, particularly for certain drug offenses and non-violent crimes after specified waiting periods.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Nassau County must navigate this complex framework of accessibility, which balances the public's right to information against individual privacy rights and the state's interest in rehabilitation.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Nassau County in 2026
Members of the public may access criminal records in Nassau County through several established channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and the requesting party's relationship to the subject of the records.
In-Person Requests at the County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Nassau County Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $15 for a name search plus $1.25 per page for copies).
- Allow processing time, which varies based on the complexity of the request.
Nassau County Clerk
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Court Records Requests:
- Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case (District Court, County Court, etc.).
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office or access the New York State Unified Court System website.
- Provide the case number if known, or the individual's name and date of birth.
- Complete the required request forms.
- Pay applicable fees for searches and copies.
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 571-2800
Nassau County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Criminal History Record Requests:
For comprehensive criminal history records ("rap sheets"), individuals may:
- Submit fingerprints at an authorized fingerprinting location.
- Complete a Record Review Application form from the Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Include the required processing fee (currently $62.00).
- Submit the application package to the address provided on the form.
Mail Requests:
- Prepare a written request clearly identifying the records sought.
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail to the appropriate agency (Court Clerk or County Clerk).
Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying access with reasons, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
How To Find Criminal Records in Nassau County Online?
Nassau County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources vary in scope, accessibility, and the types of records they contain.
New York State Unified Court System WebCriminal: The WebCriminal database provides access to pending and closed criminal cases in Nassau County courts. Users can:
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View case status, appearance dates, and disposition information
- Access information on charges filed
- Track case progression through the court system
- View judge assignments and attorney information
Nassau County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current custody status of individuals
- Booking information and charges
- Scheduled release dates when available
- Bond/bail amounts
- Facility location information
New York State Sex Offender Registry: The Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services allows searches for:
- Registered sex offenders residing in Nassau County
- Risk level classifications
- Offense information
- Address information (for level 2 and 3 offenders)
- Photographs and identifying information
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: The DOCCS Inmate Lookup provides information on:
- Current inmates in state custody
- Individuals under community supervision (parole)
- Sentence information
- Facility location
- Earliest release dates
Nassau County District Attorney Case Information: The District Attorney's Office provides limited information on:
- Major case announcements
- Conviction information
- Press releases on significant prosecutions
Users should note that online systems have varying registration requirements. While some systems like the inmate lookup are freely accessible, others such as WebCriminal require user registration and may limit certain information to attorneys or justice system personnel. Additionally, the most comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is not available through public online portals and requires formal requests through the Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Online records may not include older cases that have not been digitized, and sealed or expunged records are excluded from public databases in accordance with state law.
Can You Search Nassau County Criminal Records for Free?
Nassau County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, as provided under New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which states that agencies may not charge for "inspection and copying of records unless otherwise specifically prescribed by statute."
Free In-Person Record Inspection: The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 571-2800
Nassau County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, agencies typically charge fees for copies of records, usually $1.25 per page for standard documents.
Free Online Resources: Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
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WebCriminal Public Access Terminal: Available at courthouse locations, these terminals offer free searches of the court's criminal case database.
-
Nassau County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: This free online database provides current custody information for individuals held in county facilities.
-
New York State Sex Offender Registry: The public registry is freely accessible and searchable by name, county, or zip code.
-
New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup: The DOCCS database provides free information on current state inmates and parolees.
-
Court Calendars: Daily court appearance schedules are publicly posted at courthouse locations and sometimes available on the court's website without charge.
It is important to note that while basic record searches may be free, comprehensive criminal history reports ("rap sheets") require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certified copies of court documents, expedited searches, and specialized record retrievals typically involve service fees established by county ordinance or state law.
Individuals seeking their own criminal history information for purposes of review or correction may request a fee waiver under certain circumstances, as provided in 9 NYCRR § 6050.2.
What's Included in a Nassau County Criminal Record?
Nassau County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court, County Court, etc.)
- Case filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assignment
Disposition Information:
- Court verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, restitution, and court costs
- Mandatory programs or treatment
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or orders of protection
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole violations
- Post-conviction relief applications
- Record sealing or expungement orders
Criminal records maintained by the Nassau County Clerk are organized chronologically, documenting the progression of cases through the justice system. These records serve multiple purposes, including informing judicial decisions, supporting law enforcement activities, and providing information for background checks as authorized by law.
It should be noted that pursuant to New York Correction Law Article 23-A, certain information in criminal records may be subject to limitations on use for employment purposes, and some records may be sealed or expunged under applicable state laws.
How Long Does Nassau County Keep Criminal Records?
Nassau 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 categories of criminal justice records.
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: 10 years after case closure
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention for convicted individuals; destroyed upon acquittal or dismissal pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
- Mugshot photographs: 10 years for convicted individuals; destroyed upon acquittal or dismissal
- Arrest warrants (executed): 10 years after execution
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until executed or recalled by the court
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case disposition
- Violation/infraction case files: 6 years after case disposition
- Court calendars and dockets: 6 years
- Grand jury records: Sealed permanently unless ordered unsealed by court
- Transcripts: Permanent retention for felonies; 6 years for other cases
Custody Records:
- Jail admission/release records: 10 years
- Inmate case files: 10 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
Probation/Parole Records:
- Probation case files: 10 years after discharge from supervision
- Pre-sentence investigation reports: 10 years after completion of sentence
Sex Offender Registry:
- Level 1 (low risk) offenders: 20 years from initial registration
- Level 2 and 3 (moderate and high risk) offenders: Lifetime registration
- Juvenile sex offenders: Varies based on risk level and offense
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely in court management systems. Additionally, records that have been sealed pursuant to statutory provisions are not physically destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained under restricted conditions.
The New York State Office of Court Administration maintains a permanent electronic index of criminal convictions that predates county-level retention schedules. This state-level repository ensures that conviction information remains available even after local records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Individuals seeking to determine if their criminal records are still maintained may submit a record review request to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, which coordinates with county agencies to provide comprehensive information about existing records.
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