Criminal records in Suffolk County, New York, are available through several channels. SuffolkCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the County Clerk's office. Each of these resources covers different types of data — from current cases to archived records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Suffolk
Start your search with SuffolkCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or the case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings in Suffolk County.
Online Search through State Portals
- The WebCriminal system on the New York State Unified Court System website (iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim) allows searching for criminal cases in Suffolk County courts — Supreme Court and County Court. You need to select the court and provide the first and last name.
- Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the state's official criminal history database. Individuals can request a review of their own record by submitting an application with fingerprints.
- If a person is in a state correctional facility, use the Incarcerated Lookup of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Search by name or NYSID identifier.
- The Commission of Correction provides links for searching inmates in local county jails, New York City facilities, and state prisons.
In-Person Visit
The Suffolk County Court building in Riverhead has public terminals where case materials can be viewed. The County Clerk's office also accepts on-site requests.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the County Clerk's office or to DCJS. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. Attach a copy of identification and payment in the form of a money order.
You will need at least one of the following for the search:
- Full First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Case/Docket Number
- NYSID — only for criminal justice agencies
Search Suffolk Criminal Cases by Case Number
Every criminal case in New York State is assigned a unique number (docket or index number). The format depends on the court level:
- Supreme and County Court — the index number usually appears as the year plus a sequential number, for example, 2024-01234. The year indicates the filing date of the case.
- District and Justice Courts — local courts in Suffolk County use their own numbering with a court prefix, case type, and sequential number.
If you know the case number, enter it into the WebCriminal system or contact the County Clerk's office directly. The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific proceeding, especially when the name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Suffolk
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Article Code | Reference to New York State Penal Law, e.g., PL 155.30 (Grand Larceny 4th Degree) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during plea bargaining |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Sealed — the case is sealed under CPL §160.50 or §160.55 and not available for public view
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — assessment of evidence sufficiency (for felony)
- Pre-trial Conference — discussion of procedural issues between parties
- Trial — substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive review |
| Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | Case adjourned; if no violations occur within a set period, it closes automatically |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Suffolk
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with an official seal accepted by courts and government agencies.
Where to Apply
The Suffolk County Clerk's office issues certified copies of court decisions, records, and other case materials.
For a complete state-level criminal history, contact DCJS. The procedure requires submitting fingerprints through an authorized point (IdentoGO).
Requirements for Request
- Completed request form (available at the County Clerk's office)
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Case number or full name and date of birth
- Payment in the form of a money order or check payable to Suffolk County Clerk
Mail requests are accepted at the address above. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the response.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Suffolk
Fees are set according to CPLR §8019 and the New York State County Clerk Fee Schedule.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 |
| Document certification | $1.25 per document |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (fingerprints) | $95.00 |
| Index search (County Clerk) | $5.00 per name for every two years searched |
Processing Times
- In-Person Visit — copies are usually issued the same day if the case is not archived
- Mail Request — 5 to 15 business days depending on volume
- Check through DCJS — typically 2–4 weeks after fingerprint submission
Archived cases may take longer — check with the Clerk's office if the material is stored in Riverhead or at a separate facility.