Broome County Court Records
What Is Broome County Court Records
Court records in Broome County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained pursuant to New York State Judiciary Law § 255, which mandates the preservation of court documents. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
- Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Broome County Unified Court System maintains records for various courts operating within the county, including:
- New York State Supreme Court (Broome County branch)
- Broome County Court
- Broome County Family Court
- Broome County Surrogate's Court
- City Court of Binghamton
- Various Town and Village Courts
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a detailed account of judicial proceedings within Broome County's legal system.
Are Court Records Public In Broome County
Court records in Broome County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) § 84-90 and the state's commitment to open courts. The presumption of public access applies to most court records, though certain exceptions exist to protect privacy, confidentiality, and other compelling interests.
Records typically available for public inspection include:
- Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case records following arraignment
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees (with certain restrictions)
However, access restrictions apply to:
- Family Court proceedings involving juveniles
- Sealed criminal records following successful completion of diversion programs
- Records sealed pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
The New York State Office of Court Administration has established uniform rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are codified in 22 NYCRR § 124, which outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining court records.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of New York, which includes Broome County, are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
How To Find Court Records in Broome County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Broome County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record sought and its age. Currently, the following options are available:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the specific court where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form available at the court clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25-$1.00 per page, depending on document type)
Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2451
Broome County Clerk
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check for applicable fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Access:
- Utilize the New York State Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) for newer cases
- Access the WebCriminal portal for criminal case information
- Search the WebFamily system for certain family court matters
For older records that may have been archived, contact the Broome County Records Management Office, which maintains historical court documents. Pursuant to New York's records retention schedules, some older records may be stored off-site and require additional time for retrieval.
How To Look Up Court Records in Broome County Online?
Broome County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals, each serving different segments of the judicial system. The availability of records online varies by court type and case category. Currently, the following digital resources are available:
New York State Unified Court System E-Courts:
- Navigate to the NYS Courts Electronic Filing system
- Create a user account or log in as a guest user
- Select "Broome County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by index number, party name, or attorney/firm
- Access publicly available documents for civil Supreme Court and County Court cases
WebCriminal Portal:
- Visit the WebCriminal website
- Select "Public Access" option (no login required)
- Choose "Broome County" from the court selection menu
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View case status, appearance dates, and basic case information
WebFamily Portal:
- Access the WebFamily system
- Note that access is restricted to parties, attorneys, and agencies involved in cases
- Login credentials are required for most searches
- Limited information is available to the general public
Broome County Clerk's Records Search:
- Visit the Broome County Clerk's online records portal
- Select the appropriate record type (court records, land records, etc.)
- Search using available parameters (name, date, document type)
- Create an account to access enhanced features
- Pay applicable fees for document copies or certified records
Users should note that online access has certain limitations. Some documents may only be available in redacted form, while others require in-person inspection. Additionally, pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 212(2)(j), certain sensitive information is automatically redacted from online court records to protect privacy.
How To Search Broome County Court Records for Free?
New York State law provides for public inspection of court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), the public has the right to examine records during regular business hours at no cost. Broome County residents can utilize several free options to access court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court during public hours
- Request to view specific case files using available indices
- Examine documents on-site without charge
- Take notes or use personal devices to photograph documents (where permitted)
Free Online Resources:
- New York State WebCriminal - Free access to basic criminal case information
- New York State Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court appearances
- Broome County Public Case Lookup - Basic case information available without charge
Public Access Terminals:
- Available at the Broome County Courthouse
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- No user accounts required
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
Broome County Law Library
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2875
While basic searches and document inspection are free, users should be aware that fees apply for printed copies ($0.25 per page for standard documents), certified copies ($8.00 per document), and exemplified copies ($10.00 per document). Additionally, extensive searches requiring staff assistance may incur research fees as permitted under CPLR § 8019.
What's Included in a Broome County Court Record?
Broome County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. Typically, a complete court record includes:
Civil Case Records:
- Summons and complaint initiating the action
- Defendant's answer and any counterclaims
- Motions and supporting affidavits
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Court orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeals documentation
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and pretrial release determinations
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and evidence
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (access restricted)
- Appeals and post-conviction proceedings
Family Court Records:
- Petitions and responses
- Orders of protection
- Child support determinations
- Custody and visitation orders
- Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
- Juvenile delinquency records (access restricted)
- Child protective proceedings
Surrogate's Court Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Probate petitions
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of assets
- Accountings
- Guardianship proceedings
- Estate tax returns (access restricted)
Each record also contains a case docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions. Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), certain sensitive information must be redacted from court filings, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How Long Does Broome County Keep Court Records?
Broome County adheres to the New York State Unified Court System's records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various court documents. These schedules are promulgated pursuant to Article 57-A of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law and vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
- Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: 10 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 25 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases dismissed or acquitted: 6 years after disposition
- Traffic infractions: 6 years after disposition
Civil Case Records:
- Supreme Court and County Court civil cases: 25 years after disposition
- Small claims matters: 6 years after disposition
- Landlord-tenant proceedings: 6 years after disposition
- Civil judgments: 20 years from date of filing (renewable)
Family Court Records:
- Child support proceedings: Until the youngest child reaches 28 years of age
- Custody and visitation: Until the youngest child reaches 28 years of age
- Juvenile delinquency: Until the subject reaches 21 years of age
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
- Orders of protection: 20 years from issuance
Surrogate's Court Records:
- Probate proceedings: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship proceedings: 25 years after termination of guardianship
The Broome County Records Management Office oversees the preservation of court records beyond their active period. Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Broome County Archives for permanent preservation. Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format, enhancing accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation.
Types of Courts In Broome County
Broome County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court handles specific case types within the framework of New York State's unified court system.
New York State Supreme Court - Broome County
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2368
NYS Supreme Court - 6th Judicial District
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Broome County Court
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2881
Broome County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Broome County Family Court
65 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2600
Broome County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Broome County Surrogate's Court
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2377
Broome County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
City Court of Binghamton
38 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-1550
Binghamton City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Town and Village Courts
Multiple locations throughout Broome County
Directory of Town and Village Courts
Hours: Vary by location
The court hierarchy in Broome County follows the New York State judicial structure, with Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts) at the local level, followed by City Courts, County-level courts (County, Family, Surrogate's), and the Supreme Court. Appeals from these courts are heard by the Appellate Division, Third Department, and potentially by the New York State Court of Appeals, the state's highest court.
What Types of Cases Do Broome County Courts Hear?
Broome County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific subject matter jurisdiction as established by New York State law.
New York State Supreme Court - Broome County:
- Civil actions seeking monetary damages exceeding $25,000
- Equity proceedings (injunctions, specific performance)
- Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
- Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
- Tax certiorari proceedings
- Medical malpractice claims
- Complex commercial litigation
- Foreclosure actions
Broome County Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Appeals from lower courts (Town, Village, City Courts)
- Civil actions with damages between $15,000 and $25,000
- Specialized treatment courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
Broome County Family Court:
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
- Family offense proceedings (domestic violence)
- Child protective proceedings
- Adoption proceedings
- Paternity determinations
Broome County Surrogate's Court:
- Probate of wills
- Administration of estates
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Adoption proceedings (concurrent with Family Court)
City Court of Binghamton:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil actions up to $15,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Landlord-tenant proceedings
- Code violation cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Town and Village Courts:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions
- Civil actions up to $3,000
- Small claims up to $3,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Local ordinance violations
- Preliminary proceedings in felony cases
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in the New York State Constitution Article VI and various statutes including the Uniform Justice Court Act, Uniform City Court Act, Family Court Act, and Surrogate's Court Procedure Act.
How To Find a Court Docket In Broome County
Court dockets in Broome County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. These essential records help track case progress and scheduled appearances. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System WebCriminal for criminal case dockets
- Access NYSCEF for civil Supreme Court and County Court dockets
- Check the WebFamily portal for limited Family Court docket information
- Use the New York State Court Calendar for upcoming appearance dates
In-Person Docket Requests:
- Visit the clerk's office for the specific court handling the case
- Provide case number or party names to the clerk
- Request to view the docket sheet or case history
- Review the information on public access terminals where available
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case identifying information
- Request basic docket information (limitations apply to telephone requests)
Broome County Clerk's Office Docket Search:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office for cases filed in Supreme or County Court
- Request assistance with docket searches for older cases
- Access historical docket information for closed cases
Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, electronic filing systems maintain docket information for cases filed through NYSCEF. For older cases or those in courts not participating in electronic filing, paper dockets remain the official record. Docket information typically includes case number, party names, attorney information, filing dates, scheduled appearances, and disposition information.
Which Courts in Broome County Are Not Courts of Record?
In New York State's judicial system, "courts of record" are defined by Judiciary Law § 2 as courts whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and whose judgments are formally entered and preserved. Conversely, courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts.
In Broome County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:
Town Courts:
- Town of Barker Justice Court
- Town of Binghamton Justice Court
- Town of Chenango Justice Court
- Town of Colesville Justice Court
- Town of Conklin Justice Court
- Town of Dickinson Justice Court
- Town of Fenton Justice Court
- Town of Kirkwood Justice Court
- Town of Lisle Justice Court
- Town of Maine Justice Court
- Town of Nanticoke Justice Court
- Town of Sanford Justice Court
- Town of Triangle Justice Court
- Town of Union Justice Court
- Town of Windsor Justice Court
Village Courts:
- Village of Deposit Justice Court
- Village of Endicott Justice Court
- Village of Johnson City Justice Court
- Village of Port Dickinson Justice Court
- Village of Windsor Justice Court
These courts, collectively known as Justice Courts, handle minor criminal matters, traffic infractions, small claims, and local ordinance violations. While these courts maintain records of their proceedings and decisions, they typically do not create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. Instead, they produce simplified records and minutes.
Appeals from these courts are heard by the Broome County Court, which is a court of record. When such appeals occur, the lower court must provide a record of the proceedings sufficient for appellate review, as required by Uniform Justice Court Act § 2019.