Broome County Criminal Records

What Is Broome County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Broome County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law Article 6, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which establishes the framework for public access to government records.

Criminal records in Broome County are categorized by several distinct classifications:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has determined an individual committed a specific offense.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current enforcement actions, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Broome County:

Broome County Sheriff's Office
Public Safety Facility
155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
607-778-1911
Broome County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Records Division maintains comprehensive documentation of arrests, bookings, and jail records within the county.

Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-778-2451
Broome County Clerk

The County Clerk maintains court records including case filings, dispositions, and outcomes.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
518-457-5837
NY Division of Criminal Justice Services

The state agency maintains the central repository of criminal history information for New York.

Broome County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing decisions, and probation or parole information as defined under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10.

Are Criminal Records Public In Broome County

Criminal records in Broome County are generally considered public documents under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This statute establishes that "government is the public's business and that the public, individually and collectively and represented by a free press, should have access to the records of government."

The law specifically states that "all records of a public agency are available, except that agencies may deny access to records or portions thereof that fall within one of the enumerated exemptions." This creates a presumption of access with specific exceptions.

Public criminal records in Broome County typically include:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and case dispositions
• Arrest records (with limitations)
• Incarceration records
• Warrant information for individuals with active warrants

However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access, including:

• Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under FOIL § 87(2)(e)
• Sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (cases resolved in favor of the accused) and § 160.55 (certain misdemeanor convictions)
• Juvenile records, which are confidential under Family Court Act § 375.1
• Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under FOIL § 87(2)(b)
• Youthful offender adjudications, which are not criminal convictions under New York law

The Broome County Sheriff's Office and County Clerk's Office serve as the primary custodians of criminal records within the county. While these records are legally accessible to the public, requesters must follow established procedures and may be subject to fees for copies of documents.

It is important to note that the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official criminal history repository for the state, and access to complete criminal history information may require fingerprint-based background checks authorized by statute.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Broome County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Broome County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures.

For in-person requests at the Broome County Sheriff's Office:

1. Visit the Records Division at the Public Safety Facility during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
2. Complete the required records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees ($15.00 for most record searches).
5. Allow processing time, which varies based on the complexity of the request.

Broome County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Public Safety Facility
155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
607-778-1911
Sheriff's Records Division

For court records through the Broome County Clerk:

1. Visit the County Clerk's Office at the Broome County Office Building.
2. Request assistance from the clerk to search for specific criminal case records.
3. Provide case numbers if available, or name and approximate date information.
4. Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.65 per page for most documents).

Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-778-2451
Broome County Clerk

For written requests by mail:

1. Prepare a written request clearly identifying the specific records sought.
2. Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and any case numbers if known.
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for applicable fees.
4. Mail the request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office for arrest records, County Clerk for court records).

For comprehensive criminal history information:

1. Submit a request to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
2. Complete the Request for Criminal History Record Information form.
3. Include fingerprints taken by an authorized agency.
4. Pay the required fee ($62.00 for most requests).
5. Mail the complete package to the DCJS address in Albany.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
518-457-5837
Criminal History Records

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89, 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 Broome County Online?

Broome County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources provide varying levels of detail and accessibility to meet different public information needs.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office website serves as a primary portal for criminal records information with several searchable databases:

• Current Inmates Search: This database allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in the Broome County Correctional Facility. The search requires a last name and provides booking information, charges, and custody status.

• Warrants Database: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants. Users can search by name to determine if an individual has outstanding warrants in Broome County.

• News Releases: The Sheriff's Office publishes information about significant arrests and investigations, though not all law enforcement actions are included in these releases.

For court records, the New York State Unified Court System provides the WebCrims portal:

• WebCrims: This statewide system allows searches of pending criminal cases in participating courts, including Broome County courts. Users must register for an account at https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Login.

• eCourts: This system provides case information for civil and criminal matters in Broome County courts. Access is available at https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/ecourtsMain.

For state-level criminal history information:

• New York Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup: This database allows searches for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in New York State prisons.

• New York Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services, this database provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Broome County and throughout New York State.

When using these online resources, users should note several important limitations:

1. Online records may not be comprehensive and typically do not include sealed or expunged records.
2. Some detailed criminal history information requires fingerprint-based searches that cannot be conducted online.
3. The County Clerk's criminal search system has limited historical data, with some older records available only in person.
4. Registration is required for certain databases, and some searches may incur fees.

For the most comprehensive criminal records search, combining online resources with in-person requests at the Broome County Sheriff's Records Division or County Clerk's Office is recommended.

Can You Search Broome County Criminal Records for Free?

Broome County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though certain limitations apply. New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) establishes the right to inspect public records at no cost, though fees may be charged for copies.

Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge up to $0.25 per page for photocopies not exceeding 9 by 14 inches, or the actual cost of reproduction for larger records. However, the law specifically states that "an agency shall not charge for inspection of records, search for records, or any certification."

Free inspection options include:

In-Person Inspection at Government Offices

• Broome County Sheriff's Office Records Division
  Public Safety Facility
  155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
  Binghamton, NY 13905
  607-778-1911
  Sheriff's Records Division
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Broome County Clerk's Office
  Broome County Office Building
  60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
  Binghamton, NY 13901
  607-778-2451
  Broome County Clerk
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

At these locations, members of the public may request to view criminal records without charge, though identification may be required and certain records may be restricted.

Free Online Resources

Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal records information:

• The Broome County Sheriff's Office website offers free access to current inmate information and active warrants.

• The Sheriff's news releases page provides information about significant arrests and investigations at no cost.

• The New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims and eCourts portals offer free basic case information searches, though registration is required.

• The New York State Sex Offender Registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Broome County.

It is important to note that while inspection of records is free, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certain specialized searches, particularly those requiring fingerprint verification through the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, involve mandatory fees established by state law.

What's Included in a Broome County Criminal Record?

Broome County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records are maintained by various agencies including the Broome County Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk's Office, with content varying based on the nature and disposition of each case.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
• Mugshot photograph when available
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest with corresponding New York Penal Law citations
• Bail or bond amount and status
• Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

• Case/docket number
• Court of jurisdiction (Binghamton City Court, Broome County Court, etc.)
• Filing date and subsequent court appearances
• Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
• Classification of charges (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-B)
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
• Judge assigned to the case

Disposition Information:

• Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
• Verdict (if case proceeded to trial)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length and facility
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines, restitution, and court costs
  • Mandatory programs or treatment
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation or parole status and conditions

Additional Information:

• Active warrants as documented in the Sheriff's warrants database
• Orders of protection or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements and level
• DWI/DUI history and related license sanctions
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case status and age. Recent cases typically contain more detailed information, while older records may be more limited, particularly those predating digital recordkeeping. As noted in the County Clerk's criminal search FAQ, certain older felony files are warehoused at the County Clerk's Office, while many other criminal files are maintained by their respective courts.

Criminal records in Broome County are subject to New York State's sealing provisions under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, which allows for the sealing of certain convictions after a 10-year waiting period, making them inaccessible in standard record searches.

How Long Does Broome County Keep Criminal Records?

Broome 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, though many records are retained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.

Key retention periods for criminal records in Broome County include:

• Arrest Records: Basic arrest information is maintained permanently by the Broome County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Supporting documentation such as arrest reports must be retained for a minimum of 10 years after the arrest date.

• Criminal Case Files: Felony cases are retained permanently by the courts and County Clerk. Misdemeanor cases must be retained for a minimum of 25 years after case disposition, though many are kept permanently.

• Incarceration Records: Jail records documenting inmate custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility are retained for 10 years after an inmate's release or discharge.

• Fingerprint Records: Criminal fingerprint cards and associated biometric data are maintained permanently in the state's electronic fingerprint system operated by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

• Sex Offender Registration Records: Information on registered sex offenders is maintained for at least the duration of the registration requirement, which ranges from 20 years to lifetime depending on the offense and risk level.

• Warrant Records: Active warrants remain in effect until executed or recalled by the court. Records of executed or recalled warrants are retained for 10 years.

• Probation Records: Case files for adults on probation are retained for 10 years after the individual is discharged from supervision.

It is important to note that while records may be retained according to these schedules, access to certain records may be restricted due to sealing provisions under New York Criminal Procedure Law. Specifically:

• Records sealed under CPL § 160.50 (cases terminated in favor of the accused) are not physically destroyed but are made inaccessible for most purposes.

• Records sealed under CPL § 160.55 (certain misdemeanor convictions) remain accessible to law enforcement but not to the general public.

• Records sealed under CPL § 160.59 (eligible criminal convictions after 10 years) remain available for certain law enforcement and licensing purposes but are not accessible through standard background checks.

The New York State Police and Division of Criminal Justice Services maintain state-level criminal history information indefinitely, though access to this information is regulated by state law.

Lookup Criminal Records in Broome County

Records Division of the Broome County Sheriff's Office

Broome County Sheriff's Office News Releases

Broome County Sheriff's Office

Warrants Division of the Broome County Sheriff's Office

Broome County Clerk's Office

Criminal History Search FAQs from Broome County Clerk

Criminal History Records and Background Checks - NY Division of Criminal Justice Services

New York Department of Corrections Incarcerated Lookup

New York State Police