Broome County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Broome County?
A search warrant in Broome County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's interest in investigating crimes against individuals' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.05, a search warrant is "a court order and process directing a police officer to conduct a search of designated premises, or of a designated vehicle, or of a designated person, for the purpose of seizing designated property or kinds of property, and to deliver any property so obtained to the court which issued the warrant."
Search warrants in Broome County must be based on probable cause, supported by sworn affidavits, and must particularly describe both the place to be searched and the items to be seized. These requirements stem directly from the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the New York State Constitution.
Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Civil warrants relate to non-criminal matters such as civil contempt or enforcement of court orders
Are Warrants Public Records In Broome County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Broome County follows a nuanced framework governed by New York State law. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), government records are presumptively available to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
For warrants in Broome County, public accessibility depends on several factors:
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Active warrants are generally not public records while investigations are ongoing. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e), records that "are compiled for law enforcement purposes and which, if disclosed, would interfere with law enforcement investigations" may be withheld from public disclosure.
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Executed search warrants may become public records once they have been executed and returned to the court, provided they are not sealed by judicial order and do not contain information that would compromise an ongoing investigation.
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Arrest warrants typically become public records once executed, though information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
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Bench warrants are generally considered public records as they relate to court proceedings, which are presumptively open to the public.
The Broome County Clerk's Office maintains court records, including warrant information that has become part of the public record:
Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2451
Broome County Clerk
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Broome County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Broome County may utilize several official channels. The Broome County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information and provides multiple methods for warrant verification:
Broome County Sheriff's Office
155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
(607) 778-1911
Broome County Sheriff
Methods to verify warrant status include:
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Contact the Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly by telephone at (607) 778-2923 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
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Visit the Sheriff's Office in person with proper identification to inquire about warrant status.
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Check the Sheriff's Office website which maintains a searchable database of active warrants in Broome County.
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Contact the Broome County Clerk's Office for information about bench warrants issued by county courts.
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Consult with an attorney who can make inquiries on your behalf while providing legal counsel.
Individuals should be prepared to provide personal identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and possibly a Social Security number when making inquiries about warrant status.
How To Check for Warrants in Broome County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Broome County through several no-cost methods:
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Online Warrant Database: The Broome County Sheriff's Office maintains a free, searchable database of active warrants accessible through their official website. Users may search by name to determine if a warrant exists.
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In-Person Verification: Individuals may visit the Broome County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to inquire about warrant status at no charge:
Broome County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(607) 778-2908
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Telephone Inquiry: The Warrants Division accepts telephone inquiries regarding warrant status at (607) 778-2923. This service is provided at no cost to callers.
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Court Records Search: The Broome County Unified Court System provides access to court records, including information about bench warrants:
Broome County Supreme and County Court
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 240-5800
- New York State WebCrims: For certain types of warrants related to criminal cases, the New York State WebCrims system provides case information, though registration may be required.
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide accurate identifying information and understand that certain warrant information may be restricted from public view pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.45.
What Types of Warrants In Broome County
Broome County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes:
Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Broome County are issued pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10.
Bench Warrants: Court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance or violates conditions of probation or parole. Broome County judges issue bench warrants under authority of New York Criminal Procedure Law § 530.70.
Search Warrants: Judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated property. Search warrants require probable cause and particular description of places to be searched and items to be seized.
Family Court Warrants: Issued in family court matters, including child support enforcement, custody violations, or failure to appear for family court proceedings.
Civil Warrants: Non-criminal warrants related to civil matters, such as judgment enforcement or civil contempt proceedings.
Material Witness Warrants: Orders to secure testimony from witnesses who may be unwilling to appear in court voluntarily.
Parole Violation Warrants: Issued when individuals on parole violate conditions of their release.
Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when probationers violate terms of their probation.
What Warrants in Broome County Contain
Warrants issued in Broome County contain specific information as required by New York State law. The content varies by warrant type, but generally includes:
For search warrants, pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.45, the document must contain:
- The name of the issuing court and the signature of the issuing judge or judicial officer
- The date of issuance and county of execution
- A designation of the property to be searched or seized
- The name of the applicant (typically a law enforcement officer)
- The grounds for issuance and underlying facts establishing probable cause
- A directive to a specific police officer or classification of officers
- The period during which the warrant may be executed (typically within 10 days)
- A directive that the warrant be executed between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM unless otherwise authorized
For arrest warrants, pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10, the document typically includes:
- The name of the issuing court
- The name or description of the individual to be arrested
- The offense charged
- The date of issuance
- The signature of the issuing judge or judicial officer
- A directive to law enforcement to arrest the named individual and bring them before the court
Bench warrants contain:
- The name of the issuing court
- The case number and nature of the proceeding
- The reason for issuance (typically failure to appear)
- The name and identifying information of the subject
- The signature of the issuing judge
Who Issues Warrants In Broome County
In Broome County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by New York State law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants:
Supreme Court Justices and County Court Judges: These judges have broad jurisdiction to issue all types of warrants throughout Broome County, including search warrants, arrest warrants, and bench warrants.
Broome County Supreme and County Court
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 240-5800
City Court Judges: Judges of the Binghamton City Court may issue warrants related to matters within their jurisdiction, including criminal cases and code violations within city limits.
Binghamton City Court
38 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 240-5500
Town and Village Court Justices: Local justices have authority to issue warrants for matters within their geographical and subject matter jurisdiction.
Family Court Judges: May issue warrants related to family court matters, including child support enforcement and custody issues.
Broome County Family Court
65 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 240-5700
The issuance of warrants follows strict procedural requirements. For search warrants, a law enforcement officer must submit an affidavit establishing probable cause to a judicial officer. The judge reviews the affidavit and, if satisfied that probable cause exists, issues the warrant specifying the place to be searched and items to be seized.
For arrest warrants, either a prosecutor or law enforcement officer presents evidence establishing probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the named individual committed it. Upon review and approval, the judicial officer issues the warrant.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Broome County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Broome County may utilize several official resources:
- Broome County Sheriff's Office Warrant Database: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database of active warrants:
Broome County Sheriff's Office
155 Lt. Van Winkle Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
(607) 778-1911
Broome County Sheriff's Warrant Search
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Direct Contact with Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the Warrants Division of the Broome County Sheriff's Office at (607) 778-2923 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
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Court Records Search: The Broome County Clerk's Office maintains court records that may contain information about bench warrants:
Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2451
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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New York State WebCrims: This online system provides access to criminal case information, including some warrant data: New York State WebCrims
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Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments within Broome County may have information about warrants issued within their jurisdiction:
Binghamton Police Department
38 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 723-5321
Johnson City Police Department
31 Avenue C
Johnson City, NY 13790
(607) 729-9321
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should provide accurate identifying information, including full legal name and date of birth. For third-party searches, be aware that certain information may be restricted due to privacy laws and ongoing investigations.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Broome County
Federal warrants operate under a separate system from state and county warrants in Broome County. These warrants are issued by federal judges or magistrates for violations of federal law. To check for federal warrants:
- Contact the U.S. Marshals Service: The U.S. Marshals are responsible for executing federal warrants and maintaining warrant information:
U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of New York
James M. Hanley Federal Building
100 South Clinton Street, Room 1069
Syracuse, NY 13261
(315) 448-0341
U.S. Marshals Service
- Federal Court Records: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York maintains records of federal cases, including warrant information that has become public:
U.S. District Court - Northern District of New York (Binghamton)
Alexander Pirnie Federal Building
10 Broad Street
Utica, NY 13501
(315) 793-8151
Northern District of New York
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PACER System: The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court records, though registration and fees may apply: PACER
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Federal Bureau of Investigation: For certain federal warrants, particularly those involving serious crimes, the FBI may provide information:
FBI Binghamton Resident Agency
15 Henry Street, Room M100
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 722-5321
- Federal Public Defender's Office: Legal counsel may assist in determining if federal warrants exist:
Federal Public Defender's Office - Northern District of New York
39 North Pearl Street, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 436-1850
Federal warrant information is often more restricted than state or county warrant data. Many federal warrants remain sealed until execution, particularly in ongoing investigations. Individuals with reason to believe a federal warrant may exist should consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Broome County?
Warrants issued in Broome County remain valid for different periods depending on their type and the governing law:
Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants: These warrants generally remain active until executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the issuing court. There is no expiration date for most arrest warrants in New York State. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, arrest warrants remain in effect until executed or formally vacated by court order.
Search Warrants: Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.30, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant expires and becomes invalid unless renewed by the issuing court. The statute specifies: "A search warrant must be executed not more than ten days after the date of issuance and it must thereafter be returned to the court without unnecessary delay."
Family Court Warrants: These typically remain active until the subject appears in court or the warrant is vacated.
Federal Warrants: Federal arrest warrants generally remain active until executed, regardless of time elapsed. Federal search warrants typically specify an execution timeframe, often 14 days from issuance, as prescribed by Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
It is important to note that while a warrant may remain legally valid indefinitely, practical considerations may affect enforcement. For minor offenses, older warrants may receive lower priority from law enforcement agencies. However, the legal obligation to address the warrant remains, and individuals with outstanding warrants may face arrest at any time, even years after issuance.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Broome County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Broome County varies based on circumstances, but the process generally follows these steps and timelines:
Standard Process: Under normal circumstances, obtaining a search warrant involves:
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Preparation of Affidavit (1-24 hours): Law enforcement officers must prepare a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause for the search.
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Review by Prosecutor (1-4 hours): In many cases, especially for complex investigations, the District Attorney's Office reviews the affidavit before submission to a judge.
Broome County District Attorney's Office
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 5th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2423
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Judicial Review (1-24 hours): A judge reviews the affidavit and either approves or denies the warrant application. This may occur promptly for urgent matters or take longer for complex cases.
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Issuance (Immediate upon approval): Once approved, the warrant is issued immediately.
Expedited Process: For emergency situations, search warrants can be obtained much more quickly:
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Telephonic Warrants: In urgent circumstances, New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.36 permits oral applications for search warrants by telephone or electronic means. This process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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After-Hours Warrants: Judges are available 24/7 for emergency warrant applications, though accessing an available judge during non-business hours may add some time to the process.
Factors affecting the timeline include:
- Complexity of the investigation
- Volume of supporting evidence
- Availability of judicial officers
- Urgency of the situation
- Completeness of the initial application
The entire process, from initial preparation to issuance, typically takes between 2 hours and 2 days, with most routine warrants being processed within 24 hours.