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Chautauqua County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chautauqua County, New York?

Arrest records are public documents in Chautauqua County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including:

  • Maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Ensuring accountability of public officials
  • Facilitating informed civic participation
  • Supporting public safety through information dissemination

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be sealed or redacted in accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, particularly in cases involving youthful offenders, certain dismissed charges, or when court orders specifically mandate confidentiality.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chautauqua County?

Chautauqua County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital records varies significantly. The county has implemented digital record-keeping systems in accordance with New York State Technology Law § 106, which encourages government agencies to make public records available electronically when feasible.

Online access to arrest records is provided through:

Members of the public should note that online records may not always reflect the most current case status, particularly regarding case dispositions or subsequent court actions. For the most accurate and complete information, direct contact with the custodial agency is recommended.

How to Look Up Chautauqua County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Chautauqua County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies must make records available upon request, subject to applicable exemptions. The following options are available for accessing arrest records:

  1. In-person requests at the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office:

    Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office
    15 E. Chautauqua Street
    Mayville, NY 14757
    (716) 753-4900
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  2. County Clerk's Office for court-related arrest records:

    Chautauqua County Clerk's Office
    3 North Erie Street
    Mayville, NY 14757
    (716) 753-4331
    County Clerk Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  3. Online resources:

  4. Written FOIL requests:

    • Submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
    • Must include specific information about the requested records
    • May require payment of statutory fees for document reproduction

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, approximate date of birth, and date of arrest if known. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days.

Contents of a Chautauqua County Arrest Record

Chautauqua County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally include:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual:

    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
    • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
    • Booking photograph ("mugshot")

  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Statutory charges filed, including New York Penal Law citations
    • Brief narrative of alleged criminal activity
    • Weapon or controlled substance information, if applicable

  • Case processing information:

    • Booking number and facility information
    • Fingerprint identification data
    • Court appearance dates
    • Bail or bond determination
    • Custody status

  • Disposition information (when available):

    • Court of jurisdiction
    • Case outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
    • Sentencing details if convicted

The level of detail in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited in accordance with privacy provisions under New York Public Officers Law § 89(2) and Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, particularly for cases resulting in dismissals or acquittals.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chautauqua County

New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The 2019 amendments to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 expanded eligibility for record sealing, while the 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) created automatic expungement for certain marijuana-related offenses.

Eligibility criteria for record sealing in Chautauqua County include:

  • For non-conviction records:

    • Cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or declined prosecution are eligible for automatic sealing under CPL § 160.50
    • Certain non-criminal dispositions qualify for sealing under CPL § 160.55

  • For conviction records:

    • Most misdemeanor convictions and certain felony convictions may be eligible for sealing after a 10-year waiting period
    • No more than two eligible convictions total, with no more than one felony
    • Certain offenses are categorically ineligible, including sex offenses, violent felonies, and class A felonies

The expungement process typically requires:

  1. Filing a motion with the court of original jurisdiction
  2. Notification to the District Attorney's Office
  3. Judicial review and determination
  4. Implementation of sealing orders by relevant agencies

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing or employment contexts as specified in CPL § 160.59(9).

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