>Chemung County Arrest Records Online

Chemung County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chemung County, New York?

Arrest records in Chemung County, New York are public documents accessible to members of the general public. Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Article 6 of the New York Public Officers Law §§ 84-90, these records are maintained as part of the public record. The law establishes a presumption of access to government records, including arrest records, to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies.

The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides guidance on public access to records. Under this framework, Chemung County law enforcement agencies are required to make arrest records available, though certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chemung County should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, specific information within them may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions. The Chemung County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the county.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chemung County?

Chemung County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The county has implemented electronic record-keeping systems that allow for the online retrieval of public records, including arrest information, in compliance with New York State's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility.

The Chemung County Online Records Search platform serves as the primary digital repository for public records. This system enables users to search for arrest records using various identifiers such as name, date of arrest, or case number. The online database is regularly updated to reflect recent arrests and case dispositions, though there may be a processing delay between an arrest and its appearance in the online system.

Additionally, the New York State Office of Court Administration maintains a statewide WebCrims database that includes information on criminal cases in Chemung County. Access to this system requires registration and may involve user fees for certain searches or document retrievals. The online availability of these records facilitates public oversight of law enforcement activities while balancing privacy considerations as mandated by state regulations.

How to Look Up Chemung County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Chemung County. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:

Submit a formal records request to the Chemung County Sheriff's Office located at 203 William Street, Elmira, NY 14901. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or by mail. The Sheriff's Office can be contacted at (607) 737-2987 for additional information regarding records requests.
Access the Chemung County Public Records Information portal to submit an electronic request. Users must provide specific information about the record being sought, including the approximate date of arrest and the full name of the individual.
Visit the Chemung County Clerk's Office at 210 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901. The office maintains court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office can be reached at (607) 737-2920.
Utilize the New York State Unified Court System's electronic case search for cases that have proceeded to court. This system provides information on criminal cases, including those originating from arrests in Chemung County.
Contact the arresting agency directly. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, local police departments within Chemung County maintain their own arrest records. The Elmira Police Department, located at 317 E. Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901, can be reached at (607) 737-5626 for records related to arrests within city limits.

Pursuant to § 89(3) of the Public Officers Law, agencies must respond to requests for records within five business days of receipt. Fees for copies of records may be assessed in accordance with § 87(1)(b)(iii) at a rate not to exceed 25 cents per page for photocopies or at the actual cost for other formats.

Contents of a Chemung County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Chemung County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by New York State record-keeping requirements. These official documents typically include:

Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the names and badge numbers of the arresting officers.
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific sections of the New York Penal Code allegedly violated and the classification of each offense (violation, misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking information, including the unique booking number assigned to the case, fingerprint identification data, and photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process.
Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or was remanded to the Chemung County Jail pending further proceedings.
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were dismissed, reduced through plea bargaining, or resulted in conviction.

In accordance with the Chemung County official records management protocols, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, home addresses of law enforcement personnel, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations as permitted under § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chemung County

New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. In Chemung County, these processes are administered through the county court system in accordance with state statutes, primarily Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and § 160.59.

Individuals may be eligible for record sealing or expungement under the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal are eligible for automatic sealing under CPL § 160.50, which requires that all records related to the arrest be sealed upon termination of the criminal action in favor of the accused.
Non-criminal offenses (violations and certain misdemeanors) may be eligible for sealing after a waiting period, typically one year from the imposition of the sentence, provided all conditions have been satisfied.
Certain criminal convictions may be eligible for sealing under New York's 2017 sealing law (CPL § 160.59), which allows individuals to apply for sealing of up to two eligible criminal convictions (one felony maximum) after a 10-year waiting period from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration.
Marijuana-related convictions may be eligible for automatic expungement under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021, which provides for the automatic expungement of certain marijuana offenses.

The application process for discretionary sealing requires filing a motion with the Chemung County Court located at 210 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901. The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the application and has the right to oppose the sealing request. The court then determines whether granting the application would serve the interest of justice.

Sealed records are not destroyed but are removed from public access and can only be viewed by specific agencies under limited circumstances as outlined in the relevant statutes. Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to sealed records for certain purposes, including consideration in future criminal proceedings.