Batavia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Batavia, New York?
Arrest records are public documents in Batavia, New York, accessible to all members of the public under state transparency laws. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90, establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests. Under FOIL, government agencies must make records available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates under the presumption of access, meaning that all government records are considered public unless they fall under specific exemption categories outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2).
Residents and non-residents alike may request arrest records from the appropriate law enforcement agencies in Batavia. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in accordance with Public Officers Law § 89(2). Juvenile records are generally sealed pursuant to Family Court Act § 375.1 and not available through standard public record requests.
The Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official duties and are the primary custodians of arrest information within their respective jurisdictions.
How to Look Up Batavia Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Batavia, New York. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the records division of the Batavia Police Department located at 10 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. The records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a FOIL request form and present valid identification.
Genesee County Sheriff's Office: Records may also be requested from the Sheriff's Office at 165 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone: (585) 343-5000.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written FOIL requests via mail to either agency. Requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity as required by Public Officers Law § 89(3).
Online Portal: The City of Batavia maintains an online FOIL request system through which citizens may submit requests electronically. Processing times typically range from 5 to 20 business days in accordance with Public Officers Law § 89(3).
Genesee County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the County Clerk at 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (585) 815-7000.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not exceeding 25 cents per page for photocopies or the actual cost of reproduction for other formats.
Contents of a Batavia Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Batavia law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (including New York State ID and FBI numbers when applicable)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting officer's name and badge number; agency case number; and method of arrest (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Criminal Charges: Complete list of offenses charged, including statute numbers, classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation), and charge descriptions
Booking Information: Fingerprints, photographs, property inventory, and medical screening results as required by 9 NYCRR § 7502.1
Procedural Information: Miranda warning documentation, arraignment details, bail or release determinations, and court appearance schedules
Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Batavia
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records, applicable to arrests occurring in Batavia. The process is governed primarily by Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) § 160.50 for dismissed cases and CPL § 160.59 for eligible convictions.
Automatic sealing occurs in the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (CPL § 160.50)
- Cases dismissed or terminated in favor of the accused (CPL § 160.50)
- Certain marijuana possession convictions pursuant to CPL § 160.50(3)(k)
- Adjournments in contemplation of dismissal (ACDs) after the adjournment period (CPL § 170.55)
For conviction records, individuals may petition for sealing under CPL § 160.59 if:
- At least 10 years have elapsed since the individual's last criminal conviction
- The conviction is for an eligible offense (most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors qualify)
- The individual has no more than two misdemeanor convictions or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction
The application process requires submission of a motion to seal to the court where the conviction occurred. The District Attorney's Office has 45 days to file any objections, after which the court may schedule a hearing. If granted, the records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing authorities as specified in CPL § 160.59(9).
The Genesee County Court, located at 1 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020, processes sealing applications for felony convictions, while Batavia City Court at 10 West Main Street handles misdemeanor sealing applications.
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