Brighton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brighton, New York?
Arrest records in Brighton, New York are considered public documents pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout New York State, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may access these records to promote transparency in government operations and uphold the principle that citizens have the right to be informed about law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Brighton Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records become public once an individual is formally charged with an offense. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety as outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2).
How to Look Up Brighton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Brighton, New York in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
• In-person requests can be submitted at the Brighton Police Department located at 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton, NY 14618. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and can be reached at (585) 784-5150.
• Written requests may be submitted to the Records Access Officer at the Brighton Police Department pursuant to FOIL guidelines. Requestors must provide specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
• The Monroe County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions within its jurisdiction, including Brighton. Their office is located at 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614, and operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office can be contacted at (585) 753-1600.
• New York State's electronic court records system, WebCrims, provides limited access to pending criminal cases. This system is maintained by the New York State Unified Court System and requires registration for full access.
• The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides criminal history record searches for a fee of $95.00 per name. Requests can be submitted to OCA Criminal History Record Search, 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004.
Requestors should note that processing times vary depending on the method chosen and the complexity of the request. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days of receipt.
Contents of a Brighton Arrest Record
Brighton arrest records contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and any known aliases or identifying numbers such as driver's license or social security numbers.
• Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred.
• Criminal charges filed, including the specific section of law allegedly violated and the classification of the offense (violation, misdemeanor, or felony).
• Arresting agency information, including the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
• Booking information, which may include fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and personal property inventory.
• Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, bail amount if applicable, or detention status.
• Court appearance dates and locations for arraignment and subsequent proceedings.
• Disposition information, if available, indicating the outcome of the case (e.g., dismissed, convicted, acquitted).
It should be noted that pursuant to New York Executive Law § 296(16), certain information in arrest records may be redacted if the case resulted in a favorable disposition for the defendant or if the record has been sealed under applicable law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brighton
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 for sealing records and the more recent marijuana expungement provisions under § 160.50(5).
Individuals may qualify for record sealing or expungement under the following circumstances:
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal are automatically eligible for sealing pursuant to CPL § 160.50.
• Certain non-violent convictions may be eligible for sealing under CPL § 160.59 after a waiting period of 10 years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later.
• Marijuana-related convictions may be eligible for automatic expungement under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021.
• Youthful offender adjudications are automatically sealed under CPL § 720.35.
The expungement process typically requires:
• Filing an application with the court that handled the original case.
• Providing certified documentation of case disposition.
• Notification to the District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file any objections.
• Judicial review of the application and supporting documentation.
• Issuance of a sealing order if approved, which is then forwarded to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Monroe County Legal Aid Society, located at 10 N. Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY 14614. Their office can be reached at (585) 232-4090.
It should be noted that even when records are sealed or expunged, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and some licensing bodies, may retain limited access to these records as permitted under CPL § 160.50(1)(d).
Search Arrest Records in Brighton
• Brighton Police Department Records • Monroe County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup • New York State WebCrims Portal • Monroe County Clerk Criminal Records • New York State Criminal History Record Search
