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Steuben County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Steuben County, New York?

Arrest records are public documents in Steuben County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Article 6 of the Public Officers Law §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The law operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides guidance on public access to arrest records. Under FOIL, members of the public may request arrest records from the Steuben County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in accordance with Public Officers Law § 87(2).

Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain categories of records may be subject to restrictions, including:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age)
  • Records that have been sealed by court order
  • Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Records that could endanger the life or safety of any person

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Steuben County?

Steuben County provides limited online access to arrest records through official government portals. The Steuben County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and active warrants that is accessible to the public. This resource provides basic information about individuals who have been arrested and are currently in custody or have outstanding warrants for their arrest.

For comprehensive arrest records, the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) maintains a statewide criminal history record search system that includes Steuben County arrests that resulted in court proceedings. This system is accessible online for a fee of $95.00 per name search, pursuant to Judiciary Law § 212(1)(w).

Additionally, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision offers an online inmate lookup service that provides information about individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison. This resource includes information about Steuben County residents who have been transferred to state custody following conviction.

Users should be aware that online records may not be complete or current, and verification through official channels is recommended for the most accurate information.

How to Look Up Steuben County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Steuben County arrest records have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by New York State Public Officers Law § 89. The following procedures are established for obtaining these records:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Steuben County Sheriff's Office located at 7007 Rumsey Street Ext., Bath, NY 14810. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Appear at the Steuben County Clerk's Office at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Request records at the appropriate court where the case was processed. The Steuben County Courts are located at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810.

Written Requests:

  • Submit a Freedom of Information Law request to the Records Access Officer at the Steuben County Sheriff's Office.
  • Provide specific information about the record sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.
  • Include contact information for response purposes.

Electronic Requests:

  • Email a FOIL request to the designated Records Access Officer at the Sheriff's Office.
  • Utilize the New York State Office of Court Administration's online criminal history search system.
  • Access the Steuben County Image Mate Online system for certain public records.

Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying access with reasons, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

Steuben County Sheriff's Office
7007 Rumsey Street Ext.
Bath, NY 14810
(607) 622-3911
Official Website

Steuben County Clerk's Office
3 East Pulteney Square
Bath, NY 14810
(607) 664-2563
Official Website

Contents of a Steuben County Arrest Record

Steuben County arrest records contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Any known aliases or nicknames
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Gender and race identifiers
  • Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Identification numbers (e.g., New York State ID number, FBI number)

Arrest Details:

  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including New York Penal Law citations
  • Classification of offense (violation, misdemeanor, felony)
  • Circumstances leading to the arrest
  • Presence of weapons or contraband

Processing Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Fingerprint classification data
  • Mugshot photographs (front and profile views)
  • Property inventory taken at booking
  • Detention facility information
  • Bail or bond amount, if applicable
  • Court appearance dates

Case Disposition:

  • Preliminary hearing information
  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number assigned by the court
  • Plea entered
  • Final disposition (e.g., conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
  • Sentence imposed, if convicted

These records are maintained in accordance with the New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which requires law enforcement agencies to retain arrest records for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed or final disposition.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Steuben County

New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process in Steuben County follows state regulations as outlined in Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) § 160.50 and § 160.59.

Pursuant to CPL § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in a conviction must be sealed. This automatic sealing applies to cases that were:

  • Dismissed in the interest of justice
  • Acquitted after trial
  • Declined for prosecution (declined/denied)
  • Dismissed for facial insufficiency
  • Terminated in favor of the accused

For convictions, New York State enacted CPL § 160.59 in 2017, which allows for the sealing of certain criminal convictions after a 10-year waiting period from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Eligible offenses include:

  • Up to two criminal convictions, only one of which may be a felony
  • Non-violent felonies and misdemeanors

Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including:

  • Sex offenses
  • Violent felonies
  • Class A felonies
  • Certain drug offenses involving minors

The expungement process requires filing an application with the court where the case was adjudicated. In Steuben County, this application is submitted to:

Steuben County Court
3 East Pulteney Square
Bath, NY 14810
(607) 664-2500

The application must include:

  • A sworn statement of reasons for seeking sealing
  • Supporting documentation
  • Certificate of Disposition for each conviction
  • Fingerprint records

The District Attorney's Office has 45 days to object to the application. If objections are filed, the court will schedule a hearing. The judge will consider factors including the time elapsed since the conviction, the applicant's character and rehabilitation efforts, and the impact of sealing on public safety and welfare.

If granted, the sealing order directs all agencies to seal records related to the arrest and conviction, making them inaccessible to the public. However, these records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies.

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