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:
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.
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:
Written Requests:
Electronic Requests:
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
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:
Arrest Details:
Processing Information:
Case Disposition:
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.
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:
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:
Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including:
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:
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.