>Washington County Arrest Records Online

Washington County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, New York?

Arrest records are public in Washington County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Enables community awareness of criminal activity
Facilitates public oversight of the criminal justice system
Supports the constitutional right to public trials and proceedings

Members of the public seeking arrest records may encounter certain limitations established by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, which provides for the sealing of records in cases resulting in dismissals, acquittals, or certain non-criminal dispositions. Additionally, records pertaining to youthful offenders may be subject to confidentiality provisions under Family Court Act § 381.3.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and outstanding warrants that is regularly updated and accessible to the public via the county's official website. This online accessibility is consistent with New York's Public Officers Law § 87(2), which requires agencies to provide records in the format requested when feasible.

The online availability of these records is subject to certain operational limitations:

Records may experience a processing delay before appearing in online databases
Certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to FOIL exemptions
Technical maintenance may temporarily affect accessibility
Older records may require additional search methods

Washington County Sheriff's Office
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 747-4623
Washington County Sheriff's Office

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Washington County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to New York's Freedom of Information Law, governmental agencies must provide reasonable access to public records through established procedures. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) to submit a records request. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Washington County Sheriff's Office website maintains a searchable database of recent arrests and active warrants. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic arrest information.
County Clerk's Office: For court records related to arrests, contact the Washington County Clerk's Office. These records may include arraignment information, court appearances, and case dispositions.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: For information regarding individuals currently incarcerated following conviction, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup service provides custody status and facility location.
Written FOIL Requests: Submit formal written requests citing the Freedom of Information Law to the Records Access Officer at the appropriate agency. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought.

Washington County Clerk's Office
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 746-2100
County Clerk's Office

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest event. Standard arrest records typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency conducting the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of New York Penal Law or other applicable statutes, including charge classification (violation, misdemeanor, felony)
Booking Information: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and unique identification numbers assigned during processing
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, bail determination, or release conditions
Case Disposition: Initial court appearance information and preliminary hearing outcomes

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect ongoing investigations or privacy interests as permitted under FOIL exemptions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

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 § 160.59 and related statutes. Eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access through established legal procedures.

Eligibility criteria for expungement or sealing in Washington County include:

Dismissal of charges pursuant to CPL § 160.50
Acquittal after trial
Conviction for certain eligible offenses after a waiting period (typically 10 years from sentencing or release)
Completion of drug treatment court or other diversion programs
Youthful offender adjudications

The expungement process requires:

Filing a motion with the court that handled the original case
Providing required documentation and meeting statutory waiting periods
Notification to the District Attorney's Office, which may contest the application
Judicial review and determination based on statutory criteria and public interest factors

Washington County District Attorney's Office
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 746-2525
Washington County District Attorney

Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes. Expunged records are not disclosed in most background checks, facilitating reintegration into society and employment opportunities.