Criminal records in Saratoga County, New York, are accessible through several channels. SaratogaCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state’s official court systems, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, and the County Clerk's Office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Saratoga
To search for criminal records in Saratoga County, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number (case number or docket number)
- NYSID (New York State Identification Number) — for requests to the state repository
Online Search
- SaratogaCourt.us — start here to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Enter the name or case number in the search form.
- WebCriminal System — The New York State Unified Court System offers the eCourts portal for searching criminal cases in state courts. Access is free, registration is required.
- DOCCS Inmate Lookup — The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision allows you to check if an individual is in a state correctional facility. Search by name or DIN (Department Identification Number).
- Inmate Locator — The State Commission of Correction provides links for searching individuals in county jails, New York City facilities, and state prisons.
- Sex Offender Registry — search by last name or county. The registry includes only individuals with a risk level of 2 or 3.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Saratoga County Courthouse, where the county courts are located. Public access terminals allow you to view court cases directly. The court clerk's office can assist in finding a specific case.
The sheriff's office also accepts record requests. It is open to visitors Tuesday–Thursday.
Sheriff's Office Records Division
Mail Request
You can send a written request to the court clerk's office or the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). DCJS is the state repository of criminal histories. To obtain your own criminal history, you must submit fingerprints. Third-party requests are generally limited — full access to criminal history is primarily available to employers with proper authorization and law enforcement agencies.
New York State Police also accepts record requests through the FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) procedure.
Search Saratoga Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in New York State courts has a unique number. The format depends on the level of the court.
In Supreme Court and County Court, the case number typically consists of an index that includes the year of filing and a sequential number. For example, the format might look like this: 2024-0123, where the first four digits are the year, and the rest are the sequential number within the court.
In local courts (Town Courts, City Courts), the case number may have a different format and often includes court abbreviations.
What you can learn from the case number:
- Name of the defendant and parties involved
- List of charges and legal articles
- Hearing dates and current status
- Court decision
If you know the exact case number, the search will be much faster and more accurate than by name — especially when the last name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Saratoga
Charges
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the New York State Penal Law section or other law under which the charge is filed |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (offense), or Violation (infraction) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — for example, a felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Sealed — the case is sealed under CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55; public access is closed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where charges are read to the defendant
- Preliminary hearing — the court determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (in felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — discussion between parties before the trial begins
- Trial — court proceedings
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — case closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted after trial
- Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) — case adjourned with the possibility of dismissal if the defendant does not violate conditions within a set period
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Saratoga
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. Here’s where to apply.
County Clerk's Office
The Saratoga County Clerk maintains records for the Supreme Court and County Court. To obtain a certified copy:
- Contact the office in person or by mail
- Provide the full name of the defendant, case number (if known), and approximate date
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the applicable fee
State Repository (DCJS)
To obtain a complete criminal history for New York State, contact the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Individuals can request their own criminal history by submitting fingerprints. Employers and licensing agencies submit requests through authorized channels.
Sheriff's Office
For records related to arrests and custody, contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Phone: (518) 885-2465.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Saratoga
Fees for criminal records in Saratoga County are set in accordance with New York State law (specifically, CPLR § 8019 for court fees).
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 | Standard rate under CPLR § 8019 |
| Document certification | $1.25 | Per certification |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (own) | Approximately $75 | Includes fingerprint processing |
| Record search in the clerk's office | $5.00 | Per name, for two years of search |
Processing Time
- In-person request at the clerk's office — usually same day or within a few business days
- Mail request — from 1 to 4 weeks depending on complexity
- DCJS criminal history request — may take several weeks
Payment is usually accepted by check or money order made payable to Saratoga County Clerk. Confirm acceptable forms of payment directly with the office, as policies may change.