new york criminal records: what to know before you search

Understanding the basics

New York criminal records document arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing, compiled from courts and law enforcement. Public access exists, but scope varies: some cases are sealed, youthful offender matters are confidential, and certain marijuana convictions have been automatically expunged. For an official statewide check, many people use the Office of Court Administration’s search, which returns court case history for a fee; individuals can also request their own DCJS fingerprint “rap sheet.”

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming everything is public: sealed or adjourned in contemplation of dismissal cases will not appear.
• Relying only on name matches: ignore middle names, DOB, and aliases and you risk mixing up identities.
• Using outdated third‑party sites: stale data leads to errors and disputes.
• Skipping consent for hiring: employment screening must follow the FCRA and New York’s Article 23‑A.
• Misreading dispositions: violations are not crimes; dismissals are not convictions.

Accuracy and privacy

Verify records with the originating court before making decisions. If something looks wrong, request a correction with the agency that reported it. When eligible, you may seek record sealing under CPL 160.59. Handle sensitive data carefully-share only on a need‑to‑know basis.