Criminal Records Rochester NY give you full details about arrests, active warrants, search warrants, criminal charges, court convictions, and sentencing results. These records cover everything from minor traffic tickets to serious felonies. The Rochester Sheriff’s Department, Rochester Police Department, and Rochester City Criminal Courts each keep their own digital files. These files include incident numbers, arrest dates and times, badge numbers of officers involved, and the laws that were broken. You can request these records in person at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, by mail to the Rochester City Hall Records Division, or online through the New York State Office of Court Administration. Each request needs a filled-out form, a government-issued photo ID, and a $10 fee per record. Most requests are done in five to seven business days. People not involved in the case must use a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. They can submit this online with a scanned ID and must say what dates they want.
How to Get Criminal Records in Rochester NY
Getting criminal records in Rochester NY is simple if you follow the right steps. Start by deciding which type of record you need. You might want arrest records, court dockets, or a full background check. Each type comes from a different office. The Monroe County Clerk handles most public court filings. The Rochester Police Department gives out incident and arrest reports. The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) keeps official state-level rap sheets. Always bring or send a valid photo ID and pay the required fee. Most offices accept cash, check, or money order. Some also take credit cards for online requests. Turnaround time depends on how you apply. In-person requests are fastest. Mail takes longer. Online portals are usually in the middle.
Online Requests for Criminal Records
Many people prefer online requests because they’re fast and convenient. The New York State Office of Court Administration has a secure portal for court records. The Rochester Police Department’s Open Data site lets you download public arrest data. FOIL requests can be filed online through the City of Rochester’s official website. When using online systems, make sure your internet connection is secure. Upload only clear copies of your ID. Double-check the date range and names before submitting. Online payments are processed immediately. You’ll get a confirmation email within minutes. Keep this email for your records. If you don’t hear back in two business days, call the office to check.
In-Person Requests at Local Offices
In-person requests work best when you need same-day service. Visit the Monroe County Clerk’s Office at 39 W. Main Street, Room 105, Rochester, NY 14614. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring your photo ID, completed form, and exact fee. The clerk will help you find the right documents. Same-day service is available if records are on file. For police reports, go to the Rochester Police Records Division. It’s inside the 123 Public Safety Building. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also get certified copies of incident reports here. These are often needed for insurance or legal cases.
Mail-In Requests for Criminal Records
Mail-in requests are good if you live far away or can’t visit in person. Send your completed form, copy of ID, and payment to the Monroe County Clerk’s Office. Use a trackable mail service like USPS Priority or FedEx. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want mailed copies. Processing takes ten to twelve business days. For urgent needs, consider paying extra for expedited service. Some offices offer this for an additional $10–$15. Always write “Attention: Records Division” on the envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send. This helps if there’s a delay or error.
Fees and Processing Times for Rochester Criminal Records
Fees for criminal records in Rochester NY vary by office and document type. The standard fee is $10 per record at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office. Police reports cost $0.25 per printed page when requested by phone. Certified incident reports for victims are free in some cases. The DCJS charges $15 for a statewide RAP sheet. FOIL requests may have no fee for the first few pages, but larger requests can cost more. Always ask for a fee schedule before submitting your request. Processing times range from same-day (in person) to ten business days (mail). Online FOIL requests are acknowledged within two days and completed in five.
| Office | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe County Clerk | $10 per record | 5–7 business days |
| Rochester Police (phone) | $0.25 per page | Same day (if available) |
| NY DCJS (RAP sheet) | $15 + fingerprints | 72 hours (standard) |
| FOIL Request | Varies | 5 business days |
What’s Included in a Rochester Criminal Record?
A criminal record from Rochester NY contains key facts about a person’s legal history. It lists all arrests, even if charges were dropped. It shows active arrest warrants and search warrants issued by judges. Formal charges filed in court are included, along with final convictions and sentences. Each entry has the incident number, date and time of arrest, officer badge number, and the law that was broken. Court records also show bail amounts, hearing dates, and case outcomes. Mugshots and booking photos may be part of arrest records. However, sealed or expunged records are not public. Since 2019, marijuana possession convictions that were automatically cleared no longer appear on state rap sheets.
Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody. They don’t prove guilt. Conviction records show a court found someone guilty. Both are public, but they serve different purposes. Employers often want conviction records. Landlords may look at both. Arrest records can be misleading if charges were dismissed. Always check the final disposition. The Rochester City Court provides docket sheets that list case numbers, charges, and court dates. These help you track a case from start to finish. Self-service kiosks at the court let you print summaries without staff help.
Understanding RAP Sheets in New York
A RAP sheet is the official state record of arrests and prosecutions. DCJS maintains it for every person arrested in New York. It includes felony, misdemeanor, and violation convictions. It also notes supervisory actions like probation or parole. To get your own RAP sheet, you must submit fingerprints through an approved Live Scan provider. The fee is $15. Results come in 72 hours. Third parties can’t get your RAP sheet without your consent. This protects privacy. Expunged marijuana records are removed automatically under state law. RAP sheets are used for jobs, licenses, and housing checks.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests in Rochester
FOIL lets anyone ask for public records from city agencies. In Rochester, FOIL requests go to the Law Department on the third floor of City Hall, Room 400A, 30 Church Street. You can submit in person, by mail, or online. Fill out the FOIL form, attach a photo ID, and say what records you want. The city must respond within five business days. If they deny your request, they must explain why. Common reasons include privacy, ongoing investigations, or national security. You can appeal a denial. FOIL covers police logs, building permits, and meeting minutes. It does not cover medical or educational records.
How to Write a Strong FOIL Request
A good FOIL request is clear and specific. Don’t ask for “all records.” Instead, say “arrest reports from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, involving John Doe.” Include your name, address, and phone number. Attach a copy of your ID. If you’re not the subject, explain your reason for requesting. Use the city’s online portal for faster service. Track your request number. Follow up if you don’t hear back in two days. Most requests are granted unless they violate privacy laws.
Appealing a Denied FOIL Request
If your FOIL request is denied, you have the right to appeal. Write a letter to the Rochester Law Department within 30 days. Explain why the denial is wrong. Cite the Freedom of Information Law. The appeal goes to a higher authority in the city. They must respond within ten business days. If they still deny it, you can sue in state court. Most appeals succeed when the request was too broad or lacked detail. Always keep copies of all letters and emails.
Rochester Police Department Arrest Records
The Rochester Police Department keeps detailed arrest records. These include booking photos, arrest times, officer names, and charge codes. The Open Data portal offers a nightly updated dataset of all city arrests. You can filter by date, precinct, or crime type. For individual reports, call (585) 428-5990 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. The operator will verify your ID and charge $0.25 per page. Victims can get free certified incident reports. These include case numbers, locations, and officer narratives. Uninvolved people must use FOIL.
Booking Photos and Mugshots
Mugshots are part of arrest records and are public unless sealed by a judge. They show the person’s face at the time of booking. These photos are used by media and background check companies. Some websites charge to remove them. The Rochester Police do not control third-party sites. If your record is expunged, ask the court to order removal from commercial databases. Always check your own record to see what’s visible.
Arrest Warrants and Active Cases
Active arrest warrants are listed in court and police databases. You can search docket sheets at the Rochester City Court Criminal Division. The address is 123 Public Safety Building, Rochester, NY 14614. Phone: (585) 371-3413. Fax: (585) 371-3430. TDD: (585) 454-6037. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Docket sheets show case numbers, charges, and next court dates. Self-service kiosks let you print copies. If you have a warrant, contact a lawyer immediately.
Monroe County Clerk and Court Records
The Monroe County Clerk manages court filings, land records, and criminal case documents. Mail requests to 39 W. Main Street, Room 105, Rochester, NY 14614. Include a form, ID copy, and $5 per document. Most mail requests take ten to twelve days. In-person visits get same-day service if records are ready. The clerk also handles expungement petitions. These remove certain convictions from public view. Not all crimes qualify. Marijuana possession cases are automatically cleared since 2019.
Small Claims and Traffic Violations
The Rochester City Court Civil Division handles small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic tickets. It’s located at 99 Exchange Boulevard, Room 6. Fines and tickets can be paid online or in person. Criminal traffic violations go to the Criminal Division at 123 Public Safety Building. Always bring your ticket number and ID. Failure to appear can lead to a warrant.
Background Checks and Employment in Rochester
Employers in Rochester often run background checks. They use state and federal databases. The DCJS provides FCRA-compliant reports for hiring. These include convictions, not arrests. Landlords and volunteer groups also use them. The August 2022 update added Social Security number verification to reduce errors. Always consent in writing before a check is done. You have the right to dispute mistakes.
Federal vs. State Records
State records come from NY DCJS. Federal records come from the FBI’s Integrated Criminal Information System. Some background checks include both. Federal records cover crimes across state lines. State records are more detailed for local offenses. Always ask which databases are used.
Public Access and Privacy Rights
New York law balances public access with privacy. Most criminal records are open. But sealed, juvenile, or expunged records are not. You can request your own record anytime. Third parties need your permission for sensitive data. Always verify who is requesting and why.
Contact Information for Criminal Records in Rochester NY
Monroe County Clerk: 39 W. Main Street, Room 105, Rochester, NY 14614. Phone: (585) 753-1600. Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Rochester Police Records: 123 Public Safety Building, Rochester, NY 14614. Phone: (585) 428-5990. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
NY DCJS: Call 518-457-9847 or visit Albany office. Online portal available.
FOIL Requests: City Hall, Room 400A, 30 Church Street. Phone: (585) 428-6991.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to get criminal records in Rochester NY, what fees apply, and how long it takes. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current laws and procedures.
Can I get someone else’s criminal record in Rochester NY?
Yes, but only if you use a FOIL request and meet certain conditions. Criminal records are public unless sealed by a court. You don’t need to be the subject of the record. However, you must provide a valid reason and valid ID. The city may deny requests that invade privacy or interfere with investigations. Always specify the name, date range, and type of record. Third-party background check companies can also help, but they must follow FCRA rules.
How much does it cost to get a criminal record in Rochester?
Costs vary by office and document type. The Monroe County Clerk charges $10 per record. Police reports cost $0.25 per page when requested by phone. The NY DCJS charges $15 for a RAP sheet plus fingerprinting fees. FOIL requests may be free for small amounts of data. Larger requests can cost more. Always ask for a fee schedule before submitting. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card for online requests.
How long does it take to get criminal records in Rochester NY?
Processing times depend on how you apply. In-person requests at the Monroe County Clerk or Police Records Division can be same-day if documents are on file. Mail requests take ten to twelve business days. Online FOIL requests are acknowledged in two days and completed in five. DCJS RAP sheets take 72 hours with fingerprints. Expedited service is available for an extra fee at some offices.
Are marijuana convictions still on criminal records in Rochester?
No, not if they were automatically expunged. Since the 2019 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, convictions solely for marijuana possession are removed from state RAP sheets. These records no longer appear in background checks. However, arrests may still show unless sealed by a judge. If your record was cleared, you can request confirmation from DCJS.
What if my criminal record has mistakes?
You have the right to correct errors. Contact the office that issued the record—such as the court or police department. Provide proof of the mistake, like a dismissal letter or court order. The DCJS allows corrections through their record review process. If the error affects employment or housing, send a corrected report to the agency that used the wrong info. Keep copies of all communications.
Can I seal or expunge my criminal record in Rochester NY?
Some records can be sealed under New York law, but not all. Certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies qualify after a waiting period. Marijuana possession cases are automatically expunged. To seal other records, file a petition in the court where you were convicted. A judge will review your case. If granted, the record is hidden from public view but may still be seen by law enforcement. Consult a lawyer for help.
Do I need a lawyer to get criminal records in Rochester?
No, you don’t need a lawyer to request your own records or public documents. Most offices provide forms and assistance. However, if you’re appealing a FOIL denial, sealing a record, or disputing errors, a lawyer can help. Legal aid is available for low-income residents through Monroe County Bar Association programs.