Queens Public Records / Queens County Arrest Records

Queens County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Queens County

Arrest records in Queens County are considered public information under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law § 87. This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumptively available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information is public, including:

The name of the person arrested
The charges filed
The date and location of arrest
The arresting agency

However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Under New York law, an arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that do not lead to convictions may be sealed from public view under certain circumstances.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) and Queens County law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records in accordance with the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which governs the retention of local government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.

What's in Queens County Arrest Records

Queens County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identification numbers (NY State ID number, FBI number if applicable)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (NYPD precinct or other law enforcement entity)
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Facility where booking occurred
Booking officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Whether bail was posted
Type of bail (cash, bond, etc.)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Queens Criminal Court or Supreme Court)
Docket or case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Risk assessment scores
Special custody considerations
Immigration status notifications

These records are maintained in compliance with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services standards and regulations governing criminal history record information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Queens County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Queens County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a FOIL Request to the NYPD: The primary method for obtaining comprehensive arrest records is through a formal Freedom of Information Law request submitted to the New York Police Department.

NYPD Records Access Officer
One Police Plaza, Room 110C
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5296
NYPD FOIL Online Request Portal

Requesters must provide:
- The full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Location of arrest (if known)
- Case or complaint number (if available)
Visit the Queens County District Attorney's Office: For information about criminal cases resulting from arrests, the public may contact:

Queens County District Attorney's Office
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 286-6000
Queens District Attorney

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact the Queens County Clerk's Office: For court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action:

Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-0601
Queens County Clerk

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request Records from the New York State Office of Court Administration: For official criminal history information:

NYS Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 428-2810
NYS Unified Court System

Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89, agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, not to exceed 25 cents per page for photocopies.

How To Find Queens County Arrest Records Online

Queens County arrest records can be accessed through several official online resources, though the availability of complete records varies by platform. The following digital resources are currently available:

New York State Unified Court System WebCrims: The WebCrims database provides information about pending and completed criminal cases in Queens County courts.

To access WebCrims:
- Visit the NYS WebCrims portal
- Select "Queens County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
New York City Department of Correction Inmate Lookup: For individuals currently in custody following arrest, the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup Service provides custody status and facility information.

Search requires:
- First and last name, or
- New York State ID (NYSID) number, or
- Book and case number
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction, the DOCCS Inmate Lookup provides information on current inmates.
NYC Open Data Portal: The NYC Open Data Portal includes datasets on NYPD arrest statistics, though individual arrest records are not available through this platform.
E-Courts: The New York State Unified Court System E-Courts provides case information for matters that have proceeded to court.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information, and certain details may be redacted or unavailable. For comprehensive records, a formal FOIL request remains the most reliable method.

How To Search Queens County Arrest Records for Free?

Queens County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several public resources. The following methods are available for conducting free searches of arrest records:

Visit the Queens Criminal Court: Court calendars and basic case information are publicly available at no cost.

Queens Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 520-3500
Queens Criminal Court

Public access terminals are available during regular court hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Use the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup: The NYC Department of Correction Inmate Information service provides free access to information about currently incarcerated individuals.
Access the NYC 311 Portal: This service provides information about incarcerated persons in NYC facilities, including those arrested in Queens County.
Utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system: For federal arrests and cases in Queens County, the PACER system provides basic case information at no cost if usage remains below a quarterly threshold.
Review the Queens County District Attorney's Press Releases: The Queens District Attorney's website publishes information about significant arrests and prosecutions.
Access the NYC Prisoner Information Center Lookup: This free service provides information about individuals currently in NYC Department of Correction custody.

When conducting free searches, users should be aware that information may be limited compared to official record requests. Additionally, pursuant to Correction Law § 168-p, certain information about registered sex offenders is available to the public through the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Queens County

Under New York State law, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The distinction between these processes is significant:

Record Sealing: Restricts public access to arrest and conviction records but does not physically destroy them. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records.

Record Expungement: A more complete removal of records from public view and official databases, though some information may still be retained by law enforcement agencies.

Queens County residents may pursue the following pathways to limit access to their arrest records:

Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50: When a criminal case results in a favorable disposition (dismissal, acquittal, etc.), records are automatically eligible for sealing. The court issues a sealing order to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest.
Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59: Individuals with certain criminal convictions may apply to have their records sealed after a 10-year waiting period from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later.

To apply for sealing under this provision:
- Obtain and complete the Notice of Motion and Affidavit in Support of Sealing
- File the application with the court where the conviction occurred
- Serve a copy on the Queens District Attorney's Office
Youthful Offender Adjudication: Under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35, records of cases where the defendant received youthful offender status are automatically sealed.
Marijuana Conviction Expungement: Pursuant to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, certain marijuana-related convictions are automatically expunged.
Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct: While these certificates do not seal records, they may help mitigate the impact of criminal records on employment and licensing.

To initiate the sealing process, individuals may contact:

Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-1000
Queens Supreme Court - Criminal Term

Legal assistance for record sealing may be obtained through:

Legal Aid Society of Queens
120-46 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 286-2450
Legal Aid Society

What Happens After Arrest in Queens County?

Following an arrest in Queens County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

Arrest and Booking:
- The arresting officer takes the individual into custody
- Transportation to the local precinct for processing
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of personal information
- Property inventory and storage
Central Booking:
- Transfer to Queens Central Booking at the Queens Criminal Court
- Assignment of a unique identification number
- Entry of arrest information into the NYPD and state databases
- Fingerprint-based criminal history check
Arraignment:
- Appearance before a judge within 24 hours of arrest
- Formal reading of charges
- Assignment of counsel if defendant cannot afford an attorney
- Bail determination based on factors outlined in Criminal Procedure Law § 510.30
- Plea entry (typically not guilty at this stage)
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery process where prosecution shares evidence
- Filing of motions by defense counsel
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
- Pre-trial hearings on evidence admissibility
Grand Jury (for felony cases):
- Presentation of evidence by the Queens District Attorney's Office
- Determination of whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
- Issuance of indictment if grand jury finds sufficient evidence
Trial:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation by the Department of Probation
- Sentencing hearing before the judge
- Imposition of sentence (incarceration, probation, fines, etc.)
Post-Conviction:
- Transfer to appropriate correctional facility if incarcerated
- Initiation of probation supervision if applicable
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, dismissals, or diversion programs such as drug treatment courts or mental health courts. The Queens District Attorney's Office maintains discretion regarding charging decisions and plea offers.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Queens County?

Arrest records in Queens County are maintained according to the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which establishes mandatory minimum retention periods for local government records, including law enforcement agencies. These retention schedules are authorized under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25.

The following retention periods currently apply to arrest records in Queens County:

Arrest Reports and Blotters:
- Permanent retention for original arrest reports
- Minimum 5-year retention for arrest blotters after last entry
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- Retained until the death of the individual
- May be sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 for cases resulting in favorable dispositions
Case Investigation Records:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 25 years after completion of investigation or prosecution
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after completion of investigation or prosecution
- Violation cases: 5 years after completion of investigation or prosecution
Booking Records:
- 5 years after the individual's release from custody
Warrant Files:
- 5 years after warrant is satisfied or recalled

Different agencies within Queens County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

The NYPD maintains arrest records according to departmental retention schedules
The Queens District Attorney's Office retains prosecution records
The Queens County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests
The NYC Department of Correction maintains custody records

It is important to note that even when records are eligible for destruction under retention schedules, they may be retained longer if:

They are subject to a litigation hold
They have historical significance
They are needed for ongoing investigations
They are subject to other legal requirements for retention

Records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law are not physically destroyed but are restricted from public access and maintained separately from unsealed records.

How to Find Mugshots in Queens County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are images taken by law enforcement agencies during the arrest booking process. In Queens County, these photographs are typically taken at NYPD precinct stations or at Queens Central Booking. Mugshots serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Queens County, mugshots are maintained by several agencies:

The New York Police Department (NYPD) maintains the primary repository of booking photographs for arrests made within Queens County.
The NYC Department of Correction maintains booking photographs for individuals who enter the city's jail system.
The Queens District Attorney's Office may maintain copies of mugshots as part of case files.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a central repository of mugshots from law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Queens County, individuals may:

Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the NYPD:

NYPD Records Access Officer
One Police Plaza, Room 110C
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5296
NYPD FOIL Online Request Portal

The request should include:
- The full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Date and location of arrest
- NYPD complaint number (if known)
Contact the Queens District Attorney's Office for mugshots related to prosecuted cases:

Queens County District Attorney's Office
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 286-6000
Queens District Attorney

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, New York City, including Queens County, does not maintain a public online database of mugshots. The NYPD and NYC Department of Correction do not publish booking photographs on their websites. This policy aligns with New York Executive Law § 837-c, which prohibits the disclosure of booking photographs unless specific law enforcement purposes are served.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:

Submission of a written FOIL request
Payment of applicable fees (typically 25 cents per page for photocopies)
Verification of identity if requesting one's own mugshot
Demonstration of a legitimate purpose for the request

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Queens County is subject to several important restrictions:

Mugshots associated with sealed cases under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 are not available to the public.
Mugshots of youthful offenders are confidential under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.
The New York Mugshot Law, effective as of 2019, prohibits the release of mugshots unless there is a specific law enforcement purpose.
Commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal may be in violation of New York State law.

Individuals seeking to prevent the dissemination of their mugshots may have remedies under these laws if their cases resulted in favorable dispositions or if commercial websites are publishing the images in violation of state law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Queens County

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