Queens County Criminal Records
What Is Queens County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Queens County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law § 86, which defines public records as "any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for an agency."
Criminal records in Queens County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Queens County Sheriff's Office or the New York City Police Department. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, establishing a permanent criminal history.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year, such as robbery, assault, or homicide.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail or fines.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: While adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Queens County:
Queens County District Attorney's Office
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 286-6000
Queens County District Attorney
Queens County Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 298-0792
New York State Unified Court System
New York City Department of Correction
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-1500
NYC Department of Correction
Queens County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The comprehensiveness of these records is mandated by the New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which establishes requirements for fingerprinting and processing of arrested individuals.
Are Criminal Records Public In Queens County
Criminal records in Queens County are generally considered public records under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
According to Public Officers Law § 87(2): "Each agency shall make available for public inspection and copying all records," with certain enumerated exceptions. This provision creates the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Queens County.
The following categories of criminal records are generally accessible to the public:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records for convicted individuals
However, several categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as their disclosure could "interfere with law enforcement investigations" under Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e)(i)
- Sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, which provides for sealing of records in cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under Family Court Act § 375.1
- Records that would constitute an "unwarranted invasion of personal privacy" under Public Officers Law § 87(2)(b)
- Youthful offender records, which are confidential under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in Queens County and throughout New York State. The OCA maintains that while court proceedings are presumptively open to the public, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests or other compelling concerns.
It is important to note that access to criminal records in Queens County may require formal requests through established procedures, and certain records may only be available to authorized individuals or entities with legitimate purposes, such as law enforcement agencies, licensed attorneys, or individuals seeking their own records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Queens County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Queens County may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Queens County Clerk's Office
- Visit the Queens County Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying.
Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-0601
Queens County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) Criminal History Record Search
The OCA provides criminal history record searches for a fee of $95.00 per name. To request a search:
- Complete the Criminal History Record Search application form.
- Include payment by check or money order.
- Submit the request by mail to the address provided on the form.
Office of Court Administration
Office of Record Search
25 Beaver Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 428-2810
New York State Unified Court System
Queens County District Attorney's Office
For specific case information where the Queens District Attorney was the prosecuting agency:
- Submit a written request on letterhead (for organizations) or with proper identification (for individuals).
- Specify the case number, defendant name, and information sought.
- Provide justification for the request.
Requests may be subject to review under applicable disclosure laws, including FOIL.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Individuals may request their own criminal history record by submitting fingerprints and required documentation:
- Complete the Record Review application.
- Have fingerprints taken at an authorized location.
- Submit the application, fingerprints, and $62.00 fee.
Third parties cannot access an individual's complete criminal history through DCJS without the subject's authorization, pursuant to New York State Executive Law § 837.
How To Find Criminal Records in Queens County Online?
Queens County residents and interested parties may access certain criminal records through various online portals maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
New York State Unified Court System - WebCriminal
The WebCriminal system allows users to search for criminal cases in Queens County courts:
- Visit the WebCriminal portal.
- Select Queens County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Review available case information, including charges, appearances, and dispositions.
This system provides basic case information but does not include complete court documents or sealed records.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup
To locate individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities:
- Access the DOCCS Inmate Lookup service.
- Enter the individual's name or Department Identification Number (DIN).
- Review information on current inmates and those released within the past year.
The database includes information on conviction charges, sentence details, and facility location.
New York State DOCCS Parolee Lookup
For information on individuals under parole supervision:
- Visit the DOCCS Parolee Lookup portal.
- Enter search criteria including name and other identifying information.
- Review supervision status and basic case information.
New York City Department of Correction Inmate Lookup
For individuals in custody at NYC correctional facilities:
- Access the NYC DOC Inmate Lookup Service.
- Enter the individual's name or New York State Identification Number (NYSID).
- Review custody status and basic case information.
New York State Sex Offender Registry
To search for registered sex offenders in Queens County:
- Visit the NY Sex Offender Registry.
- Enter search criteria including zip code or name.
- Review offender information, including risk level and offense details.
It is important to note that online access to criminal records in Queens County is subject to certain limitations:
- Some records may require registration or payment.
- Sealed or expunged records are not available online.
- Juvenile records are not accessible through public portals.
- Case documents typically require in-person requests or formal FOIL requests.
- Information may be limited to basic case details rather than complete records.
Can You Search Queens County Criminal Records for Free?
Queens County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without payment, in accordance with New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and related statutes. Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii) establishes that agencies may charge fees for copies of records, but inspection of records is generally available without cost.
Free In-Person Record Inspection
The following locations offer free inspection of publicly available criminal records:
Queens County Criminal Court
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 298-0792
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visitors may:
- Review case indices and dockets without charge
- Examine publicly available court files under supervision
- Take notes from records without incurring fees
While inspection is free, copying services typically incur fees of $0.25 per page for standard documents.
Free Online Resources
Several online portals provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- WebCriminal - Basic case information for criminal matters in Queens County courts
- DOCCS Incarcerated Individual Lookup - Information on current state inmates and recent releases
- DOCCS Parolee Lookup - Data on individuals under state parole supervision
- NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup - Information on individuals in city custody
- New York State Sex Offender Registry - Public information on registered sex offenders
Limitations of Free Access
While free options exist, they have notable limitations:
- Online systems provide only basic information, not complete records
- Some records require formal requests or in-person visits
- Certified copies always incur fees
- Comprehensive background checks through the Office of Court Administration cost $95.00 per name
- Criminal history record reviews through DCJS require a $62.00 fee
- Commercial background check services charge varying fees
Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.40, individuals are entitled to obtain one free copy of accusatory instruments filed against them, though subsequent copies may incur fees.
What's Included in a Queens County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Queens County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10.
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- New York State Identification Number (NYSID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency (NYPD, Queens County Sheriff, etc.)
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding penal code citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information
- Court docket or case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Queens Criminal Court, Supreme Court, etc.)
- Case filing date
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
- Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court appearance dates
- Judicial orders and findings
Case Disposition
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration (length and facility)
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and conditions
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Orders of protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the stage of proceedings and the maintaining agency. Records held by the Queens County District Attorney's Office may contain additional investigative materials not included in court records. Similarly, Department of Corrections records include institutional behavior, program participation, and release information not found in court files.
It should be noted that pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or certain other favorable dispositions are subject to sealing, making them unavailable through standard record searches.
How Long Does Queens County Keep Criminal Records?
Queens County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives and Records Administration (SARA) in compliance with Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal records.
Court Records Retention
The Queens County Criminal Court and Supreme Court Criminal Term retain records according to the following schedule:
- Felony Case Records: Permanent retention for all documentation related to felony prosecutions, including transcripts, evidence logs, and final dispositions.
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Minimum retention of 25 years after case disposition.
- Violation/Infraction Records: Minimum retention of 6 years after case disposition.
- Warrant Records: Active warrants remain in effect until executed or vacated; records of executed warrants follow the retention schedule of the underlying case.
- Grand Jury Records: Permanently maintained with highly restricted access pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 190.25(4).
Law Enforcement Records Retention
The New York City Police Department and Queens County Sheriff's Office maintain records according to these guidelines:
- Arrest Reports: Minimum retention of 25 years.
- Investigation Files:
- Closed cases resulting in arrest: Follow retention schedule of resulting case.
- Closed cases without arrest: 5-year minimum retention.
- Unsolved homicides and sexual offenses: Permanent retention.
- Booking Information: Minimum retention of 10 years.
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention for convicted individuals; destruction required for cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50.
Corrections Records Retention
The New York City Department of Correction and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintain:
- Inmate Files: Minimum retention of 7 years after discharge or maximum expiration of sentence.
- Parole Records: Minimum retention of 7 years after discharge from supervision.
- Probation Records: Minimum retention of 10 years after case closure.
Special Circumstances Affecting Retention
Several factors may alter standard retention periods:
- Records related to homicide cases are permanently retained regardless of outcome.
- Records subject to sealing under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (acquittals/dismissals) remain sealed indefinitely but are not destroyed.
- Juvenile records may be sealed upon reaching adulthood under Family Court Act § 375.2.
- Records may be retained beyond minimum periods during pending litigation or appeals.
- DNA records are maintained in the state database indefinitely for certain convictions.
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for these minimum periods, access to older records may require additional time for retrieval from archival storage. Additionally, some historical records may have been lost due to storage conditions, natural disasters, or administrative changes prior to the implementation of current retention standards.