Criminal records in Putnam County, New York, are available through several channels. PutnamCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Putnam County Clerk's Office. Each of these resources covers different types of data—from the current status of a case to certified copies of court documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Putnam
Start your search on PutnamCourt.us—enter the full name of the individual to check for publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. This is the fastest way to obtain basic data.
Online Search via Official Portals
- New York State Unified Court System (WebCriminal) — The New York State eCourts system allows searching for criminal cases in Supreme Court and County Court. The defendant's first and last name are required for the search.
- Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Maintains the state's official criminal history. Individuals can request a review of their own criminal history by submitting fingerprints.
- DOCCS Inmate Lookup — The state Department of Corrections database allows finding individuals who are or were in state correctional facilities. A last name or NYSID is sufficient.
- County Jail Locator — The Commission of Correction provides links to search for individuals held in county facilities outside New York City.
In-Person Visit
The Putnam County Clerk maintains records of both civil and criminal court proceedings. Visit the office to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
Written Request
Submit a request under the FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) procedure. Download the application form for access to public records from the county's website. The request can be mailed to the clerk's office or submitted in person.
For a state-level criminal check, contact DCJS—fingerprints and a completed form are required.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
- NYSID or DIN (for inmate search)
Search Putnam Criminal Cases by Case Number
In New York State, a criminal case number typically consists of several parts. The typical structure for County Court or Supreme Court looks like this:
- County Index — A numeric or letter code indicating a specific court or county (e.g., designation for Putnam County).
- Year — Two or four digits of the year the case was opened.
- Sequential Number — A unique sequential number assigned to the case within the year.
Local court cases (Town Courts, Village Courts) may have a different numbering format set by the specific court. If you have a case number, use it in the New York State WebCriminal system or contact the court office where the case was heard directly. The case number is the most accurate identifier, eliminating confusion with namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Putnam
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a section of the New York State Penal Law, e.g., PL 155.25 — petty larceny |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during plea negotiations or by court decision |
Case Status
- Active / Pending — The case is open, proceedings are ongoing
- Disposed — The case is resolved: verdict rendered, charges dropped, or case closed
- Sealed — The case is sealed under CPL §160.50 or §160.55; public access is restricted
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — The first appearance of the accused before a judge, charges are announced
- Preliminary hearing — The judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (for felony)
- Pre-trial conference — A meeting of the parties before the trial begins
- Trial — The court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — Imposing a penalty after a guilty verdict
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or plea |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after a trial on the merits |
| Dismissed | The case is closed — charges dropped by prosecutor or judge |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after trial |
| Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | The case is adjourned; if no new offenses occur within a set period, charges are automatically dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Putnam
Through the County Clerk's Office
The Putnam County Clerk issues certified copies of court documents for criminal cases heard in County Court and Supreme Court. Visit in person or send a written request.
What you need:
- Completed request form for access to public records (available on the clerk's website)
- Photo ID (for in-person visits)
- Case number or full name of the defendant and approximate date
- Payment of applicable fees
Through DCJS (State-Level Criminal History)
The official criminal history of an individual is maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. To obtain your own criminal history, submit fingerprints through an authorized location. Employers and licensing agencies request checks through separate DCJS programs.
The Justice Center also conducts checks for organizations working with vulnerable populations.
Inmate Information Search
To check if an individual is in a state correctional facility, use the DOCCS search system. Information is updated in real-time.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Putnam
Fees for copies of court documents in New York State are regulated by CPLR §8019 and the general rules of the Unified Court System. Below are typical rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 |
| Document certification | $1.25 per document |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (for individuals) | $75.00 |
| FOIL request (record copies) | $0.25 per page (over 9" × 14" — actual reproduction cost) |
Processing Times
- Document copies at the clerk's office — Usually issued the same day for in-person visits, or 5–10 business days for mail requests
- FOIL requests — The agency must respond within 5 business days of receiving the request (may be extended to 20 business days under reasonable circumstances)
- DCJS check — Processing usually takes several weeks after receiving fingerprints
Confirm current rates directly with the clerk's office, as fees may change. Payment is typically accepted by check or money order made payable to Putnam County Clerk.