Ontario County Arrest Records

Ontario County arrest records are kept by the Sheriff's Office, the County Clerk, and the court system in Canandaigua. If you need to look up an arrest record or check on a criminal case in Ontario County, there are a few ways to search. The Sheriff's Office holds booking reports and jail logs. The County Clerk keeps court files tied to criminal cases. You can also run a name-based search through the state court system to find case information filed in Ontario County courts. Each office has its own process for records requests, and some charge a small fee for copies.

Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. It sits at 3045 County Complex Drive in Canandaigua. The phone number is (585) 396-1800. The Sheriff's Office handles all arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs for areas it patrols. If someone was picked up by a deputy in Ontario County, the report is on file there.

To get a copy of an arrest report, you can file a FOIL request. FOIL stands for Freedom of Information Law. Put your request in writing and send it to the Records Access Officer at the Sheriff's Office. Include the date of the incident, the name of the person involved, and any case or report numbers you have. The office must respond within five business days. Copies cost $0.25 per page. You can mail your request or drop it off in person during business hours.

The Ontario County jail is at the same address as the Sheriff's Office. It uses a direct supervision model and provides medical care and rehab services to inmates. You can call (585) 396-1800 to ask about someone who is currently held there.

Court Records in Ontario County

Criminal cases in Ontario County go through the local court system. Misdemeanors start in the town or city courts. Felonies move up to Ontario County Court. The county is part of the 7th Judicial District, which also covers Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Cayuga, and Steuben counties. Court records for criminal cases are public unless a judge has sealed them.

You can look up case information through the Criminal History Record Search run by the NYS Office of Court Administration. This is a name-based search. It costs $95 per search. Results cover all 62 counties. The search shows open cases and convictions but not sealed records. You need an exact name and date of birth match. Even a small spelling difference will cause the search to miss a record.

For a certified copy of a court disposition, contact the court that handled the case. The Ontario County Clerk at 20 Ontario Street in Canandaigua also keeps court files. Call (585) 396-4200 for help.

Note: CHRS results are not certified documents and cannot replace a Certificate of Disposition from the court.

Ontario County District Attorney

The District Attorney's Office is at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua. The phone number is (585) 396-4010. The DA reviews arrests made by the Sheriff and local police, then decides whether to file charges. Once charges are filed, the case moves into the court system.

If you need information about a pending case or want to know if charges were filed after an arrest, the DA's office can help. Victim services are also available through this office. The DA works with the Sheriff, state police, and local departments on investigations across Ontario County.

How to Request Ontario County Arrest Records

There are three main ways to get arrest records in Ontario County. You can go in person to the office that holds the record. You can send a written request by mail. Or you can file a FOIL request. Each method works, but written requests give you a paper trail and a legal deadline for the agency to respond.

A FOIL request must include enough detail so the agency can find what you need. Put in the full name of the person, the date of the arrest or incident, and the location. Add any report or case numbers if you have them. The agency has five business days to respond. They can grant access, deny it, or ask for more time. If they deny your request, you can appeal. The standard copy fee is $0.25 per page across most county offices.

State-Level Resources for Ontario County

The Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps the official state rap sheet. This is the only source of the full criminal history for someone in New York. You need to submit fingerprints through an IdentoGO location. The fee runs $50 to $65. Results come by mail in 7 to 10 days. DCJS records are not public. You can only get your own record this way.

The DOCCS Inmate Lookup lets you search for people in state prison. This covers all 50 state correctional facilities. It is free to use online. If someone was sentenced in Ontario County and sent to state prison, they will show up in this system.

The Sex Offender Registry is another free tool. It shows Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. You can search by name, county, or zip code. The registry is run by DCJS and is available around the clock.

Ontario County Sheriff Online Portal

The Ontario County Sheriff's website provides information on services, contact details, and how to request records from the office in Canandaigua.

The site includes details on patrol operations, the jail facility, and civil process services. Check it for current hours and contact numbers before visiting in person.

Ontario County Clerk Records Access

The County Clerk sits at 20 Ontario Street in Canandaigua. The office holds court records, land records, and other official documents. Call (585) 396-4200 for questions. Hours are Monday through Friday. The Clerk also processes passport applications and handles business certificates.

For court records tied to criminal cases, the Clerk can provide copies. You may need a case number or the full name and date of birth of the person involved. Certified copies cost more than standard copies. The Clerk is also the FOIL officer for certain county records, so direct your written request there if the Sheriff's Office is not the right place for what you need.

Nearby Counties

Ontario County borders several other counties in the Finger Lakes region. If you are searching for arrest records and are not sure which county handled the case, check with the neighboring jurisdictions. Each county keeps its own records.

• Monroe County (north)
• Wayne County (northeast)
• Yates County (south)
• Livingston County (west)
• Seneca County (east)