Criminal records of Steuben County, New York, are available through several channels. SteubenCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, the Steuben County Sheriff's Office, and the court clerk's office—either in person, by mail, or online. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining these records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Steuben
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for: a court case, an individual's criminal history, or an inmate's status. This will dictate where to go.
Online Search
- SteubenCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available data on criminal cases in the county.
- New York State WebCivil Supreme and WebCrims System — the NYS Unified Court System portal (iapps.courts.state.ny.us) allows searching for criminal cases in supreme and local criminal courts. You will need the defendant's first and last name for the search.
- Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — the official repository of the state's criminal history. Here you can order a check of your own criminal history or submit a request for a fingerprint check.
- Incarcerated Lookup (DOCCS) — search for individuals in state correctional facilities. You can search by name, DIN, or NYSID.
- Inmate Locators — the Commission of Correction provides links to search for individuals in county jails, New York City facilities, and state prisons.
In-Person Visit
The Steuben County Court Clerk's Office in Bath accepts requests for criminal case searches. Public access terminals are usually available on-site. Bring a photo ID with you.
Mail Request
A written request for a criminal history can be sent to the DCJS or the county court clerk's office. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), case number, and purpose of the request. Add payment in the form of a money order.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
- NYSID — for requests through DCJS
Search Steuben Criminal Cases by Case Number
In New York State, a criminal case number usually consists of several elements, and its format depends on the court level.
For County Court and Supreme Court, the typical format looks like this:
- Index Number — for example, 2024-0123 — where the first four digits indicate the year the case was filed, and the rest is the sequential number.
- Court Prefix or Case Type — some courts add a letter code indicating the criminal nature of the case (CR or similar abbreviation).
In local courts (Town Courts, Village Courts), the format may differ: often, the court's abbreviated name is used along with the year and sequential number. If you do not know the exact number, try searching by name through the court portal or contact the clerk's office.
The case number is the quickest way to find a specific case. It allows you to immediately obtain information about charges, status, and the outcome of the proceedings.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Steuben
Each criminal case in the county contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of New York Penal Law (e.g., PL 155.25 — petty larceny) |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during plea bargaining |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and the proceedings are not yet complete
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a decision; the case is closed
- Sealed — the case is sealed under CPL §160.50 or §160.55 and is not available for public viewing
Hearings
The typical sequence of hearings in a criminal case:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, announcement of charges
- Preliminary Hearing — determination of evidence sufficiency (for felonies)
- Pre-trial Conference — discussion of procedural issues before the trial
- Trial — court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Conviction by court decision or defendant's admission |
| Not Guilty | Acquittal after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal by jury or judge |
| ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) | Case adjourned with the prospect of dismissal if the defendant meets conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Steuben
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for employment, immigration procedures, or court cases in other jurisdictions. Where to obtain them depends on the type of document.
County Clerk's Office
To obtain a certified copy of a court decision, indictment, or hearing transcript, contact the Steuben County Clerk.
Submit a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and type of document. Bring a photo ID if visiting in person.
Criminal History through DCJS
To obtain an official criminal history record (rap sheet), submit a request to DCJS. The procedure involves fingerprinting, which can be done at a local police department or sheriff's office. DCJS accepts requests by mail and through authorized agencies.
Sheriff's Office
The Steuben County Sheriff's Office can provide information on arrests and detentions in the county jail.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Steuben
Fees for criminal records in New York are regulated by state law and court internal rules. Below is an approximate cost table.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (Uncertified) | $0.65 per page | Standard rate under CPLR §8019 |
| Document Certification | $1.25 per document | In addition to copying costs |
| Criminal History Check (DCJS, by fingerprints) | $75.00 | For individual requests; payment by money order |
| DOCCS Database Search (Online) | Free | Inmate Search on NY.gov |
Processing Times
- Court Clerk's Office — copies are usually issued within 1–5 business days for in-person requests. Mail requests may take 2–4 weeks.
- DCJS — processing a criminal history request through fingerprints takes approximately 2–4 weeks from receipt.
Payment is accepted by money order or certified check. Personal checks and cash are not always accepted—confirm with the clerk's office before visiting.