Onondaga County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Onondaga County

Arrest records in Onondaga County are generally considered public information pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under New York Public Officers Law § 87. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information is subject to public disclosure. However, it is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

• Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with an offense
• Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed from public view. This includes cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were otherwise favorably resolved for the defendant.

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office and the Syracuse Police Department maintain arrest records within their respective jurisdictions and process requests for these records in accordance with state law.

What's in Onondaga County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Onondaga County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with New York Executive Law § 837-4, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Standard arrest records in Onondaga County include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Fingerprints and, in many cases, photographs (mugshots)
• Address at time of arrest
• Identification numbers (e.g., state ID, FBI number)

Arrest Details:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, Syracuse Police Department)
• Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
• Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

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

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number and issuing court
• Date warrant was issued
• Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

• Date and time of booking
• Facility where individual was processed
• Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bail amount set
• Whether bail was posted
• Type of bail (cash, bond, etc.)
• Release status

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Scheduled court appearances
• Case/docket numbers

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility where individual is being held (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Known gang affiliations (if documented)
• Special custody considerations
• Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services may contain additional information not available in county-level records.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Onondaga County in 2026

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

1. Submit a FOIL Request to the Appropriate Agency

   • Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest (Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, Syracuse Police Department, or another local agency)
   • Complete the agency's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request form
   • Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the agency's online portal if available
   • Include specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)

2. Contact the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Records Division
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-3044
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office

3. Visit the Syracuse Police Department Records Division

Syracuse Police Department Records Division
511 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 442-5200
Syracuse Police Department

4. Check with the Onondaga County Clerk's Office

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

5. Request Records from New York State
   • For statewide criminal history information, contact the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
   • Be advised that access to complete criminal history records may be restricted to authorized agencies and individuals

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to:

• Provide proper identification
• Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
• Allow processing time as specified by the agency (typically 5-20 business days)
• Receive redacted records if they contain information exempt from disclosure under Public Officers Law § 87(2)

How To Find Onondaga County Arrest Records Online

Onondaga County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest record information online. These electronic systems offer varying levels of detail and accessibility:

1. Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

   • Visit the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the "Custody" section
   • Access the inmate lookup tool
   • Search by name to find current inmates and basic arrest information
   • Information typically includes charges, booking date, and custody status

2. New York State WebCrims System

   • Access the New York State Unified Court System WebCrims portal
   • Create a user account if you don't already have one
   • Search by name or case number
   • View pending criminal cases, including arrest charges and court dates
   • Note that this system only shows active cases, not historical arrests

3. Onondaga County Clerk's Office Online Records

   • Visit the Onondaga County Clerk's website
   • Access the online records portal
   • Search for criminal court records related to arrests
   • Note that full case files may require in-person inspection

4. E-Courts System for Court Records

   • Access the New York State Unified Court System E-Courts
   • Search for criminal court proceedings
   • View case information related to arrests and subsequent court actions

5. Online FOIL Request Portals

   • Some agencies offer electronic submission of FOIL requests
   • Visit the specific agency's website to determine if online requests are accepted
   • Follow the instructions for electronic submission
   • Provide required information about the records being sought

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that:

• Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
• Some systems may require registration or payment of fees
• Certain sensitive information may be redacted or unavailable online
• Records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 will not appear in public searches

How To Search Onondaga County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Onondaga County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods include:

1. Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Current Inmate Roster

   • The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible online inmate lookup system
   • This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody
   • Visit the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the inmate lookup tool
   • Search by name to view current charges and custody status at no charge

2. Public Access Terminals at Government Offices

   • Visit the Onondaga County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
   • Use the public access computer terminals to search court records related to arrests
   • Staff can provide assistance with navigating the system
   • While viewing records on-site is free, printing copies may incur fees

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

3. Syracuse Police Department Daily Arrest Reports

   • The Syracuse Police Department publishes limited information about recent arrests
   • Visit the department's website or social media accounts for these updates
   • Information typically includes basic details about arrests made within city limits

4. Public Library Resources

   • The Onondaga County Public Library system offers free internet access
   • Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
   • Some branches may have specialized resources for legal research

Onondaga County Public Library - Central Library
447 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-1900

5. FOIL Requests with Fee Waiver
   • Submit a Freedom of Information Law request to the appropriate agency
   • Include a request for a fee waiver based on public interest
   • Agencies may waive fees if disclosure primarily benefits the general public
   • Fee waivers are discretionary and not guaranteed

When utilizing free resources to access arrest records, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

• Free resources may provide less comprehensive information than paid services
• Some records may only be available through formal requests that incur fees
• Older records may not be available through online systems
• Records that have been sealed or expunged will not be accessible through public searches

How To Delete Arrest Records in Onondaga County

In New York State, including Onondaga County, individuals cannot "delete" arrest records in the traditional sense, but may be eligible to have records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The distinction between these processes is important:

• Record Sealing: Restricts public access to criminal records but preserves them for certain authorized agencies
• Expungement: Complete destruction or removal of records (limited availability in New York)

The primary mechanism for removing arrest records from public view in Onondaga County is through sealing pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59. Eligibility criteria include:

1. Automatic Sealing for Favorable Dispositions

   • Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution
   • Records sealed automatically under CPL § 160.50
   • No application required, but individuals may need to verify sealing occurred

2. Sealing for Eligible Convictions

   • Up to two eligible offenses (only one can be a felony)
   • At least 10 years must have passed since conviction or release from incarceration
   • Certain serious offenses are ineligible (violent felonies, sex offenses, etc.)
   • Requires formal application to the court

3. Youthful Offender Adjudications

   • Records for individuals granted youthful offender status are automatically sealed
   • Applies to eligible defendants who were 16-18 years old at the time of offense

4. Marijuana Conviction Expungement

   • Pursuant to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
   • Certain marijuana convictions automatically expunged
   • No application required

To initiate the sealing process for eligible convictions, individuals must:

1. Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each conviction from the court where the case was handled
2. Complete the Application for Sealing form
3. File the application with the court that handled the original case
4. Serve copies on the District Attorney's Office
5. Attend a hearing if one is scheduled by the court

Onondaga County District Attorney's Office
505 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2470

Individuals seeking to seal records may benefit from legal assistance. Resources include:

Onondaga County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
1000 State Tower Building
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 471-2690

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
221 South Warren Street, Suite 310
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 703-6600

It is important to note that even sealed records remain accessible to certain agencies, including law enforcement and some licensing bodies, as specified in CPL § 160.59(9).

What Happens After Arrest in Onondaga County?

Following an arrest in Onondaga County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by the New York Criminal Procedure Law. This process typically includes the following sequential steps:

1. Booking and Processing

   • Arrestee is transported to a police station or the Onondaga County Justice Center
   • Fingerprinting and photographing
   • Personal information collection
   • Property inventory and storage
   • Criminal history check

2. Arraignment

   • First court appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest
   • Judge informs defendant of charges
   • Constitutional rights are explained
   • Bail determination made pursuant to CPL § 510.10
   • Counsel is assigned if defendant cannot afford an attorney

3. Bail or Detention Decision

   • Judge determines whether defendant will be:
     • Released on recognizance (ROR)
     • Released under supervision
     • Released after posting bail
     • Remanded to custody without bail (for certain serious offenses)
   • Decisions guided by 2020 bail reform laws

4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)

   • Held within 120 hours if defendant is in custody (144 hours if arrest occurs on weekend)
   • Prosecution must demonstrate reasonable cause
   • May be waived if grand jury indictment is obtained

5. Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases)

   • Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury
   • Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue indictment
   • Proceedings are confidential
   • Defendant may testify but typically does not

6. Formal Charging

   • Misdemeanors: Information or complaint filed by prosecutor
   • Felonies: Grand jury indictment or superior court information if waived

7. Arraignment on Indictment (Felony Cases)

   • Defendant appears in Onondaga County Court
   • Formal reading of charges in indictment
   • Entry of plea (guilty or not guilty)

8. Pre-Trial Proceedings

   • Discovery exchange pursuant to CPL Article 245
   • Motion practice (e.g., suppression hearings)
   • Plea negotiations
   • Pre-trial conferences

9. Trial

   • Jury selection
   • Opening statements
   • Presentation of evidence
   • Closing arguments
   • Jury deliberation and verdict

10. Sentencing (If Convicted)

    • Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
    • Victim impact statements considered
    • Judge imposes sentence according to New York Penal Law
    • Potential sentences include probation, jail/prison time, fines, restitution

11. Post-Conviction

    • Right to appeal within 30 days
    • Potential post-conviction motions
    • Incarceration or supervision begins

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, dismissals, or diversion programs. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases, while the defense may be provided by:

Onondaga County Assigned Counsel Program
351 South Warren Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 422-8822

Hiscock Legal Aid Society
351 South Warren Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 422-8191

The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the defendant is in custody or released.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Onondaga County?

Arrest records in Onondaga County are subject to retention requirements established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which governs records management for local government agencies including law enforcement. These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing privacy concerns.

The standard retention periods for arrest-related records include:

• Arrest Reports: Minimum 5 years after case closure
• Booking Information: 5 years after the individual's release from custody
• Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention for unsolved cases; 5 years after case closure for solved cases
• Photographs/Mugshots: 5 years after case closure or individual's release from custody
• Incident Reports: 5 years after case closure
• Investigation Files: 5 years after case closure for routine cases; permanent retention for significant cases
• Warrant Files: 5 years after warrant is executed, canceled, or recalled

Different retention requirements apply to records that have been sealed pursuant to law:

• Records sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (favorable dispositions): Retained but restricted from public access
• Records sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (eligible convictions after 10 years): Retained but restricted from public access
• Youthful offender records: Sealed automatically but retained by agencies

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a central repository of criminal history information with its own retention schedule. This state-level retention may exceed local requirements, particularly for serious offenses.

Law enforcement agencies may retain records beyond the minimum required periods for various reasons:

• Historical significance of the case
• Ongoing investigations into related matters
• Pattern crime analysis
• Cold case review potential

Records retention serves several important public purposes:

• Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
• Maintains accountability of the criminal justice system
• Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
• Ensures documentation is available for background checks when legally authorized

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention should contact the agency that created and maintains the records.

How to Find Mugshots in Onondaga County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Onondaga County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are maintained as part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

• A front-facing (portrait) photograph
• A profile (side-view) photograph

These images are taken alongside fingerprinting and other booking procedures at the Onondaga County Justice Center or local police stations. Mugshots are considered government records subject to applicable public records laws.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Onondaga County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

• The arresting law enforcement agency (Syracuse Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
• The Onondaga County Justice Center booking facility
• The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (state-level repository)

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:

1. Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the arresting agency

   • Requests must specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
   • Agencies may require proof of identity if requesting one's own photograph
   • Fees may apply for search and reproduction

2. Contact the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Records Division
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-3044
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

3. Request records from the Syracuse Police Department

Syracuse Police Department Records Division
511 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 442-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office and Syracuse Police Department do not maintain public online databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:

• Media outlets reporting on arrests
• Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos
• Court records if entered as evidence

It is important to note that New York State has enacted legislation (General Business Law § 518-a) regulating websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. This law prohibits the practice of charging individuals to remove their booking photographs from commercial websites.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining authentic booking photographs is through official channels:

1. Determine which agency made the arrest
2. Submit a written FOIL request to that agency
3. Provide specific identifying information
4. Pay any applicable fees
5. Allow processing time (typically 5-20 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:

• Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59
• Juvenile records
• Youthful offender adjudications
• Active investigations where release would interfere with proceedings
• Cases where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure

Agencies evaluate FOIL requests for mugshots on a case-by-case basis, balancing public access rights against privacy considerations and statutory exemptions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Onondaga County

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

Onondaga County Clerk