Onondaga County Court Records

What Is Onondaga County Court Records

Court records in Onondaga County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to New York State Judiciary Law § 255, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Onondaga County court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
• Docket sheets chronicling chronological case events
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing records and probation reports in criminal matters
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
• Adoption proceedings and records
• Probate and estate administration documents

Court records differ from other public records maintained by county offices. While the Onondaga County Clerk manages property deeds, business certificates, and passport applications, and the Department of Health maintains vital records such as birth and death certificates, court records specifically document judicial proceedings.

The following courts maintain records within Onondaga County:

• New York State Supreme Court (Onondaga County branch)
• Onondaga County Court (handling felony criminal cases)
• Onondaga County Family Court
• Syracuse City Court
• Town and Village Courts throughout the county
• Surrogate's Court (handling probate matters)

These courts collectively generate records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The New York State Unified Court System provides administrative oversight for these courts, establishing record-keeping standards pursuant to state law.

Are Court Records Public In Onondaga County

Court records in Onondaga County are presumptively public under New York State law. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the common law right of access to judicial records establish the public's right to access court documents. Additionally, New York Judiciary Law § 255 specifically mandates that court records "shall be public records and each clerk of a court... shall diligently search the files, papers, records, and dockets in his office" when proper requests are made.

The following court records are generally accessible to the public:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
• Criminal case files after arraignment (with protections for certain information)
• Court dockets and calendars
• Judgments and judicial orders
• Marriage records and divorce decrees (with certain personal information redacted)
• Probate records and wills

However, certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed under state law, including:

• Family Court proceedings involving juveniles
• Sealed criminal records following dismissals or acquittals
• Adoption records
• Mental health proceedings
• Cases sealed by judicial order for good cause
• Records containing certain personal identifying information

Access to federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of New York (which includes Onondaga County) is governed by federal rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.

The New York State Court Rules § 124.1-124.8 establish specific procedures for public access to court records, including provisions for electronic access and privacy protections. These rules implement the constitutional and statutory rights of public access while balancing privacy concerns.

How To Find Court Records in Onondaga County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Onondaga County may utilize several methods to locate and review these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific court and record type being sought.

For in-person requests at the Onondaga County Courthouse:

• Visit the specific court clerk's office where the case was filed
• Provide the clerk with identifying information such as case number, party names, and approximate filing dates
• Complete any required request forms and present valid identification
• Pay applicable copy fees if obtaining physical copies (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 100
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

For written requests by mail:

• Address correspondence to the specific court clerk's office
• Include case identifying information and specific documents requested
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
• Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

For records from the New York State Supreme Court or County Court in Onondaga County:

Onondaga County Supreme & County Court
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
NYS Supreme Court - 5th Judicial District

For Family Court records (subject to confidentiality restrictions):

Onondaga County Family Court
401 Montgomery Street, 4th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-2000
Onondaga County Family Court

For Surrogate's Court records (wills, estates, guardianships):

Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
401 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-2110
Onondaga County Surrogate's Court

Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks must "diligently search" for requested records and provide access during regular business hours. Most court offices operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.

How To Look Up Court Records in Onondaga County Online?

Onondaga County residents and interested parties may access certain court records through various online portals maintained by state and local authorities. The New York State Unified Court System provides several electronic access points for court records.

The primary online resource is the New York State WebCrims system, which provides access to:

• Criminal case information for Onondaga County Court and Syracuse City Court
• Case status and appearance dates
• Judge assignments
• Basic case disposition information

To use WebCrims effectively:

1. Navigate to the WebCrims portal
2. Select "Onondaga County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
3. Enter search criteria (case number, defendant name, etc.)
4. Review the case summary information provided

For civil cases in Supreme and County Courts, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) provides access to:

• Civil case documents filed electronically
• Case status information
• Scheduled appearances
• Decisions and orders

To search NYSCEF:

1. Create a user account or log in as a public user
2. Select "Onondaga County" as the venue
3. Enter case information or party names
4. Access publicly available documents

The New York State Court's WebFamily portal provides limited information on Family Court cases, though access is restricted to parties and their attorneys due to confidentiality requirements under New York Family Court Act § 166.

For matrimonial cases (divorces, separations, annulments), the Matrimonial Case Information System provides basic case tracking information to parties and their attorneys.

The Surrogate's Court Records Search allows users to search for estate proceedings in Onondaga County Surrogate's Court.

Users should note that pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, certain sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible online records, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children
• Birth dates

How To Search Onondaga County Court Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Onondaga County court records without charge through several methods established under New York State law. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, "a clerk of a court must, upon request and upon payment of, or offer to pay, the fees allowed by law... diligently search for and produce such records for inspection." While copy fees apply, inspection of records is generally available without charge.

Free in-person inspection options include:

• Visiting the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
• Using public access terminals available at the Onondaga County Courthouse
• Reviewing physical case files under clerk supervision
• Examining court calendars and docket sheets

Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Government

Free online search options include:

• WebCrims - Provides free access to criminal case information
• eCourts - Offers free case status information for civil matters
• WebFamily - Provides limited free access to Family Court case information for parties
• New York State Court Calendar - Offers free access to upcoming court appearances

The New York State Unified Court System website provides additional free resources, including:

• Court forms and instructions
• Local court rules and procedures
• Judge assignments and contact information
• General information about court operations

While basic record searches are free, users should be aware that:

• Copy fees apply for printed documents ($0.25-$1.00 per page typically)
• Certification fees apply for official court document copies
• Expedited service may incur additional charges
• Some specialized searches may require filing fees

The New York State Committee on Open Government provides guidance on free access to public records, including court documents, under state law.

What's Included in a Onondaga County Court Record?

Onondaga County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255 and relevant court rules.

For civil cases in Supreme and County Courts, records typically include:

• Summons and complaint initiating the action
• Defendant's answer and any counterclaims
• Motions and supporting affidavits
• Discovery-related documents (when filed with the court)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Judicial decisions and orders
• Final judgment and execution documents
• Appeal documents if applicable

Criminal case files generally contain:

• Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
• Arraignment records
• Bail determination documents
• Pre-trial motions and decisions
• Plea agreements if applicable
• Trial transcripts
• Verdict forms
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
• Sentencing orders
• Probation or parole conditions
• Appeal documents if applicable

Family Court records may include:

• Petitions for custody, visitation, or support
• Orders of protection
• Child protective proceedings
• Juvenile delinquency records (confidential)
• Adoption proceedings (sealed)
• Paternity determinations
• Support enforcement documents

Surrogate's Court files typically contain:

• Wills and codicils
• Probate petitions
• Letters testamentary or of administration
• Estate inventories
• Accounting documents
• Guardian appointment records
• Trust documents

Court records also include docket sheets that chronologically list all actions taken in a case, providing a comprehensive case history. Case indices allow for searching records by party name, case number, or filing date.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account information
• Names of minor children in certain proceedings
• Confidential personal information

How Long Does Onondaga County Keep Court Records?

Onondaga County courts retain records according to schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System and the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for County and Supreme Court Records. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance.

For criminal cases:

• Felony case records: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
• Felony cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Retained for 10 years, then destroyed unless sealed earlier under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
• Misdemeanor convictions: Retained for 25 years after case disposition
• Misdemeanor dismissals: Retained for 5 years, then destroyed unless sealed earlier
• Traffic infractions: Retained for 5 years after disposition

For civil proceedings:

• Supreme Court civil case files: Permanent retention for cases establishing precedent or involving substantial public interest
• Standard civil litigation: Retained for 25 years after disposition
• Small claims cases: Retained for 6 years after disposition
• Landlord-tenant proceedings: Retained for 6 years after disposition

For family matters:

• Divorce records: Permanent retention
• Child custody and support proceedings: Retained until the youngest child reaches 25 years of age
• Orders of protection: Permanent retention
• Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed from public access)
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings: Sealed when youth reaches adulthood, then retained for 25 years

For probate and estate matters:

• Wills: Permanent retention
• Estate administration records: Permanent retention
• Guardianship proceedings: Retained for 25 years after termination of guardianship

Court dockets, indices, and minute books are typically retained permanently as essential historical records. Exhibits admitted into evidence may be returned to parties after appeal periods expire, pursuant to CPLR § 2601.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may change over time as technology evolves. The New York State Office of Court Administration oversees the implementation of these retention schedules throughout the state court system.

Types of Courts In Onondaga County

Onondaga County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within the framework of New York State's Unified Court System.

New York State Supreme Court - Onondaga County
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
NYS Supreme Court - 5th Judicial District
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Despite its name, the Supreme Court is not the highest court in New York's system. It serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, divorces, and certain criminal matters.

Onondaga County Court
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
Onondaga County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Court handles felony criminal prosecutions and civil cases with damages up to $25,000.

Onondaga County Family Court
401 Montgomery Street, 4th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-2000
Onondaga County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Family Court addresses matters including child custody, visitation, support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, family offenses, and child protection.

Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
401 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-2110
Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Surrogate's Court handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions.

Syracuse City Court
505 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-2777
Syracuse City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City Court handles misdemeanors, violations, traffic infractions, small claims up to $5,000, and civil cases up to $15,000 within Syracuse city limits.

Town and Village Courts
Multiple locations throughout Onondaga County
Town and Village Courts Directory
Hours: Vary by location

These local courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases within their municipal boundaries.

The court hierarchy in New York State progresses from Town and Village Courts to County/Supreme Courts, then to the Appellate Division of Supreme Court (Fourth Department for Onondaga County), and finally to the New York Court of Appeals, which is the state's highest court.

What Types of Cases Do Onondaga County Courts Hear?

Onondaga County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as established by New York State law.

The New York State Supreme Court in Onondaga County handles:

• Major civil litigation with damages exceeding $25,000
• Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
• Corporate and commercial disputes
• Real property matters and foreclosures
• Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
• Medical malpractice and complex tort cases
• Declaratory judgment actions
• Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)

Onondaga County Court presides over:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Appeals from lower courts (town, village, city courts)
• Civil cases with damages between $15,000 and $25,000
• Drug treatment court for eligible offenders

Onondaga County Family Court addresses:

• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child and spousal support proceedings
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
• Child abuse and neglect proceedings
• Family offense petitions and orders of protection
• Adoption proceedings
• Paternity determinations
• Foster care approvals and reviews

Onondaga County Surrogate's Court handles:

• Probate of wills
• Administration of estates for those who die without wills
• Trust administration
• Guardianships for incapacitated persons
• Guardianships for minors' property
• Adoption records

Syracuse City Court adjudicates:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
• Housing matters including landlord-tenant disputes
• Civil cases with damages up to $15,000
• Small claims up to $5,000
• Traffic violations within city limits
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement matters

Town and Village Courts throughout Onondaga County handle:

• Misdemeanors and violations occurring in their jurisdiction
• Traffic infractions
• Small claims up to $3,000
• Civil cases up to $3,000
• Landlord-tenant matters
• Local ordinance violations
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

These jurisdictional boundaries are established by various provisions of New York State law, including the Judiciary Law, Family Court Act, Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, and Uniform City Court Act.

How To Find a Court Docket In Onondaga County

Court dockets in Onondaga County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases and are accessible through several methods. These official records track case progression from filing through disposition.

For in-person docket searches:

• Visit the clerk's office for the specific court where the case is filed
• Provide the clerk with identifying information (case number, party names)
• Request to view the docket sheet or register of actions
• Public access terminals may be available for self-service searching

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 100
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

For online docket searches:

• Criminal case dockets: Use the WebCrims system

  1. Select "Onondaga County" from the jurisdiction menu
  2. Enter defendant name or case number
  3. View chronological case events and scheduled appearances

• Civil Supreme and County Court dockets: Use eCourts

  1. Select "Onondaga County" as the court location
  2. Enter index number, party name, or attorney information
  3. View case information and appearance dates

• Family Court limited docket information: Use WebFamily (restricted to parties and attorneys)

• Surrogate's Court dockets: Use Surrogate's Court Records Search

For upcoming court appearances, the New York State Court Calendar provides searchable calendar information for all courts in Onondaga County.

For historical docket research, the New York State Archives maintains older court records that may not be available in current systems.

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, electronic dockets must be maintained for all cases filed in Supreme and County Courts. These electronic dockets contain:

• Case caption and index number
• Names of assigned judges
• Names of attorneys or self-represented litigants
• Chronological listing of document filings
• Scheduled court appearances
• Decisions and orders issued
• Case disposition information

Docket information is updated by court clerks as new filings and events occur, typically within 1-3 business days of the action.

Which Courts in Onondaga County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Onondaga County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain stenographic transcripts of all proceedings and have limited jurisdiction. This distinction is established by New York Judiciary Law § 2, which defines courts of record within the state.

The following courts in Onondaga County are not courts of record:

• Town Courts in all 19 towns within the county:

  • Town of Camillus Court
  • Town of Cicero Court
  • Town of Clay Court
  • Town of DeWitt Court
  • Town of Elbridge Court
  • Town of Fabius Court
  • Town of Geddes Court
  • Town of LaFayette Court
  • Town of Lysander Court
  • Town of Manlius Court
  • Town of Marcellus Court
  • Town of Onondaga Court
  • Town of Otisco Court
  • Town of Pompey Court
  • Town of Salina Court
  • Town of Skaneateles Court
  • Town of Spafford Court
  • Town of Tully Court
  • Town of Van Buren Court

• Village Courts within the county:

  • Village of Baldwinsville Court
  • Village of Camillus Court
  • Village of East Syracuse Court
  • Village of Fayetteville Court
  • Village of Liverpool Court
  • Village of Manlius Court
  • Village of Marcellus Court
  • Village of North Syracuse Court
  • Village of Skaneateles Court
  • Village of Solvay Court

As courts not of record, these judicial bodies:

• Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Have presiding justices who may not be attorneys
• Handle minor offenses, violations, and small civil matters
• Conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases before transferring them to courts of record
• Maintain simplified record-keeping systems

In contrast, the following Onondaga County courts are courts of record pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 2(11):

• New York State Supreme Court (Onondaga County branch)
• Onondaga County Court
• Onondaga County Family Court
• Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
• Syracuse City Court

These courts of record maintain complete stenographic records of all proceedings, which can be transcribed for appeals or other purposes. Their decisions may establish precedent, and they have broader jurisdictional authority than courts not of record.

Appeals from courts not of record are typically heard by the Onondaga County Court, which conducts a review based on the limited record available from the lower court. This appellate process is outlined in the Uniform Justice Court Act § 1704.

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