Clinton County Public Records / Clinton County Arrest Records

Clinton County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clinton County in 2026

ClintonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Clinton County. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal court case filings
Jail roster and inmate information
Mugshot and booking photographs
Bond and bail information

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the arrested individual, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the Clinton County Sheriff's Office website.

2. Local Police Departments

The Plattsburgh City Police Department and other municipal agencies within Clinton County maintain arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. The Plattsburgh City Police Department provides public information through its official website, including recent arrest summaries and press releases.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Clinton County Clerk's Office maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated court filings. New York State's eCourts case search provides online access to court case information statewide, including Clinton County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the state criminal history repository. Individuals may request their own criminal history record through the New York State DCJS for a fee of $65.00. Third-party employers and licensing agencies may access records through authorized channels under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.55.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4300 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Records Division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Plattsburgh City Police Department 42 City Hall Place Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 563-3411 Plattsburgh City Police Department

Records requests are processed through the Records Division
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Fees: $0.25 per page

Clerk of Court:

Clinton County Clerk's Office 137 Margaret Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4700 Clinton County Clerk

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Copy fees: $0.65 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Written requests may be submitted to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office at 25 McCarthy Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mail requests is approximately 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office: (518) 565-4300
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery requests in criminal cases are governed by applicable court rules and provide access to records not otherwise available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (city, town, or county)

Are Arrest Records Public in Clinton County

Arrest records in Clinton County are public records under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the right of members of the public to access government records. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety, and enable community awareness of law enforcement activity.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under New York Family Court Act provisions
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information is exempt from disclosure
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is withheld
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

New York's FOIL reflects the principle that government records belong to the public. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. New York State's Human Rights Law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction. Employers in New York are prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not lead to conviction in most circumstances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record does not establish guilt.

What's in Clinton County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, State Police, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIL review
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clinton County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Clinton County depends on the requesting office and the format of the records. Under New York Public Officers Law, agencies may charge fees for copies of records but may not charge for the inspection of records at a public access terminal.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Uncertified paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Clerk's Office)	$0.65 per page
Certification fee (per document)	$1.25
Electronic copies (where available)	No charge or nominal fee
Criminal history search (DCJS)	$65.00 per request

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk's Office is available at no charge
Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the applicable agency
Credit card payment may be accepted at some offices; members of the public should confirm with the specific office prior to visiting
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; applicants must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
Fees for records obtained through the New York State DCJS are governed by New York Executive Law § 837

Members of the public may inspect records at no cost during regular business hours at the Clinton County Clerk's Office or the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Copies of records available online through eCourts or the Sheriff's website are accessible at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clinton County

In New York, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and sealing. These are distinct remedies. Expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of records, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to retain access.

Expungement in New York is currently limited in scope. Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, certain marijuana-related convictions are eligible for automatic expungement. Outside of this specific category, New York does not provide broad expungement of criminal records.

Sealing under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal up to two convictions, no more than one of which may be a felony. To be eligible, an individual must:

Have no more than two convictions on their record (no more than one felony)
Have completed their sentence at least ten years prior to the application
Not have been convicted of a violent felony, sex offense, or other excluded offense

Automatic Sealing is available under CPL § 160.50 for arrests that did not result in conviction, including cases where charges were dismissed, the defendant was acquitted, or the prosecution declined to file charges. In these circumstances, records are sealed automatically upon the conclusion of the case.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the New York State DCJS
Confirm eligibility under CPL § 160.59
Complete the petition form available from the court where the conviction was entered
File the petition with the court and serve copies on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the hearing scheduled by the court
If granted, the court issues a sealing order to all relevant agencies

Clinton County District Attorney's Office 137 Margaret Street, Suite 302 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4770 Clinton County District Attorney

Clinton County Public Defender's Office 137 Margaret Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4620 Clinton County Public Defender

What Happens After Arrest in Clinton County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Clinton County, the arrested individual is transported to the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency.

Clinton County Correctional Facility 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4300 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the correctional facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Personal information recorded
Miranda rights read, if not already administered
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
Medical screening completed
Mental health screening (brief) conducted
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New York law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in most circumstances within 24 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to counsel is addressed, including appointment of a public defender for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

The Clinton County Court handles criminal matters in the county.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount must be paid in cash
Refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond/ROR):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bail
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing time is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Clinton County Correctional Facility
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Applications are processed through the Clinton County Public Defender's Office.

Clinton County Public Defender's Office 137 Margaret Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4620 Clinton County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

The defendant retains the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to qualified attorneys. Attorney visits at the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Clinton County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. Options available to the prosecutor include:

Filing formal charges through an Information or Indictment
Requesting additional investigation before making a charging decision
Declining to prosecute, resulting in no charges filed
Filing different or additional charges based on the evidence

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

In New York, felony charges may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an Indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
Includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and video or audio recordings

Pretrial Motions:

Motion to suppress evidence
Motion to dismiss
Motion for discovery
Hearings are scheduled as needed

Pretrial Conferences:

Meetings between attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness

Plea Negotiations:

The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal:

Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal issues
Dismissed cases may be eligible for sealing under CPL § 160.50

Diversion Programs (if eligible):

Pretrial intervention
Drug court
Mental health court
Veterans court
Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges

Plea Agreement:

The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
A sentencing hearing is scheduled

Trial:

Jury trial is available as a matter of right for most charges
Bench trial (decided by the judge) is available by agreement
The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense
Verdict: Guilty or not guilty
If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

Prison or jail time
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year to resolve
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the New York Constitution and applicable statutes

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4300 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Clinton County Clerk's Office 137 Margaret Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4700 Clinton County Clerk

Clinton County District Attorney's Office 137 Margaret Street, Suite 302 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4770 Clinton County District Attorney

Clinton County Public Defender's Office 137 Margaret Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 565-4620 Clinton County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent politely and clearly
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Follow all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clinton County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Clinton County is governed by New York State law and local agency policies. The New York State Archives establishes records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies, including law enforcement and courts.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the New York State DCJS
Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement and court records are retained for a minimum of several years and in many cases permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Records are sealed automatically under CPL § 160.50 upon dismissal
Sealed records remain in law enforcement databases but are not accessible to the general public
Court records are retained but access is restricted

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Records are sealed under CPL § 160.50 following a not guilty verdict
Court records are often retained permanently in electronic systems
Public access is restricted following sealing

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule
Records may be eligible for sealing upon application

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records subject to the applicable retention schedule
Often eligible for sealing under CPL § 160.50

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the New York State Archives retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency
Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated when sealed or expunged
The FCRA requires accuracy and imposes obligations on consumer reporting agencies

Retention by Agency:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the New York State Archives local government retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and applicable schedule
Phone: (518) 565-4300

Plattsburgh City Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable state retention schedule
Phone: (518) 563-3411

Clinton County Clerk's Office:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Electronic records are often retained permanently
Phone: (518) 565-4700

New York State DCJS:

Maintains the state criminal history repository for all arrests statewide
Retention policy is governed by state law and agency regulation
The New York State DCJS provides information on criminal history record access

FBI Database:

The NCIC and III maintain federal records, accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Federal retention is typically permanent
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in most databases
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Appears on background checks indefinitely under applicable law

Dismissal:

Records are sealed under CPL § 160.50 but may remain in law enforcement databases
Not reported on standard background checks following sealing

Expungement (Marijuana Offenses):

Physical destruction or sealing of local records
State repository updates records
FBI database may retain records with a notation
Timeframe for removal varies by agency

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period in most cases
May be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
Sealing may be requested under CPL § 160.50

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and eCourts
Updated regularly

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk's Office
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time for older records

Very Old Arrests:

May not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Records Division at (518) 565-4300 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order (such as an expungement order), or according to the records retention schedule
Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency
Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, cannot be destroyed

Impact on Background Checks:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA
New York State law prohibits employers from considering arrests that did not result in conviction in most employment decisions
Convictions may be reported indefinitely on background checks
Sealed records are not reported on standard background checks

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Clinton County Sheriff's Records Division at (518) 565-4300
Submit a written public records request under FOIL for information about a specific arrest
Fees may apply for copies of records