Chautauqua County Arrest Records

Under New York's Criminal Procedure Law, law enforcement officers in Chautauqua County have the authority to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe a person has committed an offense. Once an arrest is made, the individual is typically processed at the Chautauqua County Jail, managed by the Corrections Division of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. This facility is the primary detention center for individuals awaiting trial or those sentenced to serve time for minor offenses. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records generated during this process, which feature the arrestee's personal details, biometrics, and the nature of the charges brought against them.

Chautauqua County arrest records are critical for transparency and public accountability. They are considered public information under the state's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and their availability helps foster a better understanding of the criminal justice system. While law enforcement agencies primarily manage arrest records, arrest-related information may also be featured within Chautauqua County court records and referenced during judicial processes.

Are Arrest Records Public in Chautauqua County?

According to New York's Freedom of Information Law, arrest records are public in Chautauqua County. Pursuant to the law, government agencies, including law enforcement, are required to release arrest information to the public upon request. However, there are records that are exempt from public disclosure:

• Records that could interfere with an ongoing investigation
• Arrest records involving juveniles
• Sealed or expunged records
• Information protected by state or federal privacy laws
• Arrest details part of an ongoing legal proceeding where public disclosure could compromise the case
• Information that could deprive someone of their right to a fair trial
• Details that may reveal a confidential informant or compromise an investigation
• Data that may disclose sensitive law enforcement techniques
• Information that could endanger an individual's life or safety

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Chautauqua County will generally include the following information:

• The arrestee's full legal name and any aliases
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (if applicable)
• The arrestee's home address
• Date, time, and location of the arrest
• Charges filed against the individual
• The booking number and other relevant booking details
• The mugshot of the individual taken at the time of arrest
• The arresting agency and the identification of the arresting officer
• Information related to any arrest warrant

Chautauqua County Crime Rate

The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides detailed crime data, including arrest statistics for each county. According to the 2023, approximately 2,400 index crimes were reported, including both violent and property crimes.

Of these, violent crimes made up around 696 incidents, reflecting a stable or slightly decreasing trend in offenses like aggravated assault and robbery compared to 2022. On the other hand, property crimes accounted for over 1,732 incidents, with larceny and burglary being the most common offenses.

Chautauqua County Arrest Statistics

Based on data compiled by the New York Open Justice Portal, law enforcement agencies in Chautauqua County made approximately 2,822 arrests in 2023. These arrests are divided into felony and misdemeanor categories, with felonies constituting about 899 and misdemeanors accounting for the remaining 1,923. The breakdown of these arrests was as follows:

• Felony Drug Arrests: 227
• Felony DWI Arrests: 42
• Other Felony Arrests: 738
• Violent Felony Arrests: 234
• Misdemeanor Drug Arrests: 421
• Misdemeanor DWI Arrests: 299
• Other Misdemeanor Arrests: 931
• Misdemeanor Property Arrests: 772

Find Chautauqua County Arrest Records

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary repository for arrest records and related public information. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Chautauqua County residents and other interested parties can request access to these records by sending a written application to the office.

Individuals may use the Incarcerated Individual Bookings Log to search for inmate information online. Alternatively, submit a FOIL request to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office in person or by submitting the appropriate forms online or to the Sheriff's Office at:

Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office
15 East Chautauqua Street
Mayville, NY 14757
Phone: (716) 753-2131

In addition to direct requests, Chautauqua County residents can also access certain arrest and inmate information through online tools, including the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) websites.

Free Arrest Record Search in Chautauqua County

Individuals who submit a FOIL request for a Chautauqua County arrest record will obtain them for free. Most government-managed online inmate search tools are accessible to the public for free, except the requesting party requires physical copies of the record. Similarly, third-party sites that aggregate inmate information across various jurisdictions may provide arrest information to users at no cost. However, in most cases, these sites restrict the information provided to free users and provide extensive or complete records to requesters who pay for their service.

Get Chautauqua County Criminal Records

Chautauqua County residents seeking access to their own criminal history records may submit an application and their fingerprints to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for processing. The DCJS will then provide either:

• A copy of the person's New York State criminal history or
• A "No Record" response is needed if no criminal history exists for that individual.

Requests for these records can be made through fingerprinting agencies approved by the DCJS, and results are typically provided electronically.

For general public searches, individuals can use the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA), which provides a fee-based Criminal History Record Search (CHRS). The cost for this service is $95, and requests can be submitted online or by mail to:

Office of Court Administration
Criminal History Record Search Unit
25 Beaver Street,
9th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Chautauqua County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

An arrest record merely indicates that a person has been taken into custody and charged with a crime; it does not necessarily imply that the person was convicted. On the other hand, a criminal record reflects an individual's criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and sentences. Criminal records in New York are typically maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and are not fully accessible to the public. Under CPL § 160.59, individuals with certain eligible convictions may apply to have their records sealed.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Chautauqua County, arrest records remain on a person's record permanently unless specific legal actions are taken to seal or expunge them, as outlined by New York state laws. According to New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) § 160.50, arrest records are retained indefinitely unless the case is resolved in favor of the accused or is otherwise sealed or expunged under applicable statutes.

Expunge Chautauqua County Arrest Records

Although New York law does not offer widespread expungement, CPL § 160.50 allows for the sealing of records in particular circumstances. Sealed records are not accessible to the public and are typically not available during background checks for employment, housing, or education. They remain accessible only to law enforcement and certain agencies, such as when someone applies for a firearm license or employment with a criminal justice agency.

However, under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, specific cannabis-related offenses can be fully expunged. Offenses eligible for automatic expungement include:

• Possession of small amounts of cannabis under PL 222.05 or PL 222.10
• Unlawful possession or distribution of marijuana in various degrees under PL 221.05, PL 221.15, and other related statutes

If a record is expunged, it will be as though the arrest and criminal proceedings never occurred. The Chautauqua County Court will notify relevant agencies, including the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), local police departments, and other law enforcement agencies about the expungement.

For non-cannabis-related offenses, individuals may apply for record sealing. To be eligible for sealing, a person must meet the following criteria:

• Not have been convicted of more than two misdemeanors or one felony and one misdemeanor.
• Crime-free for at least 10 years.

To apply for sealing, individuals need to submit a Certificate of Disposition and a Sealing Petition Form to the Chautauqua County Court. This application should include supporting documents, such as proof of rehabilitation or positive character references. The Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office will review and respond to the petition within 5 days of submission.

Chautauqua County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Chautauqua County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to apprehend and detain an individual. Warrants are typically issued when a person has failed to appear in court, violated probation, or committed a crime for which there is sufficient evidence to justify an arrest.

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10, arrest warrants must contain specific information, including:

• The full name of the suspect
• The date and time of issuance
• The alleged offense or violation
• The signature of the issuing judge
• Any applicable bail amount

Chautauqua County Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals who want to check for active arrest warrants in Chautauqua County can contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. The office can be queried in person or via mail, or the requester may view the required information using the Sheriffs Inmate List. This database includes information such as the name of the wanted individual, the alleged offense, and the warrant details.

Do Chautauqua County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Chautauqua County do not expire. After issuance, an arrest warrant remains active until the individual is apprehended or the warrant is quashed by the court. Law enforcement officers are authorized to execute the warrant at any time.