Saratoga County Arrest Records

Saratoga County arrest records are typically available through law enforcement agencies. These records are created after a person is arrested, usually at the police station or a jail facility. Details about arrests may also be obtainable through the court system, as they become part of the Saratoga County court records when a person is charged with an offense. Generally, an individual may want to access an arrest record in Saratoga for different reasons.

People looking for arrest records are often interested in finding bond/bail details and the whereabouts of an arrested person. They may also want to know why a person was arrested and the police agency involved in the incident.

Further, arrest record searches may be initiated for employment or licensing purposes. These details can turn up in criminal background searches processed through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Arrest information can also assist members of the public in understanding crime rates within their neighborhoods, subjects of records in filing for expungements, and judges in determining appropriate sentencing for offenders.

Are Arrest Records Public in Saratoga County?

Yes, arrest records are statutorily considered public information under N.Y. Pub. Off. Law §§ 84 - 90 (New York Freedom of Information Law). However, the law does not grant complete access to arrest information, as some records are protected by statute or court rule. Public access to juvenile arrests, personal details like social security and bank account numbers, police investigation records, and national security information are restricted from public access. People cannot also see sealed criminal information unless they are legally eligible.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Arrest records are created to provide official accounts of who was arrested, what led to the arrest, who executed the arrest, and how the person was processed into a holding facility. These records typically contain these details:

• Personal information: Name, date of birth, known alias(es), date of birth, gender, physical description, and photograph.
• Arrest information: Arrest date, time, and location.
• Booking details: Booking number, date, and time.
• Location: The facility in which the suspect is being held.
• Pretrial information: Bail/bond and court appearance details.

Saratoga County Crime Rate

According to the New York DCJS, 2,936 index crimes were recorded in Saratoga County in 2023. Aggravated assault accounted for 167 cases, and rape had 97 cases. Also, there were 28 robbery incidents and 0 murder cases. The county also reported 228 burglary cases and 2,351 larceny incidents.

Saratoga County Arrest Statistics

The DCJS's 2023 report revealed that Saratoga County law enforcement recorded 3,549 adult arrests in 2023. Of that number, 1,149 arrests were executed for incidents classified as felonies, while misdemeanor arrests were 2,400.

Out of the total felony arrests, 169 were due to drug-related offenses, 92 resulted from DWI (driving while intoxicated) incidents, and 177 were violent felony arrests. Meanwhile, for misdemeanors, 676 arrests were tied to property crimes, 292 arrests were recorded for drug offenses, and 630 were related to DWI.

Find Saratoga County Arrest Records

Individuals can find Saratoga County arrest records through the following agencies:

Saratoga Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office is responsible for booking pretrial and sentenced individuals (serving short sentences) into the county jail. Interested parties can contact its Corrections Division to determine whether the person they seek is at the facility. They can also contact the office's Records Division to request arrest reports. Requesters can fill out the division's request form and send it via email alongside their photo ID.

Local Police Departments: Police departments in cities and towns within Saratoga County maintain records of arrests that they execute. Individuals can visit, call, or mail these offices to inquire about arrest incidents. For example, one can fill out the Saratoga Springs Police Department's request form and submit it in person or by mail for arrest inquiries:

City Hall
Attn: Records
5 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: (518) 584-1800
Fax: (518) 584-1744

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: The DOCCS houses people serving long sentences after being convicted of serious crimes. These include individuals who were prosecuted in Saratoga County. People can use the department's Incarcerated Lookup tool to find out where a specific inmate is being held and why they are incarcerated. The Parolee lookup tool is another online resource that provides information about people under parole supervision. People can also submit Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to the DOCCS for inmate inquiries.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE can arrest individuals from Saratoga County for violating federal immigration laws. The agency keeps records of people in its custody and provides an online tool where members of the public can locate arrested individuals. It is called the Online Detainee Locator System. Users can search by a detainee's A-Number or name (must provide country of birth). Individuals can also contact ICE directly for information.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations): The FBI provides arrest information about agency arrests for federal offenses. Usually, one must be statutorily eligible to request FBI records. People may use the department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request method to obtain arrest information or submit a background check application if eligible.

Bureau of Prisons: The BOP mostly handles people arrested by various federal agencies and incarcerated by the federal courts. Individuals can use the agency's Inmate Locator to find out where inmates are being held. They can also use information from the system, like a register number, to submit FOIA requests to BOP.

Free Arrest Record Search in Saratoga County

Arrest records can be obtained for free using certain request methods. For example, individuals can access information about incarcerated persons through the DOCCS and BOP's website at no charge. Third-party public records websites also provide free arrest information online.

However, FOIL requests to any law enforcement agency may cost the requester, especially if they want to obtain copies of arrest records. Further, people can access arrest information within court documents for free, provided they only inspect the documents and do not order copies or certification.

Get Saratoga County Criminal Records

Saratoga County criminal records are created when someone is arrested, charged, or sentenced for a criminal offense. In New York, comprehensive criminal records are maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Consequently, this agency may be queried when looking for a Saratoga criminal record.

The DCJS compiles criminal history information from courts, district attorneys, police departments, sheriff's offices, and other criminal justice agencies. Each person's criminal history includes conviction, sentencing, indictment, and arrest information from every criminal case in which they may have been involved. These records are not open to the general public under New York's laws and can only be accessed by employers and licensing entities that are statutorily permitted or required to perform background checks for employment and license considerations. Subjects of criminal records or their attorneys can request criminal history record information from the DCJS using procedures outlined on the department's website.

Parties who cannot obtain fingerprint-based criminal records from the DCJS can search court records for details about a person's prosecution, which form a significant part of a person's criminal record. This process may be lengthier since one may have to go through different court records and agencies, especially if the search subject has been involved in multiple criminal cases. Inquirers can use the following search methods:

• WebCriminal: The New York Unified Courts system provides this online database for finding details about pending criminal proceedings and future court dates for cases handled in the Saratoga County Supreme and County courts. It also contains information about cases handled in the Saratoga Springs and Mechanicville city courts. Users can search the database by case number, name, and date to find a suspect's arrest date, next court appearance, arresting agency and officer, and attorney information.
• New York Statewide Criminal History Record Search (CHRS): The Office of Court Administration provides this background search service to members of the public for $95. It contains criminal convictions and pending/open criminal cases initiated in Supreme, Count, City, Village, and Town Courts. It does not provide sealed records or certain disposition data from village and town criminal proceedings. Interested parties can visit the OCA's CHRS FAQs webpage to find out how to use the service and the kinds of records that may be restricted.
• Clerks of Court: People can contact the clerk of the court that handled a case to request publicly available criminal case documents or information. Viewing records at the clerk's office is usually free, but collecting copies will cost each requester.

Where a search subject was convicted of a federal offense, the interested party can use federal court resources options to find criminal case records. These include visiting the courthouse where the case was heard or using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database to find relevant information.

Saratoga County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Saratoga County arrest records are created to maintain official accounts of people's arrests. However, these records do not imply any arrestee's guilt, as an arrested person can later be released or exonerated. On the other hand, a person's criminal records show how they were tried and the outcome of their prosecution, such as their conviction and sentencing. Criminal records also include details of arrests and charges.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Forever. However, a person may qualify to have their record sealed by a court.

Saratoga County arrest records are automatically sealed if a subject was not charged, the subject was found not guilty, the case was dismissed, or the case had other favorable outcomes that did not see the individual convicted. Pursuant to CPL 160.50, the court will issue an order to seal such arrest and prosecution records unless there are other statutory reasons to keep them open.

Further, the New York Clean Slate Act allows courts to automatically seal records of eligible people who were arrested and convicted of certain felonies and misdemeanors.

However, people arrested or convicted of crimes that do not meet the state requirements to be sealed may have arrest and criminal information that exists indefinitely.

Expunge Saratoga County Arrest Records

New York law does not permit the destruction (expungement) of criminal and arrest records unless the individual was arrested or convicted of certain marijuana offenses, which are no longer crimes. The State Legislature repealed the statutes that criminalized the use, possession, and sale of marijuana charges; thus, convicted and arrested individuals are generally eligible for automatic expungement. However, people who still have those offenses and convictions on their records can follow the steps outlined on the OCA's cannabis and expungement webpage to erase their records.

Those looking to seal other criminal records that do not meet the requirements for automatic sealing must go through specific processes established by law. The following individuals can ask a Saratoga County court to seal their arrest and conviction records:

• People who have 2 misdemeanor convictions or less or a maximum of 1 misdemeanor and 1 felony and have had no criminal conviction for at least 10 years.
• Individuals who successfully complete court-ordered drug treatment programs and those convicted under the Rockefeller Drug Law Reform.

The sealing process is as follows:

• Fill out and submit the Application for Criminal Certificate of Disposition to the convicting court. It usually costs $5 per case. Petitioners must request a disposition certificate separately for each case.
• Once the certificate has been obtained, one must complete the Sealing Application. They must attach every piece of evidence that will help their case alongside the Certificate of Disposition. Examples include proof that they have completed a drug treatment program, commendation letters from community leaders and employers, or proof of community or volunteer services.
• Serve copies of the expungement petition on the District Attorney's Office, including the certificate of disposition and other attached evidence. A notarized affidavit verifying service must be completed by the person who delivered the documents to the DA's office. If more than one DA was served, the Affidavit of Service must be completed for each one.
• File all original papers with the court, including the Sealing Application, Certificate of Disposition, Affidavit of Service, and other supporting documents.

Individuals may have to appear before a judge to make their case.

Those seeking to seal drug-related cases after completing treatment can find applicable instructions on the state judiciary's website.

Saratoga County Arrest Warrants

Saratoga arrest warrants are judicial documents issued by local courts with criminal jurisdiction. These documents direct police officers to apprehend and detain accused individuals before the issuing court.

Before an arrest warrant is granted in Saratoga, police officers or other requesting criminal justice personnel must submit accusatory statements considered sufficient pursuant to CPL 100.40. These statements can include misdemeanor and felony complaints and indictments.

Nonetheless, judges can issue arrest warrants in some instances without the submission of complaints. These situations include when defendants refuse to honor summons or appear in court, are held in contempt of the court, or violate certain judicial obligations.

Arrest warrants in Saratoga usually contain the following:

• Issuance dates
• Issuing courts' names
• Names or physical descriptions of defendants to be arrested
• Law enforcement agents to execute the warrants
• The violations allegedly committed by the defendants
• An instruction for the named police officer/agency to arrest and bring the defendant before the issuing judge

Saratoga County Arrest Warrant Search

People looking for Saratoga County arrest warrants can approach the local Sheriff's Office or the clerk of the issuing court.

The Sheriff's Records Division can help individuals find active warrants or provide guidance on obtaining warrant information. Interested parties can call the division at (518) 885-2465 or in person. The Sheriff's Office also releases a wanted list showing details of individuals whose arrest warrants have been issued for dangerous crimes. It displays their photographs, alleged offenses, names, and physical descriptions.

Interested parties can also contact the local police department within the jurisdiction of the city or town court that issued a warrant.

Do Saratoga County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants in Saratoga remain active until a subject is apprehended and arraigned before the court. The person named on the warrant can also turn themselves in or satisfy required judicial obligations, such as paying a court-ordered fine. However, judges can quash or recall warrants if new evidence exonerates the defendant.