Monroe County Felony Records are public court files that show felony cases filed in Monroe County, New York. These files come from the 7th Judicial District court system and the Monroe County Clerk.
Anyone can look up felony case information using a name, case number, or docket number. This page covers how to search, where to look, what the records contain, and the rules for public access in 2026.
What Are Monroe County Felony Records
Monroe County felony records are written accounts of serious criminal cases in Monroe County, New York. They track every step of a felony case from arrest to final sentencing. These records live in the Monroe County Courthouse and the New York State court database. They serve the public, attorneys, journalists, employers, and family members who need case details.
Definition and Scope
A felony in New York State is a crime that can lead to prison time of more than one year. Common felony charges in Monroe County include assault, drug sales, burglary, robbery, and DWI with prior convictions. Felony cases in Monroe County move through the local criminal court, the superior court, and sometimes the appellate courts. The records include the charging documents, motions filed, court orders, plea deals, trial notes, and the final sentence.
Types of Felony Records Available
Three main types of felony records exist in Monroe County. The first is the court docket, which lists every paper filed and every court date. The second is the case file, which contains the actual documents like complaints, indictments, and judgments. The third is the criminal history record, which lists all felony convictions for a person across New York State.
- Court dockets from the Monroe County Court Clerk
- Case files from the Monroe County Courthouse
- Statewide criminal history from NYS DCJS
- Sentence and commitment records from the Department of Corrections
- Appeals records from the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division
Laws Governing Public Access
New York State law allows public access to most felony court records under the Freedom of Information Law and the Unified Court System rules. Section 255 of the New York Judiciary Law and CPL section 160.50 cover sealed records. Most felony docket records stay open to the public after the case ends. Sealed records require a court order to view.
How the Monroe County Court System Handles Felony Cases
Monroe County sits within the 7th Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. The court system hears all felony cases that happen in the county. Cases start in local courts and move to higher courts based on the charge and the case stage.
The 7th Judicial District
The 7th Judicial District covers seven counties in Western New York. Monroe County is the largest county in this district. The district office helps manage court operations but does not hold the case files. Each county keeps its own felony records at the county courthouse and in the state electronic system.
Monroe County Superior Court
The Monroe County Court is the superior court that handles all felony indictments and trials. The court sits in the Hall of Justice in downtown Rochester. It hears felony cases from local courts once the district attorney presents an indictment or a superior court information. All felony convictions from this court appear in the public docket.
Local Criminal Courts
Before reaching superior court, felony cases start at the local level. The Rochester City Court handles most felony arraignments in Monroe County. Town and village courts also send felony cases to superior court after a preliminary hearing. These local courts keep their own records of early case actions.
Case Flow from Arrest to Disposition
Felony cases in Monroe County follow a set path. The police arrest a person and file charges. The district attorney reviews the case. A local court handles the first appearance. The case moves to superior court with an indictment. The court holds hearings, accepts pleas, or runs a trial. The judge issues a sentence. Every step creates a public record in the docket.
- Arrest and booking at a local police station
- Arraignment in Rochester City Court or a town court
- Grand jury presentation or felony complaint filing
- Indictment or superior court information filed
- Discovery, motions, and pre-trial hearings
- Plea, trial, or dismissal
- Sentencing and commitment
Where to Search Monroe County NY Felony Case Information
Several official sources hold Monroe County felony records. The state eCourts system is the fastest way to search online. The Monroe County Clerk holds paper files and certified copies. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services runs the statewide criminal history search.
NYS Unified Court System eCourts
The NYS eCourts system at nycourts.gov lets you search court records from home. The system shows criminal case dockets for Monroe County. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. The system shows court dates, charges, motions, and the final outcome. The system updates daily with new filings.
Monroe County Clerk’s Office
The Monroe County Clerk runs the records office at the Hall of Justice. The clerk keeps all felony case files after the court enters judgment. The clerk issues certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court papers. You can visit the office in person or send a written request by mail. The office accepts credit cards, checks, and cash for copy fees.
Monroe County Public Safety
The Monroe County Department of Public Safety runs the county jail and sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office can confirm if a person is in custody. It can also share booking dates and release information for people held in the Monroe County Jail. The office does not hold full court records but can confirm current custody status.
New York State DCJS Criminal History Search
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services runs a statewide criminal history database. The database shows all felony convictions in New York State. You can order a search online or by mail for a small fee. The search returns a person record that shows every felony conviction, the date, the court, and the sentence. This is the best tool for a full criminal background.
Step-by-Step Process for a Monroe County New York Felony Case Lookup
You can run a felony case search in Monroe County with a few simple steps. The state eCourts system works for most searches. The county clerk can help when you need a paper file or a certified copy. Follow the steps below for a smooth search.
Searching by Name
Go to the NYS eCourts website and pick the criminal case search. Type the full legal name of the person. Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow the results. The system shows a list of matching cases. Click on a case to see the full docket, including charges, court dates, and rulings.
Searching by Case Number
If you have the case number, the search runs faster. The case number format for Monroe County felony cases starts with the year, followed by a code, then a sequence number. Enter the full number in the case number search field. The system pulls up the docket page right away.
Searching by Docket Number
The docket number is the same as the case number for most criminal cases in New York. Use the docket number when you need to find a specific case in the county clerk’s paper files. The clerk can pull the physical case file using this number if it still exists in paper form.
Using the Court Calendar
The Monroe County Court posts a daily court calendar online. The calendar shows the judge, the courtroom, the case name, and the matter type. Use the calendar to see when a specific case is on the docket next. The calendar updates each evening for the next court day.
Monroe County NY Felony Docket Records and Court Documents
Felony docket records list every event and paper filed in a case. Court documents include the actual papers like complaints, indictments, motions, and orders. Both types of records are public unless a judge seals them.
What Documents Are Public
Public felony documents in Monroe County include the felony complaint, the indictment, motion papers, court orders, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and the judgment of conviction. Public users can view these papers at the courthouse or in the eCourts system. Some older files sit on microfilm in the county archives.
Sealed and Expunged Records
New York does not allow expungement of adult felony convictions. Sealing is possible in some cases. A person can ask the court to seal a conviction under CPL 160.59 after ten years. The Monroe County Court can also seal cases that end in an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Sealed records do not appear in public searches.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies of felony records come from the Monroe County Clerk. You must fill out a request form, show a valid ID, and pay the copy fee. Certified copies of judgments cost a set amount per page. The clerk stamps the copy with the court seal and signs it. Most employers and government agencies require certified copies for background checks.
Fees, Hours, and Contact Details for Monroe County
The Monroe County Court and Clerk’s Office run on a set schedule. Most in-person services require a visit during business hours. Phone lines open at the same time as the office. Online services run twenty-four hours a day.
Monroe County Hall of Justice
The Hall of Justice stands at 99 Exchange Boulevard in Rochester, New York. The building holds the County Court, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and the County Clerk. The building is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The building closes on New York State holidays.
County Clerk’s Office Contact
You can reach the Monroe County Clerk by phone at 585-371-3000. The office email and mailing address sit on the county website. The clerk’s office accepts walk-in requests for record searches and certified copies. The office also accepts mail requests with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the copy fees.
eCourts Service Fees
Searching the eCourts system costs nothing. Viewing docket pages costs nothing. Printing or downloading documents from eCourts is free for most criminal case files. Certified copies still require the standard court fees through the county clerk. Mailing costs apply when the clerk sends copies by mail.
Limitations and Restrictions on Monroe County Felony Records
Not all felony records in Monroe County are public. Some records stay sealed by court order. Other records have limits on who can see them. Knowing the limits helps you avoid wasted time on a search.
Active Investigation Files
Active investigation files from the police and the district attorney are not public. You cannot see search warrants, lab reports, or grand jury minutes while the case is open. These files open up after the case ends, with some limits on grand jury material under CPL 190.25.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile delinquency records are not public in New York. You cannot search for juvenile felony records through the eCourts system. Only the court, the probation department, and law enforcement can see these files. Sealed juvenile records stay hidden even after the person turns eighteen.
Sealed Cases
Sealed cases do not appear in public search results. The eCourts system hides sealed dockets from public users. The county clerk cannot release sealed records without a court order. Some sex offense records also have limits under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act, though the registry itself stays public.
Other Resources for Monroe County New York Felony Records
Several other resources help with felony case searches. These resources cover local police, state prison, and federal court records. Use them when the eCourts system and the county clerk do not have what you need.
Rochester Police Department Records
The Rochester Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident records. You can file a Freedom of Information Law request with the RPD for arrest reports and police blotter entries. The RPD does not hold court case files, but the arrest report helps confirm the start of a felony case.
NYS Department of Corrections Lookup
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision runs an inmate lookup at doccs.ny.gov. The lookup shows all people in state prison with a felony conviction. You can search by name or Department ID number. The lookup shows the current facility, the earliest release date, and the original Monroe County conviction.
Federal Court Records
Some felony cases in Monroe County end up in federal court. You can search federal court records through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Federal felony cases in this region sit with the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in Rochester. The federal courthouse stands at 100 State Street in Rochester.
Monroe County Courthouse and Contact Information
The main Monroe County Courthouse sits at 99 Exchange Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14614. The Monroe County Clerk’s Office phone number is 585-371-3000. The main office hours run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website is monroecounty.gov. The New York State Unified Court System website is nycourts.gov. The NYS DCJS criminal history search runs through the state’s website at dcjs.ny.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe County Felony Records
The questions below cover the most common searches people run for Monroe County felony records. Each answer gives you the source, the cost, and the rules for the search. Use these answers as a quick reference before you start your lookup.
How do I search for a felony case in Monroe County NY?
You can search for a felony case in Monroe County NY through the NYS eCourts system at nycourts.gov. Pick the criminal case search, enter the full name or case number, and add a date of birth if you have it. The system shows the docket, court dates, charges, and final outcome. The search is free and runs twenty-four hours a day from any device with internet access.
Are Monroe County New York felony records public?
Yes, most Monroe County New York felony records are public under New York State law. Anyone can view the docket entries and most court documents. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and grand jury material are not public. You do not need to give a reason to look at public felony records.
Can I view Monroe County NY felony court records for free?
Yes, you can view Monroe County NY felony court records for free through the NYS eCourts system. The system does not charge a fee to look up a case or read the docket. Certified copies and printed documents from the county clerk do carry a fee based on the number of pages and the type of copy.
How do I find a felony conviction in Monroe County?
To find a felony conviction in Monroe County, search the NYS eCourts system by name and date of birth. The docket will show the plea or trial outcome and the sentence. For a full New York State criminal history, run a search through the NYS DCJS at dcjs.ny.gov for a small fee. The DCJS report shows all felony convictions across the state.
What is a Monroe County NY felony case number?
A Monroe County NY felony case number is the unique identifier the court assigns to each case. The format starts with the year the case opened, followed by a court code, and ends with a sequence number. You can find the case number on court papers, the eCourts system, or by calling the Monroe County Clerk’s Office.
Can I get felony court documents from Monroe County by mail?
Yes, you can get felony court documents from Monroe County by mail. Send a written request to the Monroe County Clerk at 99 Exchange Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14614. Include the case number, your contact information, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the documents once the request clears the records office.
How long does Monroe County keep felony case records?
Monroe County keeps felony case records permanently. Older case files sit on microfilm or in paper archives at the courthouse. The NYS eCourts system holds digital docket records going back many years. The county archives can pull older paper files with a few days’ notice for in-person review.