Criminal records in Tompkins County, New York, are available through several channels. TompkinsCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office provide access to records. State online tools allow you to check inmate status, and requests for certified copies are processed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) or the local court clerk's office.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tompkins
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county — from online tools to in-person visits.
Online Search
- TompkinsCourt.us — Enter the person's name or case number to find publicly available information about court criminal cases.
- WebCrims Portal (NYS Unified Court System) — The New York State eCourts system allows you to search criminal cases in county courts. You will need the defendant's full name or case number to search.
- DOCCS Inmate Lookup — The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision provides information about individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state correctional facilities. Records sealed under Criminal Procedure Law §160.50 are not displayed.
- NY.gov Portal Search — Another way to find current information about inmates in state correctional facilities.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person (name in Latin script)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- DIN (Department Identification Number) — for searching the DOCCS system
In-Person Visit
The Tompkins County Clerk's Office maintains the county's court records archive. You can visit the office and use public access terminals to view cases. The Tompkins County Courthouse is located in Ithaca.
Written Request
To obtain an official state-level criminal history, contact the NY DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice Services). Such checks are fingerprint-based background checks. The request is sent by mail along with a completed form and payment.
Search Tompkins Criminal Cases by Case Number
Criminal case numbers in New York State have a specific format that helps identify the court, year, and type of case.
Typical case number structure:
- Court Prefix — indicates the specific court (e.g., County Court or City Court of Ithaca)
- Year — two or four digits of the case registration year
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within that court and year
For example, a number might look like 2024-0456, where the first part is the year, and the second is the sequential number. If you have the exact number, enter it in the appropriate field on the eCourts or WebCrims portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case, as searching by name sometimes returns multiple results for common surnames.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tompkins
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the New York State Penal Law section (e.g., PL 155.25 — petty larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charges — reduce the severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is under consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a decision, the case is closed
- Sealed — records are sealed according to state law and not available for public viewing
Hearings
A criminal case typically goes through the following stages:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before a judge, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (in felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial
- Trial — the substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
| Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | Case adjourned; if no new offenses occur within a specified period, it will be closed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tompkins
Certified copies of criminal records are officially certified documents accepted by employers, immigration services, and other institutions.
State Level
A complete fingerprint-based criminal history can be obtained through the NY DCJS Record Review. The process includes:
- Fingerprinting at an authorized center (e.g., a local police station or through IdentoGO service)
- Completing the appropriate request form
- Paying the fee
The result is sent by mail or electronically, depending on the type of request.
County Level
The Tompkins County Court Clerk's Office can provide copies of specific court documents from cases heard in this court. Contact the office in person or by mail.
To make a request, you will need:
- Full name of the person whose records are requested
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person visits)
- Payment of the established fees
Information about New York State county jails and contact details of institutions can be found on the Commission of Correction's website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tompkins
Fees for copies and certification of criminal records are regulated by New York State law. Specific amounts may vary depending on the type of document.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 | Standard rate according to CPLR §8019 |
| Document certification | $1.25 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (fingerprint-based) | $75.00–$100.00 | Depends on the type of request and applicant category |
| Database search (by name) | $5.00–$65.00 | Varies depending on the agency and scope of the search |
Processing Times
- Copies of court documents — usually issued on the day of the visit for in-person requests; mail requests take 5–10 business days
- Criminal history check through DCJS — 2 to 4 weeks, depending on workload
- Electronic requests through IdentoGO — results sometimes arrive faster, within 1–2 weeks
Exact fees for the Tompkins County Clerk can be clarified by calling (607) 274-5431. Payment is usually accepted by check or money order payable to Tompkins County Clerk; some offices also accept credit cards for in-person requests.