Albany County Court Records

What Is Albany County Court Records

Albany County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the authoritative account of court actions and decisions. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other documents filed by parties
• Docket sheets chronicling the chronological history of court actions
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce decrees in family court cases

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Albany County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death certificates), and tax records. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks are required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection under appropriate circumstances.

The following courts within Albany County maintain official court records:

• New York State Supreme Court (Albany County)
• Albany County Family Court
• Albany County Surrogate's Court
• Albany City Court
• Various Town and Village Courts

These courts handle a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. Each court maintains its own record-keeping system in accordance with state regulations and administrative policies established by the New York State Unified Court System.

Are Court Records Public In Albany County

Court records in Albany County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to New York's Public Officers Law Article 6, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and the constitutional principle of open courts. The New York State Constitution and common law tradition establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
• Criminal case records (post-arraignment)
• Judgment and order indexes
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Probate records and wills
• Real property records related to litigation

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. New York law restricts access to certain sensitive records, including:

• Family Court proceedings involving juveniles
• Sealed criminal records following dismissals or acquittals
• Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain domestic violence cases where confidentiality is ordered

The New York State Unified Court System has established specific rules governing public access to court records through its Administrative Rules. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York (which includes Albany County) are governed by federal access policies rather than state law.

How To Find Court Records in Albany County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Albany County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The availability of specific records depends on the court of origin and the nature of the case.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse:

Albany County Supreme and County Court
Albany County Courthouse
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8989
Albany County Supreme Court

Albany County Family Court
30 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8600
Albany County Family Court

Albany County Surrogate's Court
16 Eagle Street, Room 123
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8237
Albany County Surrogate's Court

When requesting records in person:

1. Identify the specific court where the case was filed
2. Complete the appropriate records request form
3. Provide case identification information (case number, party names, filing date)
4. Present valid identification
5. Pay applicable search and copying fees

For written requests, individuals should submit a formal letter or court-approved request form to the clerk of the appropriate court, including:

• Requestor's contact information
• Specific case information
• Description of records sought
• Date range of records
• Payment for applicable fees

Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks must search for and provide certified copies of records upon proper request and payment of statutory fees.

How To Look Up Court Records in Albany County Online?

Albany County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the New York State Unified Court System. These digital resources provide convenient access to public court information without requiring a courthouse visit.

The primary online resource is the New York State Unified Court System WebCrims portal, which provides access to:

• Criminal case information
• Future court appearance dates
• Case status updates
• Judge assignments
• Attorney information

To use WebCrims:

1. Navigate to the portal website
2. Select Albany County from the jurisdiction menu
3. Enter search criteria (case number, defendant name)
4. Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information

For civil cases, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) provides access to:

• Civil Supreme Court cases
• Surrogate's Court proceedings
• Court of Claims matters

The eCourts Case Search system allows users to search for:

• Civil Supreme Court cases
• Court calendars
• Appearance dates
• Motion schedules
• Decisions and orders

For matrimonial cases, limited information is available through the Matrimonial Case Information System, though full documents are not accessible online due to privacy considerations.

Users should note that online access has limitations:

• Some documents may only be available at the courthouse
• Older cases may not be digitized
• Sealed or confidential cases are excluded from online systems
• Family Court records generally require in-person requests

How To Search Albany County Court Records for Free?

Albany County residents may access certain court records without payment of fees under specific circumstances. New York's commitment to open courts allows for free public inspection of most court records, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87, the public has the right to inspect public records during regular business hours. The following free search options are available:

• In-person inspection of publicly available court files at the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
• Use of public access terminals at courthouse locations
• Basic case information searches through the NYS Courts' public website
• Review of court calendars posted online or at courthouse locations

The following online resources provide free access to basic court information:

• WebCrims - Free access to criminal case information
• WebCivil Supreme - Free access to civil Supreme Court case information
• WebCivil Local - Free access to local civil court information
• WebFamily - Limited free access to Family Court case information

While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:

• Fees apply for copies of documents ($1.00 per page is standard)
• Certification of documents incurs additional fees
• Extensive searches may require payment of clerk search fees
• Commercial abstract companies and attorneys may be charged subscription fees for bulk access

What's Included in a Albany County Court Record?

Albany County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. A typical court record file includes several categories of documents and information.

For civil cases, court records generally contain:

• Summons and complaint initiating the action
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Judicial orders and decisions
• Exhibits and evidence admitted at trial
• Transcripts of hearings and trial proceedings
• Final judgment or disposition
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documents if applicable

Criminal case records typically include:

• Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
• Arraignment records
• Bail determination documents
• Pre-trial motions and decisions
• Plea agreements if applicable
• Trial exhibits and evidence
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing information
• Probation reports (with restricted access)
• Appeal documents if filed

Family Court records may contain:

• Petitions for custody, support, or protection
• Financial disclosure forms
• Home study reports
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Court orders regarding custody and visitation
• Child support calculations and orders
• Orders of protection
• Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)

Surrogate's Court records include:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Letters testamentary or of administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Accountings
• Objections to accountings or probate
• Decrees of the Surrogate

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case history that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, providing a roadmap to the proceedings.

How Long Does Albany County Keep Court Records?

Albany County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System and the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. These schedules vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

For criminal cases:

• Felony case records: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
• Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: Retained for 10 years, then destroyed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
• Misdemeanor convictions: Minimum 25-year retention
• Misdemeanor cases dismissed: Retained for 5 years, then destroyed
• Traffic infractions: Typically retained for 5-7 years after disposition

For civil cases:

• Supreme Court civil actions: Permanent retention for cases with historical significance
• Standard civil litigation: 25-year retention after disposition
• Small claims matters: 6-year retention after disposition
• Landlord-tenant proceedings: 6-year retention

For family matters:

• Divorce records: Permanent retention
• Child custody and support: Until the youngest child reaches 25 years of age
• Juvenile delinquency: Sealed at age 16 under Family Court Act § 375.1, with limited exceptions
• Orders of protection: 20-year retention

For probate matters:

• Wills: Permanent retention
• Estate proceedings: Permanent retention
• Guardianships: 25 years after termination of guardianship

Court administrators may extend retention periods for cases with historical significance or ongoing legal relevance. Digital preservation initiatives are gradually transforming physical records to electronic format, though many older records remain in paper form only.

Types of Courts In Albany County

Albany County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within the framework of New York's Unified Court System.

New York State Supreme Court - Albany County
Albany County Courthouse
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8989
Albany County Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Supreme Court, despite its name, is New York's trial court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases and some criminal matters.

Albany County Court
Albany County Judicial Center
6 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8300
Albany County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Court handles felony criminal cases and civil matters up to $25,000.

Albany City Court
1 Morton Avenue
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 453-4640
Albany City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

City Court handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims, and civil cases up to $15,000.

Albany County Family Court
30 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8600
Albany County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Family Court handles matters involving children and families including custody, support, and juvenile cases.

Albany County Surrogate's Court
16 Eagle Street, Room 123
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 285-8237
Albany County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Surrogate's Court handles wills, estates, and adoptions.

Town and Village Courts
Multiple locations throughout Albany County
Hours vary by location
Town and Village Courts Directory

These local courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic infractions, and small civil cases.

Appeals from these courts are heard by the Appellate Division, Third Department, located in Albany, and ultimately by the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court.

What Types of Cases Do Albany County Courts Hear?

Albany County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority. The distribution of cases among these courts is determined by case type, monetary value, and severity of charges.

The New York State Supreme Court in Albany County handles:

• Major civil litigation with claims exceeding $25,000
• Divorce and matrimonial actions
• Corporate and commercial disputes
• Real property matters including foreclosures
• Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
• Medical malpractice and complex tort cases
• Declaratory judgment actions
• Some criminal matters, particularly complex cases

Albany County Court primarily adjudicates:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Appeals from lower courts
• Civil matters with claims between $15,000 and $25,000
• Specialized treatment courts (drug court, veterans court)

Albany City Court processes:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Civil matters with claims up to $15,000
• Small claims up to $5,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
• Code violation cases

Albany County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over:

• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child support proceedings
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
• Family offense proceedings and orders of protection
• Adoption proceedings
• Child abuse and neglect cases
• Foster care approvals and reviews

Albany County Surrogate's Court handles:

• Probate of wills
• Administration of estates
• Trust proceedings
• Guardianships for incapacitated persons
• Adoptions (concurrent with Family Court)
• Estate litigation

Town and Village Courts throughout Albany County adjudicate:

• Minor criminal offenses and violations
• Traffic infractions
• Small civil claims up to $3,000
• Local ordinance violations
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

This distribution of cases ensures specialized handling of different legal matters while providing multiple forums for dispute resolution based on the nature and complexity of each case.

How To Find a Court Docket In Albany County

Court dockets in Albany County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases, serving as the official index of proceedings. These valuable records help track case progress and scheduled events. Several methods exist for accessing court dockets in Albany County.

For online docket searches:

1. The New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims provides criminal case docket information:

   • Select Albany County from the jurisdiction menu
   • Enter defendant name or case number
   • View chronological case history and upcoming appearances

2. For civil Supreme Court cases, use WebCivil Supreme:

   • Choose Albany County from the court dropdown
   • Search by index number, party name, or attorney
   • Access appearance dates, motion schedules, and case status

3. For local civil court matters, WebCivil Local provides docket information:

   • Select Albany City Court from the court options
   • Enter search criteria
   • View case chronology and scheduled events

For in-person docket searches:

1. Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse during business hours
2. Complete a records request form specifying the case of interest
3. Provide identification and pay any applicable search fees
4. Review docket information on public access terminals or request printed copies

For upcoming court calendars:

1. Daily court calendars are posted on bulletin boards in courthouse lobbies
2. The Albany County Court Calendar provides schedules of upcoming proceedings
3. Individual judge calendars may be available through chambers or the chief clerk's office

Attorneys and registered users can access more detailed docket information through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF), which provides comprehensive case documents and docket entries for participating courts.

Which Courts in Albany County Are Not Courts of Record?

In New York's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" has significant implications for record-keeping practices and appellate procedures. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 2, courts of record are specifically designated by statute and maintain comprehensive verbatim records of all proceedings.

The following Albany County courts are NOT courts of record:

• Town Courts (Berne, Bethlehem, Coeymans, Colonie, Green Island, Guilderland, Knox, New Scotland, Rensselaerville, Westerlo)
• Village Courts (Altamont, Colonie, Green Island, Menands, Ravena, Voorheesville)

These courts, often referred to as Justice Courts, have the following characteristics:

• Proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim
• Justices may be non-attorney judges elected by local communities
• Appeals from these courts involve a more complex process of reconstructing the record
• Limited jurisdiction over minor offenses and small civil matters
• Simplified procedures compared to courts of record

When cases are appealed from these courts not of record, the appeal typically proceeds as a trial de novo (new trial) in a court of record, rather than a traditional appeal based on the transcript of proceedings.

In contrast, the following Albany County courts ARE courts of record:

• New York State Supreme Court
• Albany County Court
• Albany County Family Court
• Albany County Surrogate's Court
• Albany City Court

These courts maintain official transcripts of all proceedings, employ court reporters or electronic recording systems, and follow more formalized procedures. Appeals from these courts are based on the official record created during the original proceedings.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 5501, which governs appellate procedure and the scope of review for different court types.

Lookup Court Records in Albany County