Criminal records in Rockland County, New York, are accessible through several channels. RocklandCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official county court records system, the Rockland County Clerk's office, and law enforcement agencies, including the Rockland County Sheriff's office. For state-level inmate searches, the New York Department of Corrections database is available.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rockland
Start by determining what you need — a court case, inmate information, or a law enforcement report. This will dictate which tool to use.
Online Search
- RocklandCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- Rockland County Court Records System — the official portal of the county clerk. It is recommended to cross-check results with the NYSCEF site.
- DOCCS Inmate Lookup — New York State database for searching individuals who are or have been in state correctional facilities.
- New York State Police Reports — blotter reports of incidents recorded by state police in the county area.
What You Need for the Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
In-Person Visit
The Rockland County Clerk provides access to court records in person. Public access terminals are located in the courthouse.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the county clerk at the address above. Include the full name of the person, date of birth, and the type of record you are interested in. For an official state-level criminal history record, the request is directed to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Search Rockland Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal case. In New York State, the case number format typically includes several elements:
- Court or County Index — a letter or numeric code indicating the court handling the case.
- Case Type — an abbreviation indicating the category (e.g., CR for criminal cases).
- Year of Filing — a four-digit number corresponding to the year the case was registered.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year.
An example might look like 2024-00123 or a similar combination. If you have the case number, enter it in the search field on the county court records portal for the quickest result without needing to filter records by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rockland
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the New York State Penal Law, e.g., PL 155.25 — petty larceny |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the process — new codes will appear in the case record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is actively being heard in court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case in the county goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first court appearance, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed
- Pre-trial — procedural hearings before the main trial
- Trial / Sentencing — the case is heard on its merits and a sentence is issued
- Review — review of punishment or probation conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — the case is closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted after trial
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rockland
Certified copies of criminal records bear the official court seal and are accepted by other institutions as legally valid documents. A standard copy is not suitable for these purposes.
Where to Apply
The Rockland County Clerk's office issues certified copies of court documents. For a complete state-level criminal history record, contact the DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice Services).
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with valid identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or the full name and date of birth of the person.
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, date of birth, type of record, and a copy of identification. Include a check or money order for the applicable fee.
- State Level — a request for a criminal history check through DCJS requires fingerprint submission. This can be done through authorized agencies or local law enforcement.
Some records may be sealed by court order under New York CPL § 160.50 or CPL § 160.59. DOCCS removes such records from its public database.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rockland
Fees for copies and certification of records are set according to New York State law. Below are the typical fees applicable at the county clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (per page) | $0.65 |
| Document Certification | $1.25 for the first certified document, $0.50 for each subsequent one |
| Record Search by Clerk (by name, per 2-year period) | $5.00 |
| Criminal History Check through DCJS (state level) | Depends on the type of request; usually from $75 and up |
These fees are outlined in CPLR § 8019 and relevant New York State law provisions. Actual amounts may vary — confirm directly with the clerk's office.
Processing Times
- In Person — simple copies are usually issued the same day or the next business day.
- By Mail — processing the request takes 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume.
- Check through DCJS — may take several weeks to a month, as it requires fingerprint processing.
Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to the Rockland County Clerk. Confirm the possibility of card payment during an in-person visit.