Orange County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Orange County in 2026
OrangeNYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Orange County, New York. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Record categories available may include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Inmate custody and release information
- Charge and disposition data
- Warrant information
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following section details all available methods.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate and booking information through its online systems. Members of the public may access the Orange County Sheriff's Department booking log and inmate roster directly through the department's official website. The Inmate Information System provides searchable access to individuals currently in custody, including booking number, charges, and custody status. Records are updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur.
2. Local Police Departments
Orange County, New York contains multiple municipalities, each with its own police department. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are published periodically by agencies including the City of Newburgh Police Department, the City of Middletown Police Department, and the Town of Goshen Police Department. The New York State Police Blotter Reports portal provides publicly available arrest and incident information from State Police Troop F, which covers Orange County.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Orange County Clerk's Office maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions. The New York State Unified Court System's public access portal provides online case lookup for Orange County Supreme and County Court matters.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through DCJS. The incarcerated person lookup tool maintained by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) allows searches for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities. A fee of $65.00 applies to name-based criminal history record searches requested by the general public through DCJS.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Orange County Sheriff's Office
110 Wells Farm Road
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-4033
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. Fees for copies are assessed at the time of request.
Police Departments:
City of Newburgh Police Department
55 Broadway
Newburgh, NY 12550
Phone: (845) 569-7500
City of Newburgh Police Department
City of Middletown Police Department
2 James Street
Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: (845) 343-3151
City of Middletown Police Department
Records request procedures vary by department. Requestors should submit a written Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request identifying the subject, approximate date of arrest, and the specific records sought. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with applicable law.
Clerk of Court:
Orange County Clerk's Office
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-2690
Orange County Clerk's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Certified copies are available for a fee. Standard copy fees are $0.25 per page for uncertified copies and $1.25 per page for certified copies, consistent with New York Public Officers Law § 87.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Orange County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 110 Wells Farm Road, Goshen, NY 10924. Each written request should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the statutory 20-business-day response period established under New York's Freedom of Information Law.
By Phone:
The Orange County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (845) 291-4033 for general inquiries. Automated inmate information is available through the online Inmate Information System. Telephone inquiries provide limited information; requestors seeking detailed records may be directed to submit a written FOIL request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, State Police, or specific municipality)
Are Arrest Records Public in Orange County
Arrest records in Orange County, New York are presumptively public documents subject to disclosure under the New York Freedom of Information Law, codified at New York Public Officers Law § 84 et seq. The Legislature declared that "a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions." Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening, and providing essential information in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under New York Family Court Act)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (charges dismissed or acquittal)
- Active investigation information that would endanger life or safety
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
New York's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional right of public access and individual privacy interests. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information as a matter of longstanding common law tradition. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. New York State imposes additional restrictions under the New York Correction Law Article 23-A, which limits the use of criminal history in employment decisions. New York City and certain municipalities have enacted "ban the box" ordinances restricting inquiry into arrest history during initial employment applications. A critical distinction exists between arrests and convictions: an arrest does not establish guilt, and employers and landlords are prohibited from treating an arrest record as evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in Orange County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, State Police)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (where disclosed)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- New York Penal Law statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony class, misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bail amount set by court
- Bond type:
- Cash bail
- Partially secured bond
- Unsecured appearance bond
- Remand (no bail)
- Release on recognizance (ROR)
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (County Court, City Court, Town/Village Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always subject to public disclosure
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Orange County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Orange County varies by record type and the office from which records are requested. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, agencies may charge fees for copies of records but may not charge for the inspection of records at the agency's offices.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.25 |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| DCJS criminal history record search | $65.00 |
| Sheriff's Office booking record copy | Varies; contact agency |
Accepted payment methods at the Orange County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Online access to the inmate information system and booking log is provided at no charge through the Orange County Sheriff's Department website.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Orange County
Under New York law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are sealing and expungement, which are distinct remedies. Sealing restricts public access to a record while the record continues to exist and remains accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies. Expungement results in the destruction or deletion of the record itself.
Sealing Under CPL § 160.50:
When a criminal action is terminated in favor of the accused — through dismissal, acquittal, or a finding of no probable cause — the arrest and prosecution record is automatically sealed pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public, prospective employers, or landlords. Law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies retain access.
Sealing of Certain Convictions Under CPL § 160.59:
New York permits individuals with up to two convictions (no more than one felony) to petition for sealing of those convictions after a ten-year waiting period from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. The petition is filed with the court in which the conviction occurred. The court considers factors including the nature of the offense, the applicant's conduct since conviction, and the public interest.
Steps to Petition for Sealing:
- Confirm eligibility: The applicant must meet the statutory criteria under CPL § 160.59, including the ten-year waiting period and the limitation on number of convictions.
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Prepare and file the petition in the court of conviction, including a sworn statement of the grounds for sealing and supporting documentation.
- Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to respond.
- Attend the court hearing if scheduled.
- If granted, the court issues a sealing order directing all relevant agencies to restrict access.
Orange County District Attorney's Office
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-2050
Orange County District Attorney's Office
Orange County Public Defender's Office
40 Matthews Street, Suite 208
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-3000
Orange County Public Defender's Office
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records are advised to obtain legal representation. The Public Defender's Office may assist eligible individuals with post-conviction relief matters.
What Happens After Arrest in Orange County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Orange County Jail for booking.
Orange County Jail
110 Wells Farm Road
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-4033
Orange County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps occur:
- Personal information recorded
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to DCJS and FBI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and mental health screening completed
- Housing classification assigned
The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under New York law, an arrested person must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay, and arraignment must occur within 24 hours of arrest where practicable. At the initial appearance:
- Formal charges are read
- The right to counsel is confirmed; a public defender is assigned if the defendant is indigent
- Bail or release conditions are determined
- Rights are explained
Bond/Bail Process:
New York's bail reform legislation, effective under the Criminal Procedure Law, limits the use of cash bail to qualifying offenses. The primary release options are:
Release on Recognizance (ROR): The defendant is released on a promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
Bail: For qualifying offenses, the court may set bail in the form of cash, insurance company bail bond, or partially secured appearance bond. The court considers the defendant's ability to pay.
Remand: For the most serious offenses or where the defendant presents a risk of flight, the court may order detention without bail.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bail is posted or the defendant is released on recognizance, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in forfeiture of bail and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bail is not posted, the defendant is assigned to a housing unit, receives an orientation to jail rules, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation privileges.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Orange County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.
Orange County Public Defender's Office
40 Matthews Street, Suite 208
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-3000
Orange County Public Defender's Office
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The New York State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Orange County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within the timeframes established by the Criminal Procedure Law. The prosecutor may file an information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges.
For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to indict. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas are not guilty, guilty, and — in certain circumstances — no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase involves discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
Case resolution options include:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, legal defects, or witness unavailability
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
- Plea Agreement: Defendant pleads guilty or no contest to agreed charges with a negotiated sentence
- Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes sentence following conviction. Options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention and is advised of appeal rights.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to arraignment: Within 24 hours where practicable
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Governed by New York Criminal Procedure Law speedy trial provisions
Important Contacts:
Orange County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
110 Wells Farm Road
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-4033
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Orange County Clerk's Office
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-2690
Orange County Clerk's Office
Orange County District Attorney's Office
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-2050
Orange County District Attorney's Office
Orange County Public Defender's Office
40 Matthews Street, Suite 208
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-3000
Orange County Public Defender's Office
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Orange County?
Arrest record retention in Orange County is governed by New York State law, local agency policies, and the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the outcome of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, DCJS, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the state repository
- Court records are maintained permanently in electronic form
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
- Court records may be retained permanently unless sealed under CPL § 160.50
- Sealed records are not accessible to the public but are retained by the agency
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Law enforcement records are subject to applicable retention schedules
- Records are sealed automatically upon acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period
- May be eligible for sealing or expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the applicable state retention schedule
- Photographs are retained for the duration of the retention period applicable to the underlying case
Digital Records:
- Records management system entries are retained permanently in most cases
- Court electronic records are maintained permanently
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following sealing or expungement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy
Retention by Agency:
Orange County Sheriff's Office
110 Wells Farm Road
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-4033
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the New York State Archives Local Government Schedule MI-1. Investigative files are retained based on the seriousness of the offense and case outcome.
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following case closure
- Electronic records: Permanent retention
State Repository: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions in New York State. Retention policy is governed by state regulation and includes records of arrests, dispositions, and corrections to the record.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by New York State agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and firearms purchases.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Public Access | Law Enforcement Access | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conviction | Public | Yes | Permanent |
| Dismissal/Acquittal | Sealed (CPL § 160.50) | Yes | Retained per schedule |
| Sealed Conviction (CPL § 160.59) | Restricted | Yes | Retained |
| No Charges Filed | Limited | Yes | Per retention schedule |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. New York State law imposes additional restrictions: under New York Executive Law § 296(16), it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to make any inquiry about or take adverse action based on an arrest that did not result in conviction. New York City's Fair Chance Act further restricts the timing and use of criminal history inquiries in employment.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Orange County Sheriff's Records Division at (845) 291-4033 or submit a written FOIL request to the relevant agency. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.