Oswego County Court Records
What Is Oswego County Court Records
Court records in Oswego County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law § 84, these records constitute public documents maintained for transparency in judicial proceedings. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Oswego County court records differ from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The following courts maintain records within Oswego County:
- New York State Supreme Court (Oswego County branch)
- Oswego County Court
- Oswego County Family Court
- Oswego County Surrogate's Court
- City Courts (Oswego and Fulton)
- Town and Village Courts
These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims. The New York State Unified Court System oversees the administration of these courts, ensuring proper record-keeping practices are maintained throughout the judicial process.
Are Court Records Public In Oswego County
Court records in Oswego County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the state's commitment to open courts. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, government records, including court documents, are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy or sensitive information. According to 22 NYCRR § 216.1, courts may seal records when the interests of privacy outweigh the public's right to access. Records that may be restricted include:
- Family Court proceedings
- Juvenile records
- Sealed criminal records
- Records containing confidential personal information
- Cases involving minors
- Certain domestic violence proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of New York (which includes Oswego County) are governed by federal access rules through the PACER system, rather than state regulations.
How To Find Court Records in Oswego County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Oswego County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The County Clerk's office serves as the primary repository for Supreme and County Court records.
In-person requests:
- Visit the Oswego County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
By mail:
- Download and complete the records request form from the Oswego County Clerk website
- Include specific case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the County Clerk's Office
Oswego County Clerk's Office
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-8621
Oswego County Clerk
For Family Court records, requests must be directed to:
Oswego County Family Court
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3515
Oswego County Family Court
For Surrogate's Court records, contact:
Oswego County Surrogate's Court
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3293
Oswego County Surrogate's Court
How To Look Up Court Records in Oswego County Online?
Oswego County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.
The primary online resource is the New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims portal, which allows users to search criminal cases. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the WebCrims website
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Select "Oswego County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (defendant name, case number)
- Review the case information displayed
For civil Supreme Court and County Court cases, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) provides access to electronically filed documents:
- Visit the NYSCEF website
- Register for an account (free)
- Select "Public Inquiry" option
- Search by index number, party name, or filing date
- View publicly available documents
Additionally, the Oswego County Clerk's Records Portal offers access to certain court records:
- Access the County Clerk's website
- Navigate to the Records Center section
- Search using the available parameters
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies
- Download or request certified copies as needed
Users should note that online access may be limited for certain case types, and some documents may only be available through in-person requests.
How To Search Oswego County Court Records for Free?
New York State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge a fee not exceeding the actual cost of reproduction.
Free options for accessing Oswego County court records include:
In-person inspection:
- Visit the Oswego County Clerk's Office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
Online resources with free search capabilities:
- New York State WebCrims (criminal cases)
- New York State Court Calendar (upcoming court appearances)
- New York State eCourts (basic case information)
Public access terminals:
- Available at the Oswego County Courthouse
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
While searching records is free, fees apply for copies:
- Paper copies: $0.65 per page
- Certified copies: $8.00 per document
- Electronic copies: varies by document type
The Oswego County Records Center maintains historical court records and offers free research assistance for individuals seeking older case files.
What's Included in a Oswego County Court Record?
Oswego County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil case records:
- Summons and complaint
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting documentation
- Affidavits and exhibits
- Court orders and decisions
- Judgment documents
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Criminal case records:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arraignment records
- Bail determination documents
- Motions and responses
- Evidence lists
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal documentation
Family Court records (access restricted):
- Petitions
- Orders of protection
- Custody and visitation orders
- Child support determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency records
Surrogate's Court records:
- Wills and codicils
- Probate petitions
- Letters testamentary
- Estate inventories
- Accounting documents
- Guardianship records
Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings from filing to disposition.
How Long Does Oswego County Keep Court Records?
Oswego County adheres to the New York State Unified Court System's records retention schedule as mandated by 22 NYCRR § 104.1. This schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various court documents.
Key retention periods include:
Criminal cases:
- Felony cases: 25 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
- Violations/infractions: 6 years after disposition
- Dismissed cases: 6 years after dismissal
- Sealed records: Maintained according to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
Civil cases:
- Supreme Court cases: 25 years after disposition
- County Court civil cases: 25 years after disposition
- Small claims: 6 years after disposition
- Landlord-tenant proceedings: 6 years after disposition
Family Court:
- Child support cases: Until the youngest child turns 28
- Custody/visitation: Until the youngest child turns 28
- Juvenile delinquency: Until the subject turns 21
- Adoption records: Permanent
Surrogate's Court:
- Probate files: Permanent
- Estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianship records: 25 years after termination
The Oswego County Records Center maintains older court records that have been transferred from active court offices. Records of significant historical value may be preserved permanently, even beyond the mandatory retention periods.
Types of Courts In Oswego County
Oswego County's court system operates within New York State's unified court structure, with various courts handling different case types and jurisdictional levels.
New York State Supreme Court - Oswego County
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3167
New York State Supreme Court - Oswego County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Supreme Court, despite its name, is the trial-level court for major civil cases and handles matters including divorces, monetary claims exceeding $25,000, and injunctions.
Oswego County Court
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3467
Oswego County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Court handles felony criminal cases and civil matters up to $25,000.
Oswego County Family Court
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3515
Oswego County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Family Court addresses matters including child custody, support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and family offense proceedings.
Oswego County Surrogate's Court
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3293
Oswego County Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Surrogate's Court handles wills, estate administration, and guardianships.
Oswego City Court
96 West Second Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3281
Oswego City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fulton City Court
141 South First Street
Fulton, NY 13069
315-592-7827
Fulton City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
City Courts handle misdemeanors, violations, traffic infractions, small claims, and civil cases up to $15,000.
Additionally, Oswego County has numerous Town and Village Courts handling minor offenses and small claims within their jurisdictions.
What Types of Cases Do Oswego County Courts Hear?
Oswego County's court system handles a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by New York State law.
New York State Supreme Court - Oswego County:
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
- Divorce and matrimonial actions
- Corporate and commercial disputes
- Real property matters
- Equity proceedings
- Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
- Medical malpractice claims
- Foreclosure actions
Oswego County Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Civil cases with claims between $15,000 and $25,000
- Criminal forfeiture proceedings
- Gun permit appeals
Oswego County Family Court:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Paternity determinations
- Adoptions
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) cases
- Family offense proceedings/orders of protection
- Child protective proceedings
Oswego County Surrogate's Court:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Trust administration
- Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
- Adoptions (concurrent with Family Court)
- Estate litigation
City Courts (Oswego and Fulton):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Local ordinance violations
- Civil cases up to $15,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Landlord-tenant proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Town and Village Courts:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions
- Local ordinance violations
- Small claims up to $3,000
- Civil cases up to $3,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Preliminary proceedings in felony cases
Appeals from Oswego County courts are heard by the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, located in Rochester, with further appeals potentially reaching the New York State Court of Appeals, the state's highest court.
How To Find a Court Docket In Oswego County
Court dockets in Oswego County provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. Members of the public may access these records through several methods.
Online docket access:
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims for criminal cases
- Access eCourts for civil Supreme and County Court cases
- Check the Court Calendar for upcoming appearances
- Enter the required search criteria (case number, party name)
- Review the docket information displayed
In-person docket requests:
- Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request to view the docket sheet
- Pay any applicable fees for copies
Oswego County Clerk's Office maintains dockets for Supreme and County Court cases:
Oswego County Clerk's Office
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-8621
Oswego County Clerk
For Family Court dockets, contact:
Oswego County Family Court
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3515
Oswego County Family Court
For City Court dockets:
Oswego City Court Clerk
96 West Second Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-3281
Oswego City Court
Fulton City Court Clerk
141 South First Street
Fulton, NY 13069
315-592-7827
Fulton City Court
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Chronological list of all filings
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judgment information
Which Courts in Oswego County Are Not Courts of Record?
In New York State, "courts of record" are defined by Judiciary Law § 2 as courts whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and whose judgments can be directly appealed to higher courts. Conversely, courts not of record do not maintain verbatim transcripts of all proceedings, and appeals from these courts typically involve a new trial (trial de novo) at a higher court level.
Within Oswego County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Town Courts:
- Town courts in all 22 towns within Oswego County, including:
- Town of Albion Court
- Town of Amboy Court
- Town of Boylston Court
- Town of Constantia Court
- Town of Granby Court
- Town of Hannibal Court
- Town of Hastings Court
- Town of Mexico Court
- Town of Minetto Court
- Town of New Haven Court
- Town of Orwell Court
- Town of Oswego Court
- Town of Palermo Court
- Town of Parish Court
- Town of Redfield Court
- Town of Richland Court
- Town of Sandy Creek Court
- Town of Schroeppel Court
- Town of Scriba Court
- Town of Volney Court
- Town of West Monroe Court
- Town of Williamstown Court
Village Courts:
- Village of Central Square Court
- Village of Cleveland Court
- Village of Hannibal Court
- Village of Lacona Court
- Village of Mexico Court
- Village of Parish Court
- Village of Phoenix Court
- Village of Pulaski Court
These courts handle minor criminal matters (violations and misdemeanors), traffic infractions, small claims, and civil cases with limited monetary jurisdiction. While these courts maintain records of their proceedings and decisions, they do not typically create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings.
Appeals from these courts are heard by the Oswego County Court, where cases receive a new trial rather than a review of the record from the lower court.