Richmond County, New York State Court Records
Richmond County court records are official documents that detail legal proceedings in Richmond County, also referred to as Staten Island, New York. Their main purpose is to document court cases fairly and transparently, providing a permanent record of filings, hearings, decisions, and outcomes in civil, criminal, family, and other matters. This helps ensure accountability, supports appeals, aids legal research, and allows the public to understand how justice is administered locally.
The primary custodian of these records is the Richmond County Clerk, who maintains files for the trial-level courts, especially the Supreme Court. This is the main general-jurisdiction trial court in the county, handling major civil and felony cases and often archives records from other courts like the County Court or Civil Court. The creation and maintenance of court records in Richmond County follow New York State’s public records laws. The Judiciary Law §255 and Unified Court System rules, which require clerks to keep accurate records, secure these records, and make most of them publicly available upon request, while protecting confidential ones.
These court records connect to broader public records and may reference vital records like births or marriages in probate cases. Court records may also include or link to arrest information in criminal matters. However, they differ from federal case files, which are handled separately in U.S. District Courts.
Are Richmond County Court Records Public?
Under New York State law, most Richmond County court records are considered public and accessible to anyone, promoting judicial transparency under the state’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This includes civil, criminal, and probate cases, with documents like filings, judgments, and orders generally available unless sealed by a judge.
However, restrictions apply to certain case types, such as juvenile delinquency records, adoption proceedings, and some family court matters, like child custody or abuse, are confidential to safeguard minors and victims. Sealed records, such as those expunged after acquittals or under redemption policies for misdemeanors, are not disclosed.
What Information is Available in Richmond County Court Records?
Typical court records in Richmond County vary by case type but generally include key details like case numbers, filing dates, names of parties involved, attorneys, judges, and outcomes/dispositions. Here’s a breakdown by main categories:
- Civil Court Records: These include complaints or petitions, motions, affidavits, answers, discovery documents, settlements, judgments, and orders. They detail claims, damages sought, defenses, and resolutions.
- Criminal Court Records: These include indictments or accusatory instruments, arraignments, pleas, bail or bond information, trial-related filings, sentencing details, probation reports, and appeals. They list charges, defendant info, evidence summaries, and final dispositions.
- Family Court Records: These include petitions, orders of protection, hearing transcripts or notes, temporary or permanent orders, decrees, and modifications. These often contain sensitive personal details like names, dates of birth, and family relationships, but many are restricted.
- Probate or Estate Records: These include wills, petitions for probate or administration, inventories of assets, creditor claims, guardianship appointments, accountings, and distribution decrees
Richmond County Court Records Search
Searching Richmond County court records can be done through multiple methods, with access varying by case type.
- Online Access: The New York State Unified Court System’s eCourts portal offers free online searches for civil, criminal, and family cases. One may use WebCivil Local for civil matters, WebCrims for criminal cases with future appearances, and WebFamily for family court. To search civil court records, enter an index number or party name. To search criminal court records, individuals are required to create an account. Probate records are searchable via WebSurrogate. Note that sensitive cases like adoptions may not be fully accessible online.
- In-Person Access: One may visit the relevant courthouse, such as the Supreme Court at 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Public terminals in the clerk’s office allow free searches, and staff can assist with locating records. Record seekers may be required to bring identification and case details for efficiency. The County Clerk’s office at 130 Stuyvesant Place handles additional records
- Mail and Phone Requests: To request by mail, send written requests to the County Clerk’s office with details like case number, parties, and dates, including a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment can be made by check or money order. Phone inquiries (718-675-7700) are for basic guidance, but records aren’t released over the phone due to privacy concerns.
Fees for Court Records in Richmond County
Obtaining court records in Richmond County incurs fees based on CPLR guidelines. Copies cost $0.25 per page, with certified copies at $8 per document plus copy fees. Searches for records under 25 years are $30, and over 25 years are $90. Online access through eCourts is free for viewing, but printing or downloading may involve nominal charges.
Vital records, if linked, have separate fees via the NYC Department of Health. $15 is required for certificates. No fees apply for criminal history searches via public terminals, but statewide CHRS costs $95. Payments accepted include cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. For details, see the Clerk’s fee schedule.
Richmond County Courthouse Locations
Below is a list of courthouse locations operating in Richmond County and their contact information:
Richmond County Supreme Court - Civil and Criminal
26 Central Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
Fax: (212) 952-7215.
Richmond County Supreme Court - Matrimonial Division
18 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
Fax: (718) 390-5435
Richmond County Family Court
100 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8800
Fax: (718) 390-5247
Richmond County Surrogate’s Court
18 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8500
Fax: (718) 390-8741
New York City Civil Court
927 Castleton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: (718) 675-8455
New York City Civil Court - Housing Part
927 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: (718) 675-8452
New York City Civil Court - Small Claims Part
927 Castleton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: (718) 675-8460
New York City Criminal Court
26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10304
Phone: (718) 675-8558
Fax: (718) 390-8405
Criminal Records Access in Richmond County
Both the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Office of Court Administration (OCA) handle official criminal history record searches, but they differ in scope, method, and purpose. For personal reviews via the DCJS, individuals must submit fingerprints to match records accurately. DCJS processes the request and mails a response within 7-10 business days, including challenge instructions for inaccuracies. The OCA provides a statewide Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) for $95. The search covers public records of open or pending cases and convictions from courts across all counties. It is a name and DOB-based search, and does not include sealed records, arrests without convictions, or full arrest details. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in-person using the CHRS Application Form, with a check/money order payable to NYS OCA.
Local case records for Richmond County are accessible through New York State Unified Court System portals like WebCriminal for pending criminal cases by name or case number. In-person searches are available at the Richmond County Supreme Court or the County Clerk’s office.
Richmond County Probate Records
Richmond County probate records involve a range of legal documents related to the administration of estates after someone’s passing, ensuring assets are distributed according to law or a will. Probate records are handled by the Surrogate’s Court and include the following
- Wills, which outline a deceased person’s wishes for asset distribution
- Estate administrations for those without wills
- Guardianships for minors or incapacitated individuals
- Conservatorships to manage finances for those unable to do so themselves.
These estate records are generally public, with more recent filings often available online through WebSurrogate, allowing searches by name or file number. However, confidential matters like certain adoptions or sealed guardianships are restricted by law to protect privacy. Older or more detailed wills and probate filings may require an in-person visit to the Surrogate’s Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. Fees apply for copies, and researchers should note that while digital access has improved, some historical records might only be on microfilm. For authoritative guidance, consult the court’s website.
County | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Richmond County | Richmond County Surrogate’s Court | 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301 | (718) 675-8500 | Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM |
Richmond County Family Court Records
The Richmond County Family Court specializes in handling matters involving children, parents, and families. This court has exclusive original jurisdiction over cases such as child abuse and neglect, child support and spousal support, paternity establishment, custody and visitation of children, adoption, and guardianship of minors. It also includes cases such as family offenses like domestic violence, including orders of protection, juvenile delinquency, and others.
Access to Richmond County Family Court records is available through the NYC Family Court system. One may use the WebFamily portal for cases with future appearances, searching by file or docket number. Courthouse access at 100 Richmond Terrace allows in-person viewing via public terminals. Bring along a valid ID and case information. Certified copies require a request to the clerk, with fees of $0.25 per page plus $8 for certification. Many records are partially restricted for privacy, especially those involving minors.
Federal Court Records in Richmond County
Federal case jurisdiction in Richmond County falls under the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This court handles federal civil and criminal cases arising in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Nassau/Suffolk counties. Public access to federal case records is available through the Clerk’s Office at the courthouse. In-person viewing of non-sealed records is free during business hours. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), the federal judiciary’s online system, also provides record seekers with federal case records. Users register for an account and pay $0.10 per page, capped at $3 per document. Access is free for under $30 quarterly usage or certain exemptions. For sealed or restricted cases, access is limited.