JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What Are Jefferson County Public Records?

In line with the New York FOIL, Jefferson County public records are all documents that originate from the county and are available to the public upon request. These documents can be in the form of books, papers, maps, photos, letters, computer disks, drawings, reports, microfilms, rules, memoranda, folders, and manuals. As per New York FOIL, Jefferson County public records include:

• Records of receipt and disbursement of government funds
• Conviction
• Court records
• Oath of office records
• Register of Professionals

Although most Jefferson County public records are easily accessible, some records are exempted from public view; such documents include:

Records explicitly exempted from being disclosed by a federal or state law

• Trade secrets that can lead to undue advantage to the requester
• Records compiled for law enforcement purpose
• External audits
• Examination records requested before the administration of the exam

Jefferson County Crime Statistics

The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services puts together annual crime statistics. The records for Jefferson County are obtained from the various law enforcement agencies within the county.

In 2018, the county recorded 2,054 crime cases, of which larceny-theft accounted for 70.6% of crimes reported at 1,451 cases. There were 257 burglaries, aggravated assaults, 74 rapes, 68 motor vehicle thefts, 22 robberies, and three murders. In 2016, Jefferson County reported 2,380 crime cases. Larceny-theft made up the most significant number of crimes in the county for that year, with 1,699 cases. Burglary incidents were 351, and 17 incidents were recorded for aggravated assaults. Other crimes recorded were rape 92, 49 motor vehicle thefts, 17 robbery incidents, and two murders.

The five-year crime trend analysis shows a decrease in the crime rate for larceny-theft by 14.5%. Other crime indexes decreased for the county were 26.8% for burglaries and 19.5% for rape. Murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft increased by 50%, 29.4%, 5.3%, and 38.7%, respectively. Overall, the county crime rate in the county dropped by 13.7%.

Are Jefferson County Criminal Records Public?

A criminal record is a record kept by law enforcement officers for offenses an individual has been convicted of. Jefferson County complies with the New York FOIL and ensures that access to criminal records in the county is obtained only by the individual named on the record. Interested parties can obtain Jefferson County criminal records from the New York DCJS or contact the Criminal Record Review Unit on (518) 457-9847 and (518) 485-7675.

How To Obtain Jefferson County Police Reports And Arrest Records?

A police report is a document prepared by a law enforcement officer detailing the officer’s encounter during an arrest. Arrest records list the offenses committed by the offender. The New York FOIL stipulates that most reports generated by law enforcement officers are available to the public. The Sheriff’s Office administers the Jefferson county arrest records and police reports. Interested parties can obtain Jefferson County police report and arrest records from the Sheriff’s Office located at:

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
753 Waterman Drive
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 786-2700
Fax: (315) 786-2743

How To Find Sex Offender Information In Jefferson County

The Division of Criminal Justice Services creates and maintains the sex offender’s registry in New York and furnishes the public with information on sex offenders' location and status in the state. Parties interested in obtaining sex offender information from Jefferson County can use the Search Public Registry of Sex Offenders. Searchers should have the surname, county, and zip code of the sex offender to query the database. Interested parties can also obtain sex offender information by calling (800) 262-3257 Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Searchers getting sex offender information by phone should have the individual name and at least one of the following details about the sex offender:

• Address
• Driver’s license
• Date of birth
• Social security number

How To Find Jefferson County Inmate Records

The Sheriff’s Office administers the daily operation of the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. Parties interested in obtaining Jefferson County inmate records can contact the Sheriff’s Office located at:

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
753 Waterman Drive
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 786-2700
Fax: (315) 786-2743

Alternatively, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) maintains an online Inmate Lookup tool to locate an inmate incarcerated in the state. Searchers should have the inmate's full name, date of birth, and Department ID number to search the database.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Jefferson County Jail?

The Sheriff's Office grants family members, friends, and professionals access to visit an inmate incarcerated in the county jail. All visitors to the county jail must register at the front lobby of the jail to access the visiting area. Visitors must present a valid means of identification and arrive at the county jail 20 minutes before the scheduled time of visit. Inmates are allowed two one-hour visits weekly, and visitation occurs from 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. Visitors aged 18 and below must be in the company of a parent or legal guardian and must have a valid photo ID. The county jail can search visitors on arrival, and an intoxicated visitor's privilege will not be allowed to carry on with the visit.

All visitors to the jail must comply with the facilities rules and regulations on visitation such as:

• Visitors must be dressed appropriately; no inappropriate revealing body parts, clothing with offensive or vulgar graphics, or see-through clothing. Jackets and hoodies are not allowed.
• Visitors must store personal property in a visitor’s locker.
• Visitors with contraband items will have their visiting privileges revoked.
• No jewelry, belts, wallet, cell phones, cigarettes, lighter, keys, hairpins, or bobby pins allowed.
• Visitors are not permitted to bring snacks or food into the county jail.

Jefferson County Court Records

Jefferson County court records are the official documents generated in court during a legal proceeding. The County Clerk is in charge of maintaining the court records for Jefferson county. These records include civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile cases documents. Jefferson County has a Supreme Court, County Court, Family court, Surrogate Court, City Courts, and various Town and Village courts. Jefferson County Court is located at:

Jefferson County Court Complex
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-3000
Fax: (315) 266-4778

Other Jefferson County court location and contact information across the county:

Jefferson County Supreme Court
317 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 221-5818
Fax: (315) 266-4779

Jefferson County Family Court
163 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-3001
Fax: (315) 266-4776

Jefferson County Surrogate Court
163 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-3019
Fax: (315) 266-4771

Adams Town Justice Court
3 South Main Street
Adams, NY 13605
Phone: (315) 232-2467
Fax: (315) 232-3596

Adams Village Court
3 South Main Street
Adams, NY 13605
Phone: (315) 232-3848 ext 2

Alexandria Bay Village Court
110 Walton Street
Suite 3
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: (315) 482-4786
Fax: (315) 482-4786

Alexandria Justice Court
The Municipal Building
46372 County Route 1
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: (315) 482-9637
Fax: (315) 482-8623

Antwerp Justice Court
45 Main Street
Antwerp, NY 13608
Phone: (315) 659-8989
Fax: (315) 659-8671

Brownville Town Court
16431 Star School Road
Dexter, NY 13634
Phone: (315) 639-6266
Fax: (315) 639-3951

Brownville Village Court
16431 Star School Road
Dexter, NY 13634
Phone: (315) 639-6266
Fax: (315) 639-3951

Cape Vincent Justice Court
1694 NYS Route 12E
Cape Vincent, NY 13618
Phone: (315) 654-3660
(315) 654-3795
Fax: (315) 654-3366

Carthage Village Court
12 South Mechanic Street
Carthage, NY 13619
Phone: (315) 493-2890
Fax: (315) 493-3652

Champion Justice Court
10 North Broad Street
Carthage, NY 13619
Phone: (315) 493-2687
Fax: (315) 493-2687

Clayton Town Justice Court
401 Mary Street
Clayton, NY 13624
Phone: (315) 686-2427
Fax: (315) 686-3075

Clayton Village Justice Court
401 Mary Street
Clayton, NY 13624
Phone: (315) 686-2427
Fax: (315) 686-3075

Dexter Village Court
16431 Star School Road
Dexter, NY 13634
Phone: (315) 639-6266
Fax: (315) 639-3121

Ellisburg Town Court
11574 South Main Street
P.O. Box 112
Ellisburg, NY 13636
Phone: (315) 846-9216
Fax: (315) 686-5072

Glen Park Village Court
16431 Star School Road
Dexter, NY 13634
Phone: (315) 639-6266
Fax: (315) 639-3121

Henderson Town Court
12105 Town Barn Road
P.O. Box 259
Henderson, NY 13650
Phone: (315) 938-5542 ext 26
Fax: (315) 938-9278

Hounsfield Town Court
411 Washington Street
P.O. Box 306
Sackets Harbor, NY 13685
Phone: (315) 646-2767
Fax: (315) 646-2749

LeRay Town Court
Municipal Office
8650 LeRay Street
Evans Mills, NY 13637
Phone: (315) 629-0228
Fax: (315) 629-0433

Lorraine Town Court
Lorraine Municipal Building
17676 County Route 189
Lorraine, NY 13659
Phone: (315) 232-2548
Fax: (315) 232-2548

Lyme Town Court
12175 NYS Route 12E
P.O. Box 66
Chaumont, NY 13622
Phone: (315) 649-2788
Fax: (315) 649-2049

Orleans Town Court
20558 Sunrise Avenue
P.O. Box 206
Lafargeville, NY 13656
Phone: (315) 658-2272
Fax: (315) 658-2065

Pamelia Town Court
25859 NYS Route 37
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-9794
Fax: (315) 785-0789

Philadelphia Town Court
33019 US Route 11
P.O. Box 387
Philadelphia, NY 13673
Phone: (315) 642-3421
Fax: (315) 642-5742

Philadelphia Village Court
56 Main Street
P.O. Box 70
Philadelphia, NY 13673
Phone: (315) 642-3452
Fax: (315) 642-3321

Rodman Town Court
12509 School Street
P.O. Box 431
Rodman, NY 13682
Phone: (315) 232-2522
Fax: (315) 232-3853

Rutland Town Court
28411 NYS Route 126
Black River, NY 13612
Phone: (315) 788-3440
Fax: (315) 788-3446

Theresa Town Court
215 Riverside Avenue
P.O. Box 675
Theresa, NY 13691
Phone: (315) 628-4148
Fax: (315) 628-5943

Theresa Village Court
124 Commercial Street
P.O. Box 299
Theresa, NY 13691
Phone: (315) 628-4425
Fax: (315) 628-4425

Watertown Town Court
22869 County Route 67
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 782-0412
Fax: (315) 782-0755

Watertown City Court
Municipal Building
245 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-7785
Fax: (315) 785-7856

West Carthage Justice Court
23 Franklin Street
West Carthage, NY 13619
Phone: (315) 493-6345
Fax: (315) 493-1921

Wilna Justice Court
120 South Mechanic Street
Carthage, NY 13619
Phone: (315) 493-2890
Fax: (315) 493-3485

Worth Town Court
20876 County Route 189
Lorraine, NY 13659
Phone: (315) 232-2522
Fax: (315) 232-3853

Are Jefferson County Court Records Public?

The County Clerk maintains Jefferson County court records, and most of these records are made available to the public on request. Jefferson County court records can be obtained online, in person, or by mail, and records are obtained for a fee. The New York FOIL prohibits some court records from being accessed by the public. The records include:

• Juvenile records
• Sealed court records
• Adoption records
• Mental health records
• Records that disclose the private information of jurors
• Sex offense case records that might expose the identity of the victim
• Alcohol and drug treatment records

How To Obtain Jefferson County Civil Court Case Records

Civil court cases are cases that settle disputes between two parties - individuals or companies. Conflicts are usually over damage to property, money, or injury inflicted by one party on the other. The Court Clerk is responsible for civil court records and makes them available on request online through the statewide database, by mail, or in person. Searchers obtaining Jefferson County civil court case records in person or by mail can do it at the County Clerk's Office located at:

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-3312

How To Obtain Jefferson County Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records are the files generated in court during a criminal case trial, and the Jefferson County Court Clerk's Office updates, manages, and makes these records public. Searchers can request Jefferson County criminal court case records online or by mail, and the clerk charges a fee for its records. Searchers can obtain Jefferson County criminal court records at the County Clerk's Office located at:

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 785-3312

What Are Jefferson County Vital Records?

Vital records are documents containing information on crucial life milestones kept by the government. In New York, vital records are not subject to FOIL and cannot be made public; individuals with a direct interest can only access vital records. Eligible parties can obtain Jefferson County vital records from the county office where the record was registered.

Where and How to Obtain Jefferson County Divorce Records

In Jefferson County, divorce records are not public records; they are sealed and retrieved by the couple or their attorneys. The County Clerk charges a fee to obtain a divorce record, and requesters should call the Recording Department on (315) 785-3200 to verify the costs before sending the request.

Parties interested in obtaining a Jefferson County divorce record must fill out the request for divorce decree form. The completed form, a copy of an ID, check, or money order payable to Jefferson County Clerk, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope is mailed to:

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
Attn: Court Records
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Divorce verification letters typically contain brief details about the divorced couple. Parties interested in getting a divorce verification letter can do so from the New York State Department of Health either by mail or in-person. To obtain divorce verification by mail, or in-person requesters should submit the completed form, a valid photo ID, and check or money order to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220 - 2602

Divorce verification requested by mail cost $30.00, and in-person requests cost $45.00, payable by check or money order payable to the Department of Health; in-person requesters can also pay with cash. All requesters must fill out the mail-in application for a divorce certificate form and include a copy of a valid government-issued ID.

Where And How To Get Public Jefferson County Marriage Records

Marriage records are exempted from the New York FOIL and are available to only specific individuals who must be:

• The spouses
• Someone with a documented judicial purpose
• An individual with a court order from New York

Eligible persons can obtain Jefferson County marriage records from the County Clerk's Office in the town, city, or village where the marriage license was created. The county clerk charges a fee for this service.

Additionally, requesters can obtain Jefferson County marriage records from the NYS Department of Health by mail or in-person. A request by mail or in-person must fill out the application for a copy of a marriage certificate form and submit it to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220 - 2602

Requests by mail cost $30.00, and payment is by personal checks, certified checks, or money order. In-person requests cost $45.00, and payment is strictly by cash, money order, or check. Requesters must make all payments out to the NYS Department of Health, and requesters must submit a valid means of photo identification when requesting a marriage record.

Where And How To Get Confidential Marriage Records In Jefferson County

Confidential marriage is a marriage conducted by a court officer without witnesses, and only parties to the union can access the records. Marriages in New York are public marriages; therefore, confidential marriage records in Jefferson County do not exist.

Where And How To Find Jefferson County Birth Records

Jefferson County birth records are not subject to the New York FOIL and are not accessible by the public; only persons with direct interest can obtain a birth record. Parties authorized to obtain a birth record include:

• The birth certificate holder
• Parents named on the birth certificate
• Spouse of the birth record holder by order of a New York State court
• Children of the birth record holder in possession of a New York State court order

Interested parties can obtain Jefferson County birth records from the Court Clerk Office in the city, town, or village of birth. In addition, parties can also obtain Jefferson County birth certificates in person or by mail from the NYS Department of Health. Requesters of a birth certificate by mail or in-person must fill out the mail-in application for a copy of a birth certificate and submit it at:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220 - 2602

It costs $45 to request a birth certificate in-person and $30 for a request sent by mail, payable by money order or checks. The NYS Department of Health accepts cash for in-person requests. All payments are made payable to the NYS Department of Health.

All requesters must include a valid photo government-issued ID along with a request for a birth record. In the absence of this, requesters can submit any two documents with their name and address, such as a utility bill, a letter issued within six months by any government agency, or a telephone bill.

Where And How To Find Jefferson County Death Records

A requester of a death record in New York State must be:

• The spouse of the deceased
• The parents of the decedent
• A sibling of the dead person
• Someone with a court order from the New York State
• Someone with a documented medical need
• A person in possession of a documented lawful right

Eligible parties can obtain death records from the County Clerk vital statistics office in the city, town, or village where the deceased was pronounced dead. Interested parties can contact the County Clerk of the City, town, or village to obtain a death record. The clerk may charge a fee for this service.

Requesters can order death records by mail or in-person for a fee of $30.00 and $45.00, respectively. Payment for the order by mail is by Money order, certified check, or personal checks, while in-person request fees are paid by cash, money orders, or checks only.

Requesters must fill out the application form for a death certificate and submit it with a copy of an unexpired government-issued photo ID. A valid government-issued ID must have the requester’s photo and signature. Where a requester does not possess a valid government-issued photo ID, two documents with the requester's name and address are accepted.