Criminal records in Bronx County, New York, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. BronxCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Bronx County. Additional access points include the New York State Unified Court System's electronic filing portal (NYSCEF), the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the NYPD, and the Bronx County Clerk's Office.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bronx
Several methods are available to search for criminal records in Bronx County. The approach you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or informal results.
Through BronxCourt.us
BronxCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available court record information tied to Bronx County criminal cases. Start with the defendant's full name or case number.
Online — State and City Portals
- New York State Unified Court System (WebCivil Supreme) — The NYS courts website at WebCrims provides a public search tool for pending criminal cases in New York City Criminal Court and Supreme Court, Criminal Term. You can search by defendant name, NYSID number, or docket/indictment number.
- NYC Department of Correction — Person in Custody Lookup — Use the P.I.C. Lookup tool to find someone currently held in a New York City jail facility. This covers DOC custody only — not police, state, or federal custody.
- NYS DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup — If someone has been sentenced to state prison, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup allows searches by name, NYSID, or DIN (Department Identification Number).
- NYC 311 — Find an Arrested Person — The NYC 311 portal explains how to locate someone recently arrested and possibly still in police custody. You can call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675).
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number, docket number, or indictment number
- NYSID number (primarily for criminal justice agencies)
In Person
Visit the Bronx County Clerk's Office or the Bronx Criminal Court to access records through public terminals or request assistance from the clerk's staff. The Bronx County Clerk Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
By Mail or Written Request
- Bronx County Clerk — Submit a written request specifying the defendant's name, date of birth, and case number (if known). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any applicable fees by money order.
- NYPD Criminal Records Unit — For police records, NYPD record requests can be submitted in person or by mail. FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) requests go through the NYPD Legal Bureau.
- NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — For a statewide criminal history record check, individuals may request their own record through DCJS. Third-party requests generally require fingerprint-based submissions and statutory authorization.
Search Bronx Criminal Cases by Case Number
Bronx County criminal cases use numbering formats that depend on the court level:
- Criminal Court (misdemeanors/violations): Docket numbers typically follow the format YYYY-XXX-NNNNN, where YYYY is the year, XXX is a borough/court code, and NNNNN is a sequential number. For Bronx, the borough code is often "BX" or a numeric equivalent.
- Supreme Court, Criminal Term (felonies): Indictment numbers are assigned after a grand jury returns an indictment. The format is usually NNNNN/YYYY — a sequential number followed by the year.
When searching by case number on WebCrims or at the courthouse, enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, try searching by defendant name first to locate the full case identifier.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bronx
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | References the New York Penal Law section (e.g., PL 120.00 for Assault in the Third Degree) |
| Felony | Serious offenses (classes A through E); prosecuted in Supreme Court, Criminal Term |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses (classes A and B); handled in Bronx Criminal Court |
| Violation | Non-criminal offenses (e.g., disorderly conduct); also handled in Criminal Court |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending / Active: The case is still being adjudicated; future court dates are scheduled.
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or acquittal.
- Sealed: Under New York CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55, certain cases are sealed upon favorable termination or specific dispositions. Sealed records are generally not accessible to the public.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: First court appearance where charges are read and bail is set.
- Preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases not yet indicted).
- Pre-trial conference: Scheduling and plea discussions between prosecution and defense.
- Trial: Bench or jury trial on the merits.
- Sentencing: Court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea.
Court Results
| Disposition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution; case may be sealed |
| Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | Case adjourned and dismissed after a set period if the defendant stays out of trouble |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bronx
Bronx County Clerk's Office
Certified copies of criminal court dispositions and case documents for Supreme Court cases can be requested from the Bronx County Clerk. You will need:
- Defendant's full name
- Case or indictment number
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
NYPD Records
Police reports, arrest records, and complaint reports can be requested through the NYPD Records Request process. A Certificate of Conduct (showing an individual's own arrest history) requires fingerprinting and a $50.00 money order or certified check payable to the New York City Police Department.
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
For an official statewide criminal history record, individuals can request their own record through DCJS. Fingerprint-based requests are required. Employers and agencies with statutory authority may also submit requests through DCJS with the subject's consent.
By Mail
Mail requests to the Bronx County Clerk should include a written letter with the case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for applicable fees (money order preferred). For NYPD records, follow the instructions on the NYPD record requests page.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bronx
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| County Clerk — document copies (per page) | $1.25 | Per page for non-certified copies (NY CPLR § 8019) |
| County Clerk — certification fee | $1.25 per certification | Added to the per-page copy cost |
| County Clerk — exemplified copy | $2.50 | Additional certification with county seal |
| NYPD Certificate of Conduct | $50.00 | Money order or certified check payable to NYCPD; in-person fingerprinting required |
| DCJS criminal history record (individual's own) | Varies | Contact DCJS directly for current fee schedule |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Bronx County Clerk: Often same-day for simple copy requests, though complex or older case files may take several business days.
- Mail requests to the County Clerk: Typically 2–4 weeks depending on volume.
- NYPD Certificate of Conduct: Generally 8–10 weeks from submission.
- DCJS criminal history requests: Processing times vary; contact DCJS for current estimates.
Fees are set by New York statute (primarily CPLR Article 80) and may change. Confirm current amounts with the relevant office before submitting payment.