Albany County, New York Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Albany County, New York?
Warrants are public records in Albany County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including warrant information, to promote governmental accountability and transparency in accordance with state law.
The Albany County Sheriff's Office and the Albany County Clerk's Office maintain warrant records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may request access to these records subject to certain statutory exemptions outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2), which protects information that may compromise ongoing investigations, endanger individuals, or violate personal privacy rights.
Warrant information typically becomes available after execution or when a judge determines that disclosure will not impede law enforcement objectives. Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 690.50, warrant records must be filed with the court after execution, at which point they generally become accessible to the public unless sealed by judicial order.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Albany County?
Warrant records maintained by Albany County law enforcement agencies and courts typically contain the following information:
- Subject's full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and physical description of the subject
- Residential address or last known location
- Case or docket number associated with the warrant
- Date of issuance and issuing judicial authority
- Nature of the alleged offense (including relevant penal code sections)
- Warrant classification (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
- Bond or bail amount, if applicable
- Status of the warrant (active, recalled, executed)
- Return information documenting execution of the warrant
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10 for arrest warrants and § 690.05 for search warrants, these documents must contain sufficient particularity to identify the person or property subject to the warrant and the legal basis for its issuance.
How to Check For Warrants in Albany County For Free
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Albany County through several no-cost methods established under Public Officers Law § 87:
- Visit the Albany County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 16 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
- Contact the Albany County Clerk's Office at 16 Eagle Street, Room 128, Albany, NY 12207 (518-487-5100)
- Access public terminals at the Albany County Courthouse located at 16 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207
- Submit a FOIL request to the appropriate law enforcement agency specifying the information sought
Individuals seeking information about their own warrant status may be required to provide proper identification pursuant to agency verification protocols. Third-party requests may be subject to additional privacy restrictions in accordance with Public Officers Law § 89(2).
Albany County Sheriff Warrants
The Albany County Sheriff's Office, operating under the authority of New York State County Law § 650, issues and maintains various types of warrants within its jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official court orders directing law enforcement to take specific actions, including:
- Arrest warrants issued pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10 authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Bench warrants issued under Criminal Procedure Law § 530.70 for failure to appear at scheduled court proceedings
- Civil warrants related to family court matters, including child support enforcement pursuant to Family Court Act § 454
- Execution warrants for civil judgments as prescribed in Civil Practice Law and Rules § 5230
The Albany County Sheriff's Office is located at:
Albany County Sheriff's Office
Albany County Judicial Center
6 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-5400
Albany County Sheriff's Office
Warrant execution is conducted by sworn deputies in accordance with procedural requirements established in Criminal Procedure Law Article 120 and Article 690.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Albany County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine warrant status in Albany County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by local authorities:
- Contact the Albany County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly at (518) 487-5440 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM)
- Utilize the Albany County Integrated Justice Portal accessible through public terminals at the County Clerk's Office
- Submit a formal records request to the Albany City Court located at 1 Morton Avenue, Albany, NY 12202 (518-453-4640)
- Consult with legal counsel who can access court records through the New York State Office of Court Administration electronic filing system
Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, individuals with active warrants are advised to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels. Self-surrender arrangements may be coordinated through the Sheriff's Office or legal counsel to minimize disruption and potential complications.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Albany County
Verification of outstanding warrant status in Albany County may be accomplished through several official channels:
- Submit a records inquiry to the Albany County Sheriff's Records Division at 6 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207
- Contact the Albany County District Attorney's Office at Albany County Judicial Center, 6 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207 (518-487-5460)
- Visit the Albany County Clerk's Office at 16 Eagle Street, Room 128, Albany, NY 12207 (518-487-5100)
- Consult the New York State Tax Warrants search for tax-related warrants
- Review the New York State Police wanted persons database for felony warrants
Inquiries may require personal identifying information including full legal name, date of birth, and address. Third-party requests may be subject to limitations pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(2)(b) regarding personal privacy protections.
Search Warrant Records in Albany County
The Albany County Child Support Enforcement Unit maintains records of child support warrants issued pursuant to Family Court Act § 454. These warrants are typically issued when individuals fail to comply with court-ordered support obligations or fail to appear at related proceedings.
Albany County Department of Social Services
Child Support Enforcement Unit
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 447-7300
Albany County Child Support Enforcement
Additional warrant record resources available to the public include:
