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Erie County, New York Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Erie County, New York?

Warrant records are considered public in Erie County, New York, in accordance with the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This statute ensures transparency by granting the public access to governmental records unless specifically exempted by law. Warrants, as part of the judicial process, are typically included in this public access framework to ensure accountability and public oversight.

The public nature of warrant records allows residents and interested parties to verify the existence of warrants, understand the nature of the charges, and ensure that the legal process is being followed properly. This transparency is a critical component of maintaining trust in the criminal justice system and ensuring that individual rights are protected under New York State law.

Pursuant to FOIL regulations, members of the public may request access to warrant information through designated channels established by Erie County law enforcement agencies and court systems. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Erie County?

Warrant records in Erie County typically contain the following information as mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10:

  • Full legal name of the individual for whom the warrant is issued
  • Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
  • Description of the charges or alleged offense, including relevant penal code sections
  • Jurisdiction and court issuing the warrant, including docket or case numbers
  • Any specific instructions or conditions attached to the warrant execution
  • Physical description of the subject, potentially including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Last known address or location information (may be partially redacted in public records)
  • Bail or bond amount, if predetermined by the court

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with New York State record retention schedules established pursuant to Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25.

How to Check For Warrants in Erie County For Free

Free search of warrant records is available in Erie County pursuant to New York State's open records laws. Methods to check include:

  • Visiting the Erie County Clerk's Office located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • Contacting the Erie County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (716) 858-3287
  • Utilizing public access terminals at the Erie County Courthouse at 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
  • Submitting a FOIL request through the Erie County Sheriff's Office website

Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results. The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records in accordance with New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80.

Erie County Sheriff Warrants

Sheriff Warrants in Erie County are legal documents issued by the court pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 120 that authorize law enforcement officers to perform specific actions, such as making an arrest or conducting a search. The Erie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for executing these warrants within its jurisdiction.

Erie County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Division
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-3287
Official Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants that is updated regularly. Pursuant to departmental policy and New York State law, deputies are required to attempt service of warrants promptly upon receipt. The Warrant Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for administrative inquiries, though warrant service occurs 24 hours a day.

Individuals with knowledge of their own active warrants may voluntarily surrender at the Erie County Holding Center at 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. This voluntary compliance may be viewed favorably by the court during subsequent proceedings.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Erie County in 2025

To determine whether a warrant has been issued in your name in Erie County in 2025, several official channels are available pursuant to New York State public records laws:

  • Check the Erie County Clerk's online records system which provides access to warrant information
  • Visit the Erie County Clerk's Office in person at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
  • Contact the Erie County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly at (716) 858-3287
  • Submit a formal records request through the Erie County Sheriff's Office website

When making inquiries, individuals must provide proper identification in accordance with departmental policies. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants issued within Erie County jurisdiction, including bench warrants, arrest warrants, and search warrants as defined in New York Criminal Procedure Law §§ 120.10-120.90.

For tax warrants specifically, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance maintains a separate database that can be searched online.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Erie County

A search for Outstanding Warrants is available in Erie County through several official channels in accordance with New York State Public Officers Law Article 6. Methods for checking include:

Pursuant to departmental policy, the Sheriff's Office updates its warrant database daily. Outstanding warrants remain active until they are executed or recalled by the issuing court. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, law enforcement officers are authorized to execute these warrants at any time of day or night, though they typically attempt service during daylight hours except in emergency situations.

Individuals with outstanding warrants may face arrest during routine interactions with law enforcement, such as traffic stops or border crossings, as these warrants are entered into state and national databases accessible to all law enforcement agencies.

Search Warrant Records in Erie County

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