Warrant Search

Buffalo, New York Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Buffalo, New York?

Warrants are public records in Buffalo, New York, pursuant to the New York State 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 throughout New York State, including Erie County and the City of Buffalo. Under FOIL, warrant information is generally accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted due to ongoing investigations, privacy concerns, or matters of public safety.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including promoting transparency in the judicial system, facilitating public safety awareness, and ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies.

Residents of Buffalo seeking warrant information should note that while the records are public, access methods may vary depending on the issuing authority and the nature of the warrant. Some information may be readily available online, while other records may require formal requests through designated governmental channels.

Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Buffalo?

The Erie County Sheriff's Office provides online access to warrant information through their official website. Members of the public may access this information through the following resources:

  • Erie County Sheriff's Office Warrants Database: This official portal contains information about active warrants issued within Erie County jurisdiction, including Buffalo.

  • Buffalo Police Department: The department's website may provide limited information regarding certain types of warrants and wanted persons within city limits.

  • New York State Unified Court System: The WebCriminal application provides authorized users with access to certain criminal case information, including warrant status in some instances.

Individuals seeking warrant information should be aware that online databases may not contain comprehensive information on all warrants. Some records may be excluded from public online access due to statutory restrictions or ongoing investigations pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.50.

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

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Buffalo in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Buffalo may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains the most comprehensive database of warrants issued within the county. Persons concerned about possible warrants should:

  • Contact the Erie County Sheriff's Warrant Office directly at (716) 858-3287 during business hours (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday).

  • Visit the Erie County Sheriff's Office in person at 10 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202 to inquire about warrant status.

  • Check the online warrants database maintained by the Sheriff's Office, which is updated regularly with active warrant information.

  • Consult with the Buffalo City Court regarding any bench warrants that may have been issued for failure to appear or other court-related matters.

Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest. Therefore, addressing potential warrants promptly through proper legal channels is advisable. Persons with concerns about possible warrants may wish to consult with legal counsel before contacting law enforcement directly.

Buffalo City Court
50 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 845-2600
Buffalo City Court

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Buffalo

The verification of outstanding warrants in Buffalo requires accessing official government records maintained by local law enforcement and judicial authorities. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to conduct warrant searches:

  • Submit a formal inquiry to the Erie County Sheriff's Warrant Office by calling (716) 858-3287 during regular business hours. The office processes warrant verification requests in accordance with New York State Public Officers Law.

  • Visit the Buffalo Traffic Violations Agency at 65 Niagara Square, Room 115, Buffalo, NY 14202 to inquire about any outstanding traffic warrants that may have been issued for unpaid citations or missed court appearances.

  • Access the Erie County Sheriff's Office online warrant database, which is maintained pursuant to departmental policy and updated regularly with current warrant information.

  • Contact the Buffalo Police Department Records Division at (716) 851-4444 to inquire about warrants issued within city jurisdiction.

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification information, including full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying details as required by the respective agencies. Pursuant to New York State law, certain warrant information may be restricted if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings.

Buffalo Traffic Violations Agency
65 Niagara Square, Room 115
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-4414
Buffalo Traffic Violations Agency

Contents of a Buffalo Warrant Records

Warrant records maintained by Buffalo law enforcement agencies and courts contain specific information as prescribed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual for whom the warrant is issued, along with date of birth, physical description, and last known address when available.

  • Case Information: The docket or case number associated with the warrant, including the originating court or jurisdiction.

  • Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and its current status.

  • Offense Details: Description of the alleged violation or crime, including relevant New York Penal Law sections and offense classification.

  • Judicial Authorization: Name of the issuing judge or magistrate, date of issuance, and the court from which the warrant originated.

  • Bail Information: When applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation regarding remand requirements.

  • Service Instructions: Special directives to law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant, including any cautions or restrictions.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with New York State records retention schedules as established by the State Archives and Records Administration. Public access to specific warrant details may be limited based on the nature of the case and applicable privacy laws under New York Public Officers Law § 87(2).

Search Warrant Records in Buffalo, New York

The search for warrant records in Buffalo requires accessing official government repositories maintained by local law enforcement and judicial authorities. Members of the public seeking warrant information may utilize the following resources:

Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, certain warrant information may be obtained through formal FOIL requests submitted to the appropriate agencies. However, active warrants related to ongoing investigations may have restricted access under Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e).

Buffalo Police Department Headquarters
74 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-4444
Buffalo Police Department

Search Arrest Records in Buffalo