Warrant records are public in Orleans 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 governmental records throughout New York State, including Orleans County. Under FOIL provisions, members of the public maintain the legal right to inspect and obtain copies of warrant information, subject to specific exemptions outlined in § 87(2) of the law.
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties in accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80. These records document judicial directives authorizing law enforcement to take specific actions, such as apprehending individuals charged with criminal offenses. The public accessibility of these records serves the legislative intent of FOIL to promote governmental transparency and accountability.
Warrant information becomes part of the public record upon issuance by a judge or magistrate of competent jurisdiction. This transparency enables citizens to verify the legal basis for law enforcement actions and supports the constitutional principles of due process and public oversight of governmental functions.
Warrant records maintained by the Orleans County Sheriff's Office typically contain the following information pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10:
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible warrant records may vary based on the type of warrant issued and applicable privacy restrictions under New York State law. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Public Officers Law § 87(2) to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights.
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Orleans County through several no-cost methods established under New York's open records provisions:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and address to facilitate accurate record searches. The Sheriff's Office updates warrant information regularly, but members of the public should note that warrant status may change at any time as judicial proceedings progress.
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office executes and maintains records of various warrant types as authorized under New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 120. Sheriff's deputies are empowered to serve and execute warrants throughout Orleans County and, under certain circumstances, beyond county boundaries in accordance with § 120.80.
The Sheriff's Office categorizes warrants as follows:
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division responsible for processing, tracking, and executing outstanding warrants. This division operates from the Sheriff's Office headquarters:
Orleans County Sheriff's Office
13925 State Route 31
Albion, NY 14411
(585) 590-4100
Orleans County Sheriff's Office
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Orleans County may utilize several official channels established under New York State law:
Persons with active warrants are advised that appearing at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest. Individuals may wish to consult with legal counsel before proceeding. The Orleans County Public Defender's Office, located at 1 South Main Street, Suite 5, Albion, NY 14411, provides legal services to qualifying individuals and may be reached at (585) 590-4138.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Orleans County is governed by established protocols under New York State's public records laws. Members of the public may access warrant information through the following official channels:
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.90, individuals with knowledge of an active warrant against them may voluntarily surrender to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency. This approach may be viewed favorably by the court during subsequent proceedings.