Warrant records are public in Washington County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation ensures that government records, including warrants, are accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The law promotes governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with access to information maintained by public agencies.
In Washington County, warrant records are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk's Office. These records are considered public documents under New York State law, subject to specific exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and public safety as outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2).
Individuals seeking warrant information may submit a FOIL request to the appropriate county agency. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, either providing the requested records or explaining the reason for denial.
Warrant records maintained by Washington County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information:
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10, arrest warrants must be signed by a court and contain sufficient information to identify the person against whom it is issued.
Members of the public may access warrant information in Washington County through several no-cost methods:
Individuals seeking information about their own warrant status may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office directly. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, law enforcement officials are authorized to execute warrants within their jurisdiction.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining and executing warrants within the county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are legal documents issued by a court that authorize law enforcement officers to take specific actions, most commonly the arrest of an individual.
The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants issued within Washington County. These warrants are categorized as follows:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office, located at 399 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, processes and executes these warrants in accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 120. The Warrants Division can be reached at (518) 746-2475 during regular business hours.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Washington County may utilize several official channels:
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.30, warrants remain in effect until executed or formally withdrawn by court order. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants within their jurisdiction and provides public access to this information in accordance with state law.
Washington County maintains a system for tracking outstanding warrants that is accessible to the public. Individuals may conduct a search for outstanding warrants through the following methods:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with New York State retention schedules established by the Commissioner of Education and the State Archives. Outstanding warrant information is considered public record under Public Officers Law Article 6, with exceptions as provided in § 87(2).