Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinNYRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin County, New York. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Record categories available for search include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case filings, and inmate custody records.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, the New York State court system's public access terminals, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision inmate lookup, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary law enforcement and booking authority for Franklin County. The Sheriff's Department maintains booking records for individuals processed at the Franklin County Jail. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about current custody status, recent bookings, and arrest information. The booking line is staffed separately from the administrative line to handle inmate-related inquiries. Information available through the Sheriff's Department includes:

• Arrestee name and booking number
• Charges at time of arrest
• Custody status
• Bond information
• Arresting agency

Records are updated as bookings occur. The department does not maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster at present, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary access method.

2. Local Police Departments

Franklin County is served by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police, Troop B, which covers the North Country region including Franklin County. The New York State Police publishes press releases announcing arrests and charges through the NY State Police newsroom, which provides publicly available arrest information including names, charges, and case details. A recent example includes the arrest of a Bombay male on criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment charges, with the individual remanded to the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or a $50,000 bond.

New York State Police – Troop B
2541 State Route 11
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 483-3761
New York State Police

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The New York State Unified Court System provides public access to criminal case information through its online case search portal. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate court cases associated with an arrest. Franklin County criminal matters are heard in Franklin County Court and the local Justice Courts.

Franklin County Clerk
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1681
Franklin County

The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system and the eCourts public access portal allow name-based searches for case information linked to arrests and criminal proceedings.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) maintains an incarcerated person lookup tool that allows members of the public to search for individuals currently or previously held in state correctional facilities. This tool is distinct from county jail records and applies to individuals sentenced to state prison. The New York State Commission of Correction maintains oversight of New York State county jails, including the Franklin County Jail, and publishes facility information for public reference. No fee is required to use the DOCCS online lookup tool.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Department
45 Bare Hill Road
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 483-3304 (Administration) / (518) 483-6795 (Booking)
Franklin County Sheriff's Department

Members of the public visiting in person should bring valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest or booking number. Copy fees for records obtained in person are governed by New York's Freedom of Information Law and are addressed in the fees section below. Office hours follow standard county business hours; members of the public are advised to contact the department in advance to confirm current hours.

Clerk of Court:

Franklin County Clerk's Office
355 West Main Street, Suite 201
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1681
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Franklin County

Criminal case files associated with arrests may be inspected at the Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fees section.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Franklin County Sheriff's Department at 45 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY 12953. Requests submitted by mail should include:

• Full legal name of the subject
• Date of birth
• Date of arrest (if known)
• Booking number (if known)
• Requestor's full name and return mailing address
• Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

• Sheriff's Office Administration: (518) 483-3304
• Sheriff's Office Booking: (518) 483-6795

Limited information may be available by phone, including general custody status. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex or detailed requests are referred to in-person or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors access records through established court procedures under the New York Criminal Procedure Law.

Information Needed for Search:

• Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
• Date of birth or approximate age
• Approximate date of arrest
• Booking number (if known)
• Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, State Police, or municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records subject to disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law, codified at N.Y. Public Officers Law § 84 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. The law reflects the principle that government operations, including law enforcement activities, are subject to public scrutiny. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

• Arrestee name and aliases
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Booking number
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Bond and bail information
• Custody status
• Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

• Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under New York Family Court Act)
• Expunged or sealed arrest records (restricted pursuant to court order or statute)
• Active investigation information that would endanger persons or impede prosecution
• Undercover officer identities
• Confidential informant information
• Victim identifying information in certain cases (e.g., sexual offense victims)
• Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

New York's public records framework balances transparency with individual privacy. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest, which does not establish guilt, and a conviction. New York courts have consistently held that booking records and arrest logs fall within the scope of disclosable public records absent a specific statutory exemption.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

• General public
• Media organizations
• Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
• Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
• Licensing agencies
• Background check companies
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. New York State law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment decisions, and New York City's "ban the box" ordinance limits inquiry into criminal history at certain stages of the hiring process. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record does not constitute evidence of guilt.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

• Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
• Date of birth and age at time of arrest
• Sex and gender
• Race and ethnicity
• Height and weight
• Eye color and hair color
• Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
• Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)

Arrest Details:

• Arrest date and time
• Location of arrest (street address or general area)
• Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, or municipal department)
• Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
• Booking date and time
• Booking number or arrest number
• Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

• Specific criminal charges
• New York Penal Law statute numbers violated
• Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
• Number of counts per charge
• Domestic violence designation, if applicable
• Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

• Booking facility name and location (Franklin County Jail, 45 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY)
• Intake process timestamp
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
• Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

• Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
• Bond amount as set by the court
• Bond type:
  • Cash bond
  • Surety bond
  • Personal recognizance (PR) release
  • Remand (no bond)
• Release date and time, if released
• Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

• Court case number assigned
• Court jurisdiction (Franklin County Court or local Justice Court)
• Scheduled arraignment date
• Court location
• Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation

Prior Arrest History (may be included in some records):

• Previous arrests processed through Franklin County
• Historical booking numbers
• Prior charges

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

• Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
• Witness statements
• Victim identifying information
• Evidence collected during investigation
• Investigative techniques or confidential methods
• Medical or mental health information
• Social Security number (redacted)
• Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

• Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not routinely available in booking records
• Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
• Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
• Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Franklin County?

Fees for copies of arrest records in Franklin County are governed by N.Y. Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b), which authorizes agencies to charge a fee not to exceed twenty-five cents per page for copies up to nine inches by fourteen inches. The following fee structure applies under current law:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (up to 9" x 14")	$0.25 per page
Certified copies	Varies by office; typically $5.00–$10.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	No fee or nominal fee depending on agency
Record inspection (in-person review)	No charge for inspection
Search fee	Not permitted under FOIL for standard requests

Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and Clerk's Office include cash, money order, and check made payable to the applicable agency. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the agency's discretion. Court-certified copies of criminal case records obtained through the Franklin County Clerk's Office are subject to separate fee schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Under New York law, the legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records are sealing and expungement, which are distinct remedies. Expungement results in the destruction of records, while sealing restricts public access but preserves records for law enforcement use. New York law does not provide broad expungement for most adult criminal records; however, sealing is available under specific circumstances.

Sealing Under CPL § 160.59:

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 permits eligible individuals to apply to seal up to two criminal convictions (no more than one felony) after a ten-year waiting period from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public but remain available to law enforcement, certain licensing agencies, and courts.

Eligibility requirements include:

• No more than two convictions on the record (no more than one felony)
• Ten years elapsed since sentencing or release
• No pending criminal charges
• Certain offense categories are ineligible (sex offenses, violent felonies as defined by statute)

Marijuana Conviction Expungement:

New York's Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for the automatic expungement of certain prior marijuana convictions. Individuals with eligible convictions do not need to file a petition; expungement occurs automatically under the statute.

Sealing of Non-Criminal Dispositions:

Arrests that did not result in conviction — including dismissed charges, acquittals, and cases where no charges were filed — may be sealed pursuant to CPL § 160.50, which provides for automatic sealing of records upon termination of a criminal action in favor of the accused. Under this provision, records are sealed from public access but retained by law enforcement.

Steps to Apply for Sealing (CPL § 160.59):

1. Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
2. Confirm eligibility based on conviction type, number of convictions, and waiting period
3. Complete the sealing application (available through the court of conviction)
4. File the application with the court where the conviction was entered
5. Serve copies on the District Attorney's Office
6. Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
7. If granted, the court issues a sealing order to DCJS and relevant agencies

Franklin County District Attorney's Office
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1544
Franklin County

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building, 80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518) 457-5837
DCJS

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Franklin County, the arrested individual is transported to the Franklin County Jail located at 45 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY 12953. Transport is conducted by the arresting agency — the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, New York State Police, or a municipal officer — and the individual remains in restraints during transport. In some circumstances, a brief investigative hold may occur at the scene prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Franklin County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

• Recording of personal identifying information
• Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously administered)
• Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
• Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
• Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
• Personal property inventoried and secured
• Issuance of jail clothing
• Medical screening
• Brief mental health screening
• Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New York law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 24 hours for most arrests. At the initial appearance:

• Formal notification of charges is provided
• The right to counsel is confirmed; a public defender is assigned if the individual is financially eligible
• Bond or bail is determined
• Rights are formally advisement

Appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bail amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bail amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bail amount under New York Insurance Law. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (ROR) Release: The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary bail. Factors considered include community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment.

Remand (No Bail): The court may order detention without bail for serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include:

• Regular check-in with pretrial services
• Travel restrictions
• No-contact orders
• Drug and alcohol testing
• GPS monitoring
• Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bail is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bail forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bail is not posted, the individual is assigned to a housing unit, receives an inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on financial circumstances at the initial appearance.

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1671
Franklin County

Private Attorney:

Individuals retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The New York State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Franklin County Jail subject to facility visitation procedures.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Franklin County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest. The District Attorney may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Grand Jury (Felony Cases):

Felony charges in New York require either a grand jury indictment or a waiver of indictment by the defendant. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas are:

• Not guilty
• Guilty
• No contest (in limited circumstances)

Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

• Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
• Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court — successful completion results in dismissal
• Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to negotiated charges with an agreed or recommended sentence
• Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

Sentencing options available to the court include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, mandatory treatment programs, or a combination. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

• Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
• First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
• Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
• Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
• Felonies: May take six months to over one year
• Right to speedy trial: Governed by New York Criminal Procedure Law, with specific time limits based on charge severity

Important Contacts:

Franklin County Sheriff's Department (Jail)
45 Bare Hill Road
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 483-3304 (Administration) / (518) 483-6795 (Booking)
Franklin County Sheriff's Department

Franklin County Clerk of Court
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1681
Franklin County

Franklin County District Attorney's Office
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1544
Franklin County

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1671
Franklin County

What to Do If You're Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
6. Contact family or trusted individuals for assistance with bail
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by New York State law and the records retention schedules issued by the New York State Archives. Under the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law and associated Local Government Records Law, local government agencies including law enforcement are required to maintain records for minimum periods specified in approved retention schedules. Agencies may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
• Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) indefinitely
• Part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently in most databases
• Local law enforcement and court records: Permanent or subject to applicable retention schedule
• State repository (DCJS): Permanent

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

• Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum period per the applicable retention schedule, subject to sealing under CPL § 160.50
• Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
• State repository: Sealed upon dismissal but retained for law enforcement access

Acquittals:

• Records sealed pursuant to CPL § 160.50 upon entry of not guilty verdict
• Sealed from public access; retained for law enforcement use
• Court records: Retained in electronic systems

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

• Booking records: Retained per local retention schedule
• May be eligible for sealing or administrative removal upon request
• Shortest public retention period of any arrest category

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

• Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per New York State Archives schedule (at present, a minimum of several years for non-conviction records)
• Photographs: Retained per schedule; digital images may be retained longer

Digital Records:

• Records management systems: Often retained permanently
• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained per schedule, typically three to seven years
• Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most instances

Third-Party Databases:

• Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
• These entities are not required to update records when sealing or expungement occurs, though the FCRA requires accuracy in consumer reports
• Individuals seeking removal from third-party databases must contact those entities directly

Retention by Agency:

Franklin County Sheriff's Department
45 Bare Hill Road
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 483-3304
Franklin County Sheriff's Department

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the New York State Archives law enforcement retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense severity.

Franklin County Clerk of Court
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 481-1681
Franklin County

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period per the applicable schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS):

The DCJS maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in New York State. The DCJS retains records in accordance with state law; sealed records are restricted from public access but retained for law enforcement use. The DOCCS incarcerated person lookup reflects current and historical state prison records, and notes that records subject to official sealing orders are deleted from the public-facing tool in accordance with applicable law.

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain arrest records from contributing agencies. Federal retention is permanent for most records. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Public Access	Law Enforcement Access	Retention Period
Felony conviction	Public	Permanent	Permanent
Misdemeanor conviction	Public	Permanent	Permanent
Dismissal (sealed)	Restricted	Retained	Per schedule
Acquittal (sealed)	Restricted	Retained	Per schedule
No charges filed	Limited	Retained	Per schedule
Expunged (marijuana)	Removed	Destroyed	N/A

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. New York State law prohibits employers from denying employment based solely on an arrest that did not result in conviction, pursuant to New York Correction Law § 752. Sealed records are not reported on standard background checks conducted for employment or housing purposes.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Records Division at (518) 483-3304 or submit a written Freedom of Information Law request to the applicable agency. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.

Lookup Arrest Records in Franklin County

• Franklin County Sheriff's Department – arrest and booking information
• DOCCS Incarcerated Person Lookup – New York State prison records
• New York State County Jails – Commission of Correction
• Franklin County kidnapping arrest warrants – NY State Police press release
• Bombay male arrested for criminal possession of a weapon – Franklin County Jail booking