Court records in Clinton County, New York can be searched through several channels. ClintonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official New York State court resources, the Clinton County Clerk's Office, and public terminals available at courthouse locations in Plattsburgh. Whether you need to look up a pending case, check a hearing date, or obtain a certified document, the sections below explain where to go and what to expect.
Clinton Court System & Jurisdictions
Clinton County is part of the Fourth Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. Several courts operate within the county, each handling specific case types:
- Supreme Court — Hears civil cases without a dollar limit, including matrimonial (divorce) actions, complex contract disputes, and equity matters. Also handles felony criminal cases in some circumstances.
- County Court — Has jurisdiction over felony criminal prosecutions and civil cases with amounts up to $25,000. The County Clerk's Office assists both Supreme and County Courts by handling fees, fines, filings, and certified court records.
- Family Court — Manages custody, visitation, child support, family offense (orders of protection), juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), adoption, and foster care proceedings. Most Family Court records are confidential under New York Family Court Act § 166.
- Surrogate's Court — Handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of the property of minors and incapacitated persons, and related filings.
- City Court (Plattsburgh) — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, small claims (up to $5,000), and civil matters up to $15,000 within the City of Plattsburgh.
- Town and Village Justice Courts — Local courts across Clinton County's towns and villages hear traffic tickets, vehicle and traffic law infractions, misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $3,000), and civil cases up to $3,000.
If you are unsure which court handled a case, start by searching the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) for Supreme Court civil matters, or contact the County Clerk's Office for criminal and county-level civil cases. Town and village court records are maintained by each individual justice court.
Clinton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Clinton County can be checked through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools:
- NYS eCourts — Visit the New York State eCourts portal to search Supreme and County Court civil calendars by party name, index number, or attorney name.
- Future Court Appearance System — For criminal cases in County Court, the NYS Office of Court Administration's WebCrims system allows searches for upcoming criminal court appearances by defendant name or case number.
- Town and Village Courts — These courts do not always publish calendars online. Contact the specific justice court directly for scheduled hearing dates.
- Family and Surrogate's Courts — Calendar information is typically not published online due to confidentiality. Contact the court clerk at the Clinton County Courthouse in Plattsburgh for scheduling inquiries.
For general inquiries about court dates, you can call the Clinton County Courthouse. Cases involving individuals in custody at the Clinton County Jail may also have transport schedules coordinated through the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.
How to Get a Copy of a Clinton Court Document
The method for obtaining court documents depends on the court that handled the case and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry an official seal and signature from the clerk, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's attestation. They are suitable for personal reference.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the Clinton County Clerk's Office on the first floor of the Clinton County Government Center. Bring the case index number or party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case details, the type of document needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fee to:
- Online — For Supreme Court civil cases, some documents may be available through the NYSCEF electronic filing system. Not all Clinton County cases are filed electronically, so availability varies.
Town and village justice court records must be requested directly from the specific justice court that handled the case. Family Court records are generally sealed and require a court order for release.
Clinton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Clinton County follow the schedules established by New York State statute (CPLR § 8019) and the County Clerk's fee schedule. The following are standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00) |
| Certification fee (clerk's attestation) | $5.00 per document |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 per document (plus per-page charges) |
| County Clerk record search (per name, per type) | $5.00 |
| Comparison of a prepared document | $1.00 per page |
Payment methods: The Clinton County Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted, as policies may vary. Make checks payable to "Clinton County Clerk."
Fees at town and village justice courts may differ slightly. Contact the specific court for its fee schedule. For questions about fees related to Supreme or County Court filings, reach the Clinton County Clerk's Office directly.