Court records in Chautauqua County, New York, can be searched through several channels. ChautauquaCourt.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 Chautauqua County Clerk's office, and public terminals located at courthouse facilities. The approach you use will depend on the type of case, the court that handled it, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies.
Chautauqua Court System & Jurisdictions
Chautauqua County is part of New York's Eighth Judicial District. Several courts operate within the county, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court heard a case is essential for locating the right docket.
- Supreme Court — Handles civil matters with no dollar limit, including matrimonial and divorce cases, complex commercial disputes, and equity actions. The County Clerk serves as clerk for Supreme Court and maintains related filings.
- County Court — Has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases and civil cases up to $25,000. The County Clerk also serves as clerk for this court.
- Family Court — Handles custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions, juvenile delinquency, and persons in need of supervision (PINS) cases. Family Court records are generally confidential under New York law.
- Surrogate's Court — Manages probate, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and adoptions. Adoption records are sealed.
- City Courts — The cities of Dunkirk and Jamestown each operate a city court that handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $5,000), and civil matters up to $15,000.
- Town and Village Courts — Local justice courts across Chautauqua County handle vehicle and traffic infractions, misdemeanors, violations, and small claims. These courts are part of New York's town and village justice court system.
Court filings for Supreme and County Court cases are required to go through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF). eFiling can only be done through the state system.
Chautauqua Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court schedules in Chautauqua County, use the New York State Unified Court System's online tools:
- Visit the New York State Courts "Future Court Appearance" search (WebCivil Supreme) for Supreme and County Court civil case calendars.
- For criminal case calendars in County Court, check with the County Clerk's office or the District Attorney's office directly.
- City court calendars for Dunkirk and Jamestown are typically posted at each courthouse or available by calling the court clerk.
- Town and village justice court schedules vary. Contact the specific justice court in the town where the case was filed.
The Chautauqua County government website provides contact information for county offices that can direct you to the correct court calendar. Family Court and Surrogate's Court calendars are generally available by contacting those courts directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Chautauqua Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the court and document type.
Supreme & County Court Records
The Chautauqua County Clerk's office maintains records for Supreme and County Court cases. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through NYSCEF for electronically filed cases.
- Certified copies — Required for official purposes such as proof of a judgment of divorce. These carry the County Clerk's seal and signature.
- Uncertified copies — Suitable for personal reference. Generally less expensive.
To request by mail, send a written request with the case name, index number (if known), the specific document needed, and payment to:
Other Courts
- City Courts (Dunkirk, Jamestown) — Contact the court clerk directly for copies of case records.
- Family Court — Access is restricted. Generally, only parties to the case or their attorneys may obtain records.
- Surrogate's Court — Probate and estate records are generally public. Adoption records are sealed.
- Town & Village Justice Courts — Contact the individual justice court. Records for these courts are maintained locally.
Criminal History Records
New York State residents can request their own criminal history record through the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The New York State Sex Offender Registry is searchable by county, including Chautauqua.
FOIL Requests
If a record is not readily available through standard channels, you can submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the appropriate Chautauqua County agency. FOIL requests can be submitted online, and no particular form is required by law.
Chautauqua Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and related services in Chautauqua County are set by New York State statute (primarily CPLR § 8019 and County Law § 525). The County Clerk's land recording fee schedule covers real property documents. Court record fees are summarized below.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (uncertified), per page | $0.65 |
| Certification of a document | $1.25 per certification |
| Certification with county seal | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy (double certification) | $10.00 |
| Search of court records (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Judgment of divorce copy (certified) | Varies — contact the County Clerk |
Payment methods: The County Clerk's office generally accepts checks and money orders payable to the Chautauqua County Clerk. For in-person visits, ask about accepted payment forms, as policies may vary. FOIL requests may also involve copying fees based on the volume of records produced.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the County Clerk's office before submitting payment by mail.