Located in New York, the Queens County Criminal Courts have a key role in the criminal justice system, by handling a range of criminal cases. These range from criminal infractions, to misdemeanors and capital felony cases. This article will guide you through the types of cases heard in Queens County Criminal Court, how you can search for criminal court records online, and the process of expunging a criminal court conviction.

Types of Cases Heard in Queens County Criminal Court

Queens County Criminal Court is responsible for hearing a variety of criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to more serious felony charges. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cases typically handled:

Misdemeanor Cases: The majority of misdemeanor cases involve less severe offenses than felonies and often include crimes like petty theft, simple assault, or disorderly conduct. These cases are generally resolved in the criminal court, with penalties ranging from fines, restitution, and short-term jail sentences.

Felony Cases: Felonies are serious crimes that can result in severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment. Crimes such as robbery, murder, or serious drug offenses fall into this category. Most felony cases initially appear in Criminal Court for arraignment before potentially being transferred to the Supreme Court for further proceedings.

Violations and Infractions: These are minor offenses, such as traffic violations or public intoxication, that typically result in fines or community service rather than jail time.

How to Run a Queens County Criminal Case Lookup

Accessing court case records can provide valuable information for individuals involved in legal proceedings or those conducting background checks. Here’s how you can search for criminal court records in Queens County:

Online Resources: The New York State Unified Court System offers an online platform where you can search for case information. By visiting their official website, you can access the WebCrims database, which provides details on active criminal cases. You’ll need the defendant’s name or case number to perform a search.

Visiting the Court Clerk's Office: For more detailed records, you may need to visit the Queens County Court Clerk’s Office in person. Here, you can request access to physical files and documents related to specific cases. It’s recommended to call ahead and verify the required identification or fees for obtaining records. Some resources are available online however if you need assistance, it's recommended to call and make an appointment. Their direct phone number is 718-298-0601.

Third-Party Services:

Several third-party services offer access to criminal court records for a fee. While these services can be convenient, it’s important to ensure they are reputable and comply with legal standards for privacy and data protection. It is also important to note that the majority of these resources are designed for research and reference only. This means that if you need official or certified records to obtain these directly from the NY Court System website.

How to Expunge a Queens County Criminal Conviction

Expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal conviction from public records. In New York, expungement is limited, but certain convictions can be sealed under specific conditions. Here’s how you can pursue expunging a criminal record:

1). Eligibility Criteria: Not all convictions are eligible for sealing. Generally, non-violent offenses, misdemeanors, and some felonies can be considered. To qualify, you must have completed your sentence, including parole or probation, and maintained a clean record for a designated period.

2). Filing a Motion: To begin the expungement process, you’ll need to file a motion with the court that handled your case. The motion should include details of your conviction, reasons for seeking expungement, and evidence of rehabilitation or good conduct.

3). Court Hearing: Once your motion is filed, a court hearing will be scheduled. During the hearing, you’ll need to present your case to a judge, who will assess factors such as the nature of the offense and your behavior since the conviction. If the judge grants the expungement, your records will be sealed, providing you with a fresh start.

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