Putnam County Court Records Search
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Putnam County is situated in southeastern New York State, with the hamlet of Carmel serving as the county seat. The county is part of the 9th Judicial District and operates several courts that generate and maintain case records across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. These courts include the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate’s Court, and a network of town and village justice courts spread throughout the county’s six towns. The Putnam County Clerk also serves as the Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts, functioning as a central point of contact for many types of court records.
Individuals searching for court records in New York State have access to several official channels. The New York State Unified Court System operates multiple online case lookup tools — including WebCivil Supreme, the General District Court system, and WebCrims — that allow the public to search pending and disposed cases by party name, case number, or other criteria. NewYorkCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available court case information across the state. Beyond digital tools, court records in Putnam County can be obtained in person at the relevant courthouse, through the Putnam County Clerk’s Office, or by submitting a written Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Public access terminals at courthouse locations also provide a way to review docket information during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Putnam County?
The most direct way to search Putnam County court cases online is through the New York State Unified Court System’s eCourts platform. This portal provides access to multiple case search tools:
- WebCivil Supreme – searches civil cases filed in any Supreme Court across the state, including Putnam County, by index number, party name, attorney, or justice
- WebCivil Local – covers civil cases in county, city, district, town, and village courts
- WebCrims – displays criminal cases with future appearance dates in courts of criminal jurisdiction
- WebFamily – provides case information for Family Court matters
For in-person requests, the primary contact for court records is the Putnam County Clerk’s Office, which serves as the Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts:
Putnam County Clerk’s Office
Address: 40 Gleneida Avenue, Room 100, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 808-1142
Fax: (845) 228-0231
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Summer hours, from mid-June through mid-September, are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is currently open by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled through the County Clerk’s website. Non-emergency court filings can also be submitted using the drop box outside the County Office Building.
The general Putnam County court phone system can be reached at (845) 208-7800 for routing to specific court divisions. The County Clerk’s office maintains maps, civil and criminal court papers, judgment and lien dockets, and related documents. Under New York Judiciary Law § 255, a court clerk must search files upon request and certify as to the results, with fees as allowed to a county clerk for similar services.
Are Court Records Public in Putnam County?
Court records in Putnam County are generally accessible to the public. New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) establishes the right of all persons to request and receive government records. However, it is important to note that access to court records specifically is not governed by FOIL but rather by Section 255 of the Judiciary Law and other provisions of state law, as clarified by the New York State Unified Court System.
The Putnam County Clerk’s Office processes record requests for county government agencies through its electronic FOIL request form. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office maintains its own separate FOIL request portal for law enforcement records.
Certain categories of court records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure under New York law:
- Records whose release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Documents that could interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings or law enforcement investigations
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective records
- Sealed and expunged criminal records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order or statute
- Materials exempt under federal privacy laws
The County Clerk also operates a Public Access Portal where some records — such as well and septic system documents — are already available without submitting a formal request.
Putnam County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Putnam County are heard at different court levels depending on the charge. The County Court has exclusive authority to conduct felony trials, while misdemeanor cases may be heard in the County Court, town justice courts, or village courts. Preliminary proceedings in felony cases often begin in justice courts before being transferred to County Court.
Putnam County Court
Address: 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 208-7830
Fax: (845) 208-7869
County Court Judges: Hon. Anthony R. Mole, AJSC; Hon. Joseph J. Spofford, AJSC
Criminal case docket information for cases with upcoming court dates can be searched through the WebCrims system. In-person requests for criminal court records can be directed to the County Court Clerk’s office at the address above or through the Putnam County Clerk’s electronic FOIL form.
Statewide Criminal History Record Search (CHRS)
For a formal statewide name-based criminal history search, the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) operates the Criminal History Record Search program. Requests can be submitted online (account registration required) or by mail:
- Complete the CHRS Application Form.
- Enclose a $95 fee as a check or money order payable to “NYS Office of Court Administration”.
- Mail in a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Criminal History Record Search Unit
NYS Office of Court Administration
Division of Technology and Court Research
25 Beaver Street, 8th Floor, Room 830
New York, NY 10004
Email: CHRS@nycourts.gov
Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check
The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains New York State’s official fingerprint-based criminal history records. Individuals can request their own record (suppressed or unsuppressed) by submitting fingerprints through a DCJS-affiliated vendor. The fee is $47.50, payable by credit card, check, or money order. DCJS does not release criminal history records to third parties under FOIL; these records are not considered public records.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 3 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 225-4300
The Sheriff’s Office accepts FOIL requests for arrest records and other law enforcement documents through its online portal.
Putnam County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Putnam County is primarily handled by the Supreme Court for higher-value matters and by the County Court for claims up to $25,000. Town and village justice courts handle small claims and minor civil disputes within their jurisdictions.
Putnam County Supreme Court
Address: 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 208-7830
Fax: (845) 208-7869
Supreme Court Justices: Hon. Gina C. Capone; Hon. Victor G. Grossman
Chief Clerk: Debra McClay; Deputy Chief Clerk: Eric Yanez
Civil Supreme Court case records can be searched through the WebCivil Supreme portal, which provides access to case information by index number, party name, attorney or firm name, or assigned justice. Civil cases in lower courts — including county, town, and village courts — can be searched through WebCivil Local.
The Putnam County Clerk’s Office at 40 Gleneida Avenue maintains civil court papers, judgment dockets, lien records, and related filings for Supreme and County Court cases. Copies can be requested in person (by appointment) or through the electronic FOIL request form. The office also handles Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) petitions, which allow owner-occupants of residential property to challenge tax assessments. Electronic filing of SCAR petitions is now mandatory.
Key civil filing forms include the Circuit Court Civil Filing Cover Sheet — though for New York-specific forms, filers should consult the New York State Courts forms library. The Putnam County Clerk’s office charges $4.00 per certified copy of documents and standard per-page copy fees as set by statute.
Town and village justice courts that hear civil cases in Putnam County include:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Brewster Village Court | 50 Main Street, Brewster, NY 10509 | (845) 279-4020 |
| Carmel Justice Court | 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 | (845) 628-1500 |
| Cold Spring Justice Court | 87 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516 | (845) 265-9070 |
| Kent Justice Court | 25 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512 | (845) 225-1606 |
| Patterson Justice Court | 1144 Route 311, Patterson, NY 12563 | (845) 878-1080 |
| Philipstown Justice Court | 238 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516 | (845) 265-2951 |
| Putnam Valley Justice Court | 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 | (845) 526-3050 |
| Southeast Justice Court | 1360 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509 | (845) 279-8939 |
| Nelsonville Village Court | 258 Main Street, Nelsonville, NY 10516 | (845) 265-2500 |
Putnam County Family Court Records
The Putnam County Family Court handles a wide range of matters involving children and families, including adoption, guardianship, foster care approval and review, juvenile delinquency, family violence and domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, child support, custody, and visitation.
Putnam County Family Court
Address: 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 208-7805
Fax: (845) 228-9614
Judges: Hon. Anthony R. Mole; Hon. Joseph J. Spofford
Support Magistrate: Patricia Brimais-Tenemille
Chief Clerk: Debra McClay; Deputy Chief Clerk: Eric Yanez
Family Court case information may be accessed through the WebFamily component of the eCourts system. However, access to many family court records is significantly restricted under New York law. Juvenile delinquency proceedings, child protective cases, and adoption records are confidential and generally available only to parties to the case, their attorneys, and authorized agencies. Requesters seeking access to restricted family court records must demonstrate legal eligibility and may need to present valid photo identification.
Divorce, separation, and annulment cases in Putnam County are filed in the Supreme Court, not the Family Court. The Putnam County Clerk’s Office provides resources for uncontested divorce filings through its Civil Division services. The Clerk’s office maintains records of divorce decrees, and copies can be obtained through the FOIL request process.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are available at both the local and state levels. Town and village clerk offices in Putnam County issue marriage licenses and maintain local marriage records. For instance, the Town of Carmel Clerk’s Office accepts mail-in orders for marriage record copies. Statewide, the New York State Department of Health maintains marriage certificates for events occurring since 1880. To order a certified copy by mail:
- Complete the marriage certificate application form (DOH-4382).
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a $30 fee by check or money order payable to the NYS Department of Health.
- Mail to:
NYS Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Eligibility to receive certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates is limited to the record subjects and individuals with a court order or documented judicial purpose.
Birth and Death Records
The NYS Department of Health also issues certified copies of birth certificates (DOH-4380) and death certificates (DOH-4376). The fee is $30 per copy. Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate, parents named on the certificate, current spouses, children, close blood relatives, and persons with a court order. Each request requires a completed application, proof of identity, and payment mailed to the address above.
Putnam County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate matters in Putnam County are handled by the Surrogate’s Court, which oversees the probate of wills, estate administration, trust matters, guardianship appointments, and related proceedings.
Putnam County Surrogate’s Court
Address: 44 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 208-7860
Fax: (845) 431-1936
Email: VirtualPutnamSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov
Surrogates: Hon. Anthony R. Mole; Hon. Joseph J. Spofford
E-filing is mandatory for all new probate, administration, small estate, accounting, and miscellaneous proceedings commenced in the Putnam County Surrogate’s Court, as set forth in the court’s e-filing protocol.
Filing fees in Surrogate’s Court are based on the gross value of the estate and are established under SCPA § 2402. The fee schedule for probate, administration, accounting, and other proceedings is as follows:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | $45 |
| $10,000 – under $20,000 | $75 |
| $20,000 – under $50,000 | $215 |
| $50,000 – under $100,000 | $280 |
| $100,000 – under $250,000 | $420 |
| $250,000 – under $500,000 | $625 |
| $500,000 and over | $1,250 |
Additional Surrogate’s Court fees include $6 per page for making and certifying copies of wills or other filed papers, $20 for authentication, $30 for a search and certification of records covering fewer than 25 years, $90 for searches exceeding 25 years, and $45 for filing a will for safekeeping. Guardian appointment petitions carry a $20 fee, and filing objections to probate of a will costs $150.
Probate records — including wills admitted to probate, letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, and distribution orders — are maintained by the Surrogate’s Court Clerk. Requests can be made in person at 44 Gleneida Avenue or by contacting the court by phone or email. The Putnam County Clerk’s office at 40 Gleneida Avenue may also assist with locating and forwarding probate-related record requests to the Surrogate’s Court.