Nassau County court records are official files that show every case filed in courts across Long Island, New York. These records include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family court matters, probate files, and traffic tickets.
Anyone can look up these records for free through the New York State Unified Court System or the Nassau County Clerk’s office in Mineola.
What Nassau County Court Records Include
Nassau County court records cover all cases heard in the county’s court system. This includes Supreme Court, Family Court, Surrogate’s Court, County Court, District Court, and local town and village courts. Each case generates a file with the complaint, motions, orders, judgments, and final decisions. Court records are public under New York law unless a judge seals them.
The Nassau County court system serves roughly 1.4 million residents across Long Island. The county seat is Mineola, where most major court buildings sit. The 10th Judicial District covers both Nassau and Suffolk counties, but each county runs its own clerk’s office and records system.
How to Search Nassau County Court Records Online
The fastest way to search Nassau County court records is through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system, called NYSCEF. This free online portal lets you look up Supreme Court cases by name, case number, or party type. You can view filed documents, check hearing dates, and track case status without paying a fee.
Another free tool is CourtPass, which provides public access to Nassau County Supreme Court and other trial court records. CourtPass works for cases filed after 2005 in most courts. You can search by name, case number, or attorney and download documents for a small fee per page.
Steps to search Nassau County court records online:
- Visit the New York Courts website at nycourts.gov
- Click on “E-Courts” or “CourtPass” under public access
- Choose Nassau County from the county list
- Type the person’s full legal name or case index number
- Review the case list and click on a case number for details
- Download or print documents as needed
Nassau County Supreme Court Records
Nassau County Supreme Court handles major civil lawsuits, real estate disputes, medical malpractice claims, and commercial cases. The court is located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. Phone: 516-493-3400.
Supreme Court cases in Nassau County are searchable through NYSCEF. You can find case summaries, motion papers, decisions, and judgments. Most Supreme Court cases have an index number that looks like a year followed by a number, such as 600123/2024.
The Nassau County Supreme Court also handles divorce cases. A divorce file shows the summons, complaint, financial disclosures, custody papers, and the final judgment. These records stay public unless a judge orders them sealed for safety reasons.
Nassau County Supreme Court Clerk Contact
The Supreme Court Clerk’s office manages filings and keeps the official record. You can visit the office in person, call the main number, or search online. The clerk’s office opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Nassau County Family Court Records
Family Court in Nassau County handles child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, domestic violence, and juvenile cases. The Family Court is located at 1200 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590. Phone: 516-493-4000.
Family Court records include petitions, orders, hearing notes, and final judgments. Many family court files become sealed, especially those involving children or domestic violence. You can check the docket through CourtPass for open cases. Sealed records require a court order to view.
To get a copy of a family court order, bring the case number to the Family Court clerk’s window. You will fill out a request form and pay a small copy fee. Adoption records and juvenile delinquency files are not open to the public.
Nassau County Surrogate’s Court Records
Surrogate’s Court in Nassau County handles probate, wills, estate administration, and guardianship of incapacitated adults. The Surrogate’s Court sits at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. Phone: 516-493-3800.
Surrogate’s Court records show the deceased person’s will, the petition for probate, the letters testamentary, and the final accounting. These files are public once the court accepts a will for probate. Before probate, a will stays sealed and only named executors can read it.
You can search Nassau County probate records online through the Surrogate’s Court records search tool. The system lets you search by name, date of death, or file number. You can order certified copies of documents through the Surrogate’s Court clerk for use in property transfers and bank claims.
Nassau County County Court Records
Nassau County Court is a trial court that handles felony criminal cases and serious civil matters. The County Court shares the building with Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501.
County Court criminal records include indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and motions. These records go through the Nassau County District Attorney’s office and the County Court clerk. You can search for criminal case dockets through NYSCEF for Supreme Court and through CourtPass for older County Court files.
Felony cases in Nassau County often have sealed grand jury records. The public docket shows the charges, the defendant’s name, the defense attorney, and the final sentence. Pre-trial motions and the trial transcript may be sealed at the judge’s order.
Nassau County District Court Records
Nassau County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases under $25,000. District Court has locations in Hempstead, Mineola, Glen Cove, Long Beach, and other areas across the county.
District Court records include criminal complaints, traffic tickets, civil filings, and judgments. You can look up most District Court cases through CourtPass or the local court clerk’s office. Each District Court courthouse keeps its own docket and case files.
Small claims cases in District Court cover disputes up to $5,000. These files show the claim, the response, and the judgment. Anyone can walk in to read a small claims docket, but you must pay a copy fee for printed documents.
Nassau County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal case records in Nassau County include arrest records, indictments, plea deals, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. You can search criminal court dockets by name through the New York State Office of Court Administration website.
Arraignment and bail information for recent arrests in Nassau County can be checked through the Nassau County Police Department’s online blotter or the Nassau County Sheriff’s office. The blotter lists the defendant’s name, charges, and court date.
To get a copy of a criminal case disposition, contact the County Court clerk for felonies or the District Court clerk for misdemeanors. You will need the defendant’s full name and date of birth. The clerk charges a small fee for a certified disposition letter.
Nassau County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records cover lawsuits between people or businesses. Nassau County civil cases go to Supreme Court for claims over $25,000 and to District Court for smaller claims. Civil files include the complaint, answer, motions, discovery papers, and the final judgment.
You can search Nassau County civil cases through NYSCEF for Supreme Court and through CourtPass for District Court. NYSCEF lets you view filed documents for free. CourtPass charges a fee per page for downloads.
Common civil case types in Nassau County include breach of contract, property disputes, personal injury, debt collection, and landlord-tenant matters. A judgment from a civil case stays on the public record for ten years and can affect credit reports.
Nassau County Traffic Court Case Records
Traffic violations in Nassau County are handled by the Traffic Violations Bureau or District Court, depending on the charge. Minor infractions like speeding tickets go through the Traffic Violations Bureau. Serious charges like DWI go to District Court or County Court.
You can look up traffic ticket information by entering the ticket number on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website. The site shows the charge, the court date, the fine amount, and whether you can plea by mail.
To fight a traffic ticket, you must appear in the Nassau County court listed on the ticket. The court clerk’s office can give you a copy of the officer’s notes and the ticket for a fee. Most traffic cases resolve with a plea, a fine, or a driver safety class.
Nassau County Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court in Nassau County handles disputes up to $5,000. The court is part of the District Court system. You do not need a lawyer for small claims, and the rules are simple. The clerk’s office gives you a blank claim form and explains the steps to file.
Small claims records show the claim, the hearing date, the judge’s decision, and any award. You can read the docket at the District Court clerk’s window. To get a copy of the judgment, fill out a request form and pay the copy fee.
Common small claims cases in Nassau County include security deposit disputes, unpaid bills, property damage, and consumer complaints. A small claims judgment can be enforced through wage garnishment or bank levy.
Nassau County Court Records Search by Name
Searching Nassau County court records by name is free through NYSCEF and CourtPass. You need the person’s full legal name to get the best results. Adding a date of birth or address narrows the search and helps you find the right person.
Steps for a name search:
- Go to the New York Courts website
- Click on the public access search
- Choose “Party Name” as the search type
- Type the last name, then the first name
- Pick Nassau County from the drop-down menu
- Hit search and review the list of cases
If the name search brings up too many results, try adding a middle initial or a year range. Common names like John Smith may have hundreds of cases, so extra details help you pick the right file.
Free Court Records Search in Nassau County
Free Nassau County court records search tools include the NYSCEF public portal, CourtPass, and the Surrogate’s Court probate search. Each tool covers different case types and years. NYSCEF covers Supreme Court cases filed through the e-filing system since 2005. CourtPass covers many courts across the state.
The Nassau County Clerk’s office also offers a SCAR E-Filing system for some record types. SCAR stands for System for Court Administration Records. The SCAR system covers older cases and certain land records that predate the e-filing mandate.
For federal cases involving Nassau County residents, you can use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system, called PACER. PACER charges a small fee per page, but it covers federal court cases in the Eastern District of New York, which includes Nassau County.
How to Request Nassau County Court Records
You can request Nassau County court records online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Online requests go through NYSCEF or CourtPass. Mail requests go to the specific court’s clerk’s office with the case number, document list, and a check for the copy fee.
For in-person requests, visit the courthouse during business hours. Most Nassau County courts open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The clerk’s window will help you find the case and print the documents you need.
Required details for a record request include the case number, the party’s full name, the type of case, and the court location. Without a case number, the clerk must search by name, which costs more and takes longer.
Fees for Nassau County Court Records
Nassau County court records fees follow the rates set by New York State Court rules. Standard copy fees are $0.75 per page for regular copies and $1.50 per page for certified copies. Search fees apply when you ask the clerk to find a case by name without a case number.
Fee schedule for common record requests:
- Regular copy: $0.75 per page
- Certified copy: $1.50 per page, plus a $5.00 certification fee per document
- Name search: $5.00 per name per court per year
- Exemplified copy: $10.00 per document
- Audio recording copy: $25.00 per recording
Online document downloads through CourtPass cost $1.50 per page. NYSCEF document viewing is free, but certified copies still cost the standard fee.
Nassau County Court Records Request by Mail
To request Nassau County court records by mail, send a written request to the clerk’s office that holds the case. The request must include the case number, the party’s full name, the year the case was filed, and a list of the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copy and search fees.
Mail the request to the correct courthouse address. Each court in Nassau County has its own mailing address. Most clerks will return the documents by mail within ten business days. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the return package.
Sample mail request format:
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Date
Clerk’s Office Name
Clerk’s Office Address
Re: Case Number, Party Name
I request certified copies of the following documents: [list]
Enclosed is a check for $___ for fees.
Thank you.
Official Contact for Nassau County Court Records
The main contact for Nassau County court records is the Nassau County Supreme Court Clerk’s office. The courthouse sits at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. The clerk’s office phone number is 516-493-3400. Office hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office closes on New York State holidays.
The Nassau County Clerk, Maureen O’Connell, runs the County Clerk’s office at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. The County Clerk’s office phone is 516-571-3500. This office handles land records, mortgages, business filings, and some court records filed before the e-filing mandate.
Family Court is at 1200 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590. Phone: 516-493-4000. Surrogate’s Court is at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. Phone: 516-493-3800. The New York State Courts main website is nycourts.gov. NYSCEF login and search is at nyscef.com. CourtPass is at iapps.courts.state.ny.us.
Common Questions About Nassau County Court Records
This section covers the most common questions people ask about Nassau County court records. The answers come from New York State Court rules, the Nassau County Clerk’s office, and the New York State Unified Court System.
How Do I Find Court Records in Nassau County New York?
You can find court records in Nassau County through the NYSCEF system for Supreme Court cases, CourtPass for District and Family Court cases, and the Surrogate’s Court search for probate files. Start at nycourts.gov and pick the public access search tool that fits your case type. You need the case number or the party’s full name to begin.
Are Nassau County Court Records Free to Search?
Yes, NYSCEF offers free searches and free viewing of filed documents. CourtPass charges a per-page fee for downloads. The Surrogate’s Court probate search is also free. Certified copies and exemplified copies always carry a fee under New York law.
Can I Look Up Criminal Records in Nassau County?
Yes, criminal case dockets in Nassau County are public records. You can search felony cases through NYSCEF and misdemeanor cases through CourtPass. For recent arrests, the Nassau County Police Department posts a public blotter online. Sealed criminal records are not available to the public.
What Court Handles Divorce Cases in Nassau County?
The Nassau County Supreme Court handles all divorce cases. You can find divorce records through NYSCEF by searching the party’s name. The case file includes the summons, complaint, settlement agreement, and final judgment of divorce. Adoption records stay sealed by law.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Copy of a Court Record?
In-person requests at the courthouse take about 15 to 30 minutes for simple copies. Mail requests take seven to ten business days. Online downloads through CourtPass happen right away. Certified copies may take an extra day because the clerk must sign and stamp them.
Are Sealed Records Ever Made Public?
Sealed records stay sealed unless a judge orders them opened. To unseal a record, you must file a written motion explaining why you need the file. The judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing before making a decision. Expunged criminal records are destroyed and cannot be unsealed.
Can I Get a Court Record From Another State Through Nassau County?
No, Nassau County only holds records for cases filed in Nassau County courts. For records from other states, you must contact that state’s court system directly. The New York State Unified Court System has links to all 62 county clerks in New York for in-state requests.
Tips for a Smooth Court Record Search
Always start with the full legal name and date of birth when searching for Nassau County court records. A case number saves time and money because the clerk does not have to search by name. If you do not know the case number, use NYSCEF or CourtPass first before visiting the courthouse.
Plan to call the clerk’s office during morning hours. Phone lines are busiest right after lunch. Have your case details ready before you call. Bring photo ID to the courthouse and bring cash or a check for copy fees, since some windows do not accept credit cards.
For older case files, you may need to file a special retrieval request. Some pre-2005 records sit in off-site storage and take a few days to pull. The clerk’s office will tell you the timeline when you place the request.
Authority and Trust in Nassau County Court Records
Nassau County court records carry the full weight of the New York State Unified Court System. Each record comes from a court of record, meaning the file is an official court document. Certified copies from the clerk’s office are accepted by every government agency, bank, and employer in New York.
The Nassau County Clerk, Maureen O’Connell, runs the County Clerk’s office and oversees record keeping. The Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court manages the Supreme Court records. Both offices follow strict rules under the New York Rules of Court and the Uniform Court Rules.
Online search tools like NYSCEF and CourtPass are run by the New York State Office of Court Administration. These systems are official state systems, not third-party databases. You can trust the information you get from these tools for legal, financial, and personal use.
Where to Learn More About New York Court Records
The New York State Law Reporting Bureau publishes official court decisions and slip opinions. The Bureau’s website gives you access to published cases from every New York court, including Nassau County. You can read full opinions for free.
For legal help with a court record issue, contact the Nassau County Bar Association. The Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service and legal aid clinics. Self-represented parties can use the New York State Courts Help Center for free forms and instructions on common court matters.
The New York State Senate and Assembly websites list all current court-related laws. You can read the exact text of any statute that affects court records, sealing rules, or access rights. These laws change over time, so check the most recent version before relying on any rule.