About Franklin County
Franklin County is located in the northeastern corner of New York State, bordering Canada to the north and Vermont to the east. Franklin County seat is Malone, which is the primary administrative and commercial center. Franklin County includes approximately 1,697 square miles and had a population of approximately 47,555 according to recent census estimates. Franklin County was established in 1808 and named after Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Franklin County is characterized by its proximity to the Adirondack Park, with portions of Franklin County falling within the park's boundaries, offering stunning natural scenes, recreational opportunities, and tourism attractions. Major communities include Malone, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and the village of Fort Covington. Franklin County is home to diverse geography ranging from agricultural lands in the north to mountainous terrain in the south. Franklin County Clerk's Office, located at 355 West Main Street in Malone, NY 12953, maintains vital records, land documents, and court files. Franklin County Real Property Tax Services office handles property assessments and tax records. Franklin County Manager's Office coordinates administrative functions across departments. Franklin County's economy historically relied on agriculture and manufacturing, with modern growth in tourism, healthcare, and corrections facilities. Franklin County hosts several state correctional facilities that are major employers. Franklin County's French-Canadian heritage remains evident in local culture and place names, reflecting centuries of cross-border connections.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Mugshots and booking photos may be available through FOIL requests, though certain exemptions may apply for ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from 5-20 business days depending on the scope of the request.
- Franklin County does not maintain a public online mugshot database, requiring in-person or written requests for booking photographs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Franklin County, NY are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal History Records, Background Checks - NY DCJS.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Franklin County, NY are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Franklin County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Incarcerated Lookup - NY.gov.
- Sheriff's Office: Welcome to Franklin County, NY.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
- Fees for certified copies are typically $6 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- Requests for case files should include case number, party names, and type of action to expedite processing.
Property & Public Records
Property records for Franklin County, New York are maintained by the Franklin County Clerk. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Franklin County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily accessible; mail requests take 4-6 weeks.
- Their website at www.health.ny.gov/vital_records offers online ordering through VitalChek with expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained in person at Franklin County Clerk's Office with both applicants present, valid identification, and a $40 fee.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The New York Department of State Division of Corporations maintains the official business entity database for all corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures registered in New York.
- Their online business search portal at www.dos.ny.gov/corps allows free searches of active and inactive entities, with access to formation documents, registered agents, and filing history.
- Building permits are issued by Franklin County Code Enforcement office, with fees varying by project scope and valuation.
- The Northern Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, serving the Malone area, provides business resources and networking opportunities at www.northernadirondackchamber.com.