Find Criminal Court Records in Ulster County
Ulster County criminal court records are filed at the County Clerk's office in Kingston. The County Court handles all felony cases here. Ulster County sits in the mid-Hudson Valley and is part of the Third Judicial District. Kingston is the county seat. About 181,000 people live in the county. The area stretches from the Hudson River west into the Catskill Mountains. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts, keeping all criminal case files on record. If you need to look up a case or get copies of court documents, the clerk's office in Kingston is the place to go.
Ulster County Overview
Ulster County Criminal Court System
The Ulster County Court is where felony cases go to trial. A County Court judge hears all serious criminal matters filed in the county. The courthouse is on Wall Street in Kingston. The court has broad authority over felonies and can also take misdemeanor cases when needed.
The Ulster County District Attorney's office prosecutes all criminal cases. The DA handles everything from drug offenses to violent crimes. The office works with the Kingston Police Department, Ulster County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, and other local agencies. The DA also runs victim services programs for people affected by crime in the county.
The County Clerk keeps all court records. This includes case filings, docket sheets, orders, and judgments. The clerk is the official record keeper for Supreme Court and County Court. Staff can search records and make copies for the public.
| Court | Ulster County Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Ulster County Courthouse 285 Wall Street Kingston, NY 12401 |
| Phone | (845) 481-9683 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 3jd.ulster@nycourts.gov | |
| Chief Clerk | Margaret L. Minihan |
Town and village justice courts across Ulster County hear misdemeanors and violations. These local courts operate in places like New Paltz, Saugerties, Woodstock, and Ellenville. Felony cases that start in a local court get transferred up to County Court for trial. Each local court keeps its own records.
How to Search Ulster County Criminal Court Records
You can search for Ulster County criminal court records online or in person. WebCrims is the state's free tool for looking up criminal cases. It covers courts across New York. Search by name or case number at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim.
The state also runs the Criminal History Record Search through the Office of Court Administration. This is a more formal process. You pay a fee and submit a request. Results show any convictions in New York courts. Start at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs.
Going to the Ulster County Clerk's office in Kingston gives you the best access. You can look at complete case files in person. The staff will search records for you by name or case number. Bring as much detail as you can. Fees apply for copies and certified documents.
The Kingston City Court handles criminal cases within city limits. If you need records from that court, contact it directly at the Kingston City Court office. It operates apart from the County Court.
Tip: WebCrims does not cover town and village justice courts. For records from those courts, contact the specific local court where the case was heard.
Ulster County court records and information can be accessed through the county government and NYS court system.
Ulster County Criminal Records Access
Most criminal court records in Ulster County are public. New York law gives people the right to view and copy court records. Judiciary Law Section 255 says the clerk must provide access. You do not need to explain why you want to see a record.
Sealed records are not available to the public. Under CPL 160.50, when a criminal case ends in dismissal or acquittal, the record gets sealed. No one can see it except the person who was charged. CPL 160.55 seals records when a crime charge results in a conviction for just a violation or traffic infraction.
Some convictions can also be sealed. CPL 160.58 allows sealing of certain drug convictions after the person completes a treatment program ordered by the court. CPL 160.59 lets a person ask to seal up to two convictions, with no more than one felony. There is a ten-year waiting period from the end of the sentence. The judge considers the crime, the person's record since then, and the interests of justice.
For open records, you can get plain copies or certified copies from the Ulster County Clerk. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are accepted as official documents. They cost more than plain copies. Call the office to find out current fees before you visit.
Criminal Court Legal Framework
Criminal cases in Ulster County follow the New York Criminal Procedure Law. The CPL governs every stage of a criminal case. It sets the rules for arrest, bail, arraignment, hearings, trials, and sentencing. All courts in the county must follow these rules.
Crimes are defined in the New York Penal Law. Felonies range from Class A (the most serious, like murder) to Class E. Misdemeanors are Class A or Class B. Violations are the lowest level. The Penal Law sets the possible sentences for each class of crime.
Ulster County is in the Third Judicial District along with Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, and Sullivan counties. The district administrative office manages court operations for the whole district. Supreme Court sits in Ulster County and can hear any type of case, though criminal trials usually happen in County Court.
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps criminal records at the state level. Police and prosecutors use DCJS for case information. Authorized agencies in certain fields can also get DCJS checks. You can review your own record through the DCJS Record Review process.
Legal Help in Ulster County
Anyone charged with a crime in Ulster County has the right to an attorney. If you cannot pay, the court will assign a lawyer at no cost. The Ulster County Public Defender's office represents people who qualify. Tell the judge at your arraignment that you need a court-appointed lawyer.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley helps low-income people with civil legal problems. For criminal defense, the New York State Bar Association runs a referral service. You can search for a lawyer at nysba.org or call their hotline.
The NYS court system has free resources at nycourts.gov. You can find forms, guides, and general information about how the criminal court process works. The Ulster County law library at the courthouse is another option for legal research.
Important: A felony conviction can change your life. It affects your record, your freedom, and your future. If you face charges in Ulster County, seek legal counsel right away.
Cities and Towns in Ulster County
Ulster County has the City of Kingston and many towns. All felony criminal cases go to the Ulster County Court in Kingston.
Communities in Ulster County include Kingston, New Paltz, Saugerties, Woodstock, Ellenville, Rosendale, Marlborough, Lloyd, Esopus, Gardiner, and many more. Town justice courts handle local misdemeanors and violations. Felony cases go to County Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Ulster County. Criminal cases must be filed where the crime occurred.