Ulster County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ulster County

Arrest records in Ulster County are considered public information under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of this law, which applies to all municipalities and counties within the state, including Ulster County.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and does not constitute proof of guilt. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that do not lead to convictions may be sealed under certain circumstances. Conviction records, by contrast, document that an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offense and are generally more accessible to the public.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official criminal history record information for the state. Access to complete criminal history records is restricted to authorized agencies for specific purposes as outlined in Executive Law § 837. However, members of the public may obtain certain information about arrests and convictions through various county-level resources, including the Ulster County Sheriff's Office and the Ulster County Clerk's Office.

What's in Ulster County Arrest Records

Ulster County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Home address
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Fingerprints
• Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute citations for alleged violations
• Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
• Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date of issuance
• Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking facility
• Booking number or case number
• Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bail amount set
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Whether bail was posted
• Conditions of release, if applicable

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Scheduled court appearances
• Case number assigned by the court

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility where detained, if applicable
• Release date, if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation or parole status
• Vehicle information related to the arrest
• Property seized during arrest
• Witness information (redacted for public versions)
• Victim information (redacted for public versions)

It should be noted that pursuant to New York State law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, information about minors, and details that could compromise ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ulster County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ulster County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

1. Contact the Ulster County Sheriff's Office directly to request arrest record information. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases, electronically.

Ulster County Sheriff's Office
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3802
Ulster County Sheriff's Office

2. Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the records access officer of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. FOIL requests must be in writing and should include:

   • Requestor's name and contact information
   • Specific description of the records being sought
   • Time period covered by the request
   • Format in which records are requested (paper copies, electronic files)

3. Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office to search for court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action.

Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk

4. Check with individual municipal police departments within Ulster County for arrests made by those agencies. Each department maintains its own records and may have different procedures for public access.

5. Request criminal history information from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Note that complete criminal history records are only available to authorized agencies, though individuals may request their own records.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
NY Division of Criminal Justice Services

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees may apply for copies of records, as authorized under New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii).

How To Find Ulster County Arrest Records Online

Ulster County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest record information through various online resources. The following digital platforms currently provide access to arrest-related data:

1. Ulster County Sheriff's Office Website - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody at the Ulster County Jail. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic booking information.

2. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision - The DOCCS operates an online inmate lookup service that allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or under community supervision. This database includes individuals who have been convicted and sentenced following arrest in Ulster County.

3. New York State Unified Court System WebCrims - This online portal provides access to pending criminal cases in participating courts throughout New York State, including Ulster County courts. Users can search by defendant name to locate case information, including charges and upcoming court dates.

4. New York State Sex Offender Registry - Maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services, this online database allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in Ulster County and throughout New York State.

5. Third-Party Aggregator Websites - Various commercial websites compile public record information, including arrest data. However, users should exercise caution when utilizing these services, as the information may not be current or accurate. Official government sources are always preferable for obtaining verified arrest record information.

When conducting online searches for arrest records, users should be aware that:

• Not all arrest records are available online
• Information accessible online may be limited compared to records available through in-person requests
• Some online systems require registration or payment
• Records of sealed or expunged arrests should not appear in public databases

For the most comprehensive and accurate information, it is advisable to supplement online searches with formal requests through the official channels described in the previous section.

How To Search Ulster County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Ulster County arrest records without payment through several available resources. The following methods provide cost-free options for obtaining arrest record information:

1. In-Person Inspection - Pursuant to New York's Freedom of Information Law, individuals may inspect public records during regular business hours at the agency where such records are maintained. While copying fees may apply, inspection itself is typically free of charge. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records that may be viewed on-site.

2. Ulster County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search function on their official website that allows users to verify if someone is currently in custody and view basic booking information.

3. New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup - This free online database allows users to search for individuals who have been convicted and are serving sentences in state correctional facilities following arrests in Ulster County or elsewhere in New York.

4. Public Access Court Terminals - Computer terminals available at the Ulster County Courthouse provide free access to court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. These terminals are available during regular court hours.

Ulster County Courthouse
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 481-9300

5. New York State Sex Offender Registry - This free online resource provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Ulster County, including details about their criminal history and current residence.

6. Public Library Resources - Some public libraries in Ulster County offer free access to public records databases that may include arrest information. Library staff can assist patrons in navigating these resources.

When utilizing these free resources, requestors should note that:

• Some records may be redacted or limited in scope
• Older records may not be digitized and thus not available through online systems
• Records that have been sealed or expunged will not be accessible
• Comprehensive criminal history reports are not available through these free methods

For individuals seeking their own criminal history information, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services offers a process to request a personal record review, though a processing fee may apply.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Ulster County

Under New York State law, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The distinction between these processes is important:

Record Sealing restricts public access to arrest and conviction records but does not physically destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies and may be unsealed by court order.

Expungement is a more complete form of record clearance that involves the physical destruction of records. However, true expungement is limited in New York State.

Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions are eligible for automatic sealing. This includes cases that were:

• Dismissed
• Acquitted at trial
• Declined for prosecution
• Resolved with a non-criminal disposition

For cases resulting in convictions, the following options exist:

1. Sealing Under CPL § 160.59 - Individuals with no more than two criminal convictions (only one of which can be a felony) may apply to have eligible convictions sealed after a 10-year waiting period from the date of sentence or release from incarceration. Certain serious offenses are ineligible.

2. Youthful Offender Adjudication - Under CPL § 720.35, records of cases where the defendant received youthful offender status are automatically sealed.

3. Marijuana Conviction Expungement - The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021 provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions.

4. Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct - While these certificates do not seal records, they can remove certain barriers associated with criminal convictions.

To initiate the sealing process for eligible convictions, individuals must:

1. Obtain a fingerprint-based criminal history report from the Division of Criminal Justice Services
2. File a motion for sealing with the court where the conviction occurred
3. Serve notice on the District Attorney's office
4. Attend a hearing if the District Attorney objects to sealing

Ulster County District Attorney's Office
275 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280

Individuals seeking to seal records should consider consulting with an attorney, as the process can be complex. The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York provides assistance to eligible individuals with record sealing applications.

What Happens After Arrest in Ulster County?

Following an arrest in Ulster County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

1. Booking and Processing - Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a police station or the Ulster County Jail for booking. This process includes:

   • Photographing and fingerprinting
   • Recording personal information
   • Inventory of personal property
   • Initial health screening
   • Criminal history check

2. Arraignment - Within 24 hours of arrest (in most cases), the arrested individual appears before a judge for arraignment, where:

   • Charges are formally presented
   • Constitutional rights are explained
   • Legal representation is arranged if needed
   • Bail or release decisions are made
   • Temporary orders of protection may be issued

3. Bail Determination - The judge decides whether to:

   • Release the individual on their own recognizance
   • Set bail (cash or bond)
   • Order pretrial detention
   • Impose non-monetary release conditions

4. Preliminary Hearing (for felony cases) - If charged with a felony, the defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing within a specified timeframe unless waived or unless the case proceeds by grand jury indictment.

5. Grand Jury Proceedings (for felony cases) - The District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment.

6. Discovery - The prosecution must disclose evidence to the defense, including:

   • Police reports
   • Witness statements
   • Physical evidence
   • Expert reports
   • Exculpatory information

7. Plea Negotiations - The defense and prosecution may negotiate a resolution that could include:

   • Pleading guilty to reduced charges
   • Agreeing to specific sentence recommendations
   • Diversion to treatment programs

8. Pretrial Motions - Attorneys may file motions addressing issues such as:

   • Suppression of evidence
   • Dismissal of charges
   • Change of venue
   • Severance of charges

9. Trial - If the case is not resolved through plea negotiations, it proceeds to trial, which may be:

   • A bench trial (judge only)
   • A jury trial (for misdemeanors and felonies)

10. Sentencing (if convicted) - The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

    • Incarceration
    • Probation
    • Fines and restitution
    • Community service
    • Treatment programs

11. Appeals - Following conviction, defendants have the right to appeal to higher courts based on legal errors in the proceedings.

Throughout this process, cases may be handled in different courts depending on the severity of the charges:

• Town and Village Courts handle violations and misdemeanors
• Ulster County Court handles felonies and appeals from local courts
• Supreme Court handles certain felony cases

The Ulster County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to eligible defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Ulster County Public Defender's Office
275 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3460

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ulster County?

Arrest records in Ulster County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.

The Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1 governs records retention for all local government entities in New York State, including Ulster County law enforcement agencies. Under this schedule:

• Arrest reports and investigation records must be retained for a minimum of 7 years after the case is closed or the investigation is terminated
• Fingerprint cards and photographs of adults who are arrested must be retained for 5 years after the death of the individual or 90 years after the individual's date of birth, whichever is shorter
• Booking information and arrest processing records must be maintained for 5 years
• Warrant files must be kept until the warrant is satisfied, recalled, or the statute of limitations has run out

Different retention requirements apply to records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law. When records are sealed:

• The arrest and prosecution records are not physically destroyed
• Access becomes highly restricted
• The records are segregated from publicly accessible files
• Information about the arrest is removed from public databases

It is important to note that different agencies within Ulster County may maintain separate copies of arrest-related records, each subject to applicable retention requirements:

• The Ulster County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for cases they handle
• Municipal police departments keep records of their arrests
• The District Attorney's Office preserves prosecution files
• The County Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases

Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention period of many records beyond the minimum requirements. Even after the mandatory retention period expires, records may be preserved for historical or administrative purposes unless specific destruction is authorized.

Individuals with concerns about the retention of their arrest records should consult with an attorney regarding the possibility of sealing eligible records under New York law.

How to Find Mugshots in Ulster County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in Ulster County. These images serve to document the appearance of arrested individuals at the time they enter custody.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a plain background with standardized lighting. These photographs are accompanied by identifying information such as the arrestee's name, booking number, and date of arrest.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Ulster County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

• The Ulster County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies
• Municipal police departments for arrests within their jurisdictions
• The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as part of the state's criminal history repository

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Ulster County have several potential avenues:

1. Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The request should specify:

   • The name of the individual
   • Date of arrest (if known)
   • That you are specifically requesting the booking photograph

2. Check the Ulster County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup for individuals currently in custody, as some booking information may be available online.

3. Contact the Ulster County Clerk's Office to determine if mugshots are included in publicly accessible court files for cases that have proceeded to court.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some law enforcement agencies in New York State publish mugshots online, Ulster County agencies generally do not maintain public-facing databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:

• Media coverage of arrests, particularly in high-profile cases
• Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources

It should be noted that New York State has enacted legislation (General Business Law § 518-a) prohibiting "mugshot extortion" by websites that charge fees to remove booking photographs.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official copy of a mugshot is through a FOIL request to the arresting agency. Requests should be submitted in writing and may require:

• Payment of copying fees
• Proof of identity if requesting one's own mugshot
• Specific information to locate the relevant records

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

• Photographs related to sealed cases are not publicly accessible
• Juvenile mugshots are confidential under New York law
• Ongoing investigations may justify temporary withholding of booking photographs
• Privacy concerns may lead to redaction or withholding in certain cases

Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records should consult with an attorney regarding potential sealing of eligible records under New York Criminal Procedure Law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Ulster County

Court Records from the Ulster County Clerk

Ulster County Sheriff's Office information

New York State Department of Corrections Incarcerated Lookup

New York State Sex Offender Registry