Ulster County Criminal Records
What Is Ulster County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ulster County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Ulster County, New York.
Criminal records are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed under certain circumstances.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in jail. This classification significantly impacts how records are maintained and accessed.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current enforcement actions, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Ulster County:
Ulster County Sheriff's Office
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-3640
Ulster County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through their facilities.
Ulster County District Attorney's Office
275 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280
Ulster County DA
The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records and case files for criminal matters within the county.
Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk
The County Clerk maintains court records including criminal case filings, dispositions, and judgments.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
This state agency maintains the central repository of criminal history information for New York State.
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by New York State law, including the Criminal Procedure Law and relevant privacy statutes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Ulster County
Criminal records in Ulster County are generally considered public documents under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in governmental operations.
The law states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions... The people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society."
However, public access to criminal records in Ulster County is subject to important limitations and exceptions:
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Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and sentencing information are generally available to the public. The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains these records and makes them accessible for public inspection.
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Restricted Records: Several categories of criminal records have restricted access:
- Ongoing investigations are confidential to protect the integrity of law enforcement activities
- Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (arrests not resulting in convictions)
- Records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58 (certain drug offense convictions after treatment completion)
- Youthful offender adjudications (ages 16-18) sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35
- Juvenile delinquency records protected under Family Court Act § 375.1
- Records expunged under marijuana regulation and taxation laws
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides criminal history record searches that include pending cases and convictions from courts throughout New York State, including Ulster County. However, these searches exclude sealed records, youthful offender adjudications, and cases adjourned in contemplation of dismissal.
Law enforcement agencies maintain more comprehensive criminal history information than what is available to the general public. Access to these complete records is typically limited to authorized agencies for specific purposes such as criminal investigations, employment background checks for sensitive positions, and licensing determinations.
It is important to note that while criminal records may be legally accessible, practical barriers such as record fragmentation across multiple agencies, technological limitations, and resource constraints may affect the ease of access for members of the public seeking this information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ulster County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ulster County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Ulster County Clerk's Office
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Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk -
Complete a records request form, available at the public counter.
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Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of case filing
- Case number (if known)
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Present valid photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies ($5.00 per search, $0.65 per page for copies).
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Records may be viewed immediately if readily available, or staff will conduct a search and notify the requestor when records are ready for inspection.
Written Requests by Mail
- Submit a written request to the Ulster County Clerk's Office at the address listed above.
- Include all relevant identifying information as noted for in-person requests.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of copies.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
Criminal Records from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office
For arrest records, booking information, and current inmate status:
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Contact the Records Division of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office.
Ulster County Sheriff's Office
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-3640
Ulster County Sheriff's Office -
Submit a FOIL request form, available on the Sheriff's Office website.
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Specify the exact records being requested.
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Allow up to 5 business days for an acknowledgment of the request and up to 20 business days for fulfillment.
New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) Criminal History Search
For statewide criminal history information:
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System website.
- Complete the Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) application.
- Pay the required fee ($95.00 per name search).
- Results are typically provided within 5-7 business days.
Requestors should note that pursuant to New York Correction Law Article 23-A, there are limitations on how criminal record information can be used, particularly for employment purposes. Additionally, certain records may be sealed or otherwise unavailable through public searches as detailed in the previous section.
How To Find Criminal Records in Ulster County Online?
Ulster County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These electronic resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility:
WebCriminal - New York State Unified Court System
The New York State Unified Court System maintains WebCriminal, a portal that provides access to pending and disposed criminal cases in courts throughout New York State, including Ulster County courts.
- Access the system at https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Login
- Registration is required but free of charge
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney/firm
- Information includes case status, charges, court appearances, and disposition
- Updated daily with new case information
- Does not include sealed cases or youthful offender adjudications
Ulster County Clerk's Online Records System
The Ulster County Clerk's Office provides an online portal for searching certain court records:
- Access limited to index information for criminal cases
- Search by name or case number
- Provides case filing dates, parties involved, and case type
- Does not include full case documents or disposition information
- No registration required for basic searches
- For complete case files, users must visit the Clerk's Office in person
Ulster County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system:
- Provides current custody status of individuals held in Ulster County Jail
- Search by name or booking number
- Information includes charges, booking date, and scheduled release date
- Updated in real-time as individuals are booked or released
- No registration required
- Does not include historical incarceration records
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup
For individuals sentenced to state prison from Ulster County:
- Visit http://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/
- Search by name or Department Identification Number (DIN)
- Provides current location, earliest release date, and conviction information
- Includes historical incarceration records for released individuals
- No registration required
- Updated weekly
New York State Sex Offender Registry
For convicted sex offenders residing in Ulster County:
- Access at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/
- Search by name, county, or zip code
- Provides offender photos, addresses, conviction information, and risk level
- Updated as registrants report changes in status
- No registration required
Users should note that online systems have limitations. Some records may only be available in person due to technical constraints or legal restrictions. Additionally, pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, certain sealed records will not appear in any online database, regardless of the search method used.
Can You Search Ulster County Criminal Records for Free?
New York State law provides for public inspection of criminal records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge a fee not exceeding twenty-five cents per photocopy up to nine by fourteen inches, or the actual cost of reproducing any other record.
Free In-Person Inspection Locations
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- No appointment necessary for record inspection
- Staff assistance available to locate records
- Computer terminals available for public use
- Fees apply only for copies ($0.65 per page) or certified documents ($5.00 per document)
Ulster County Courthouse
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 481-9300
New York State Unified Court System
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Public access terminals available in clerk's office
- Case files may be viewed upon request
- Fees apply only for copies or certified documents
Free Online Resources
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
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WebCriminal - The New York State Unified Court System's portal provides free access to basic criminal case information after registration.
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Ulster County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - Free access to current inmate information without registration.
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New York State Sex Offender Registry - Free public access to information about registered sex offenders residing in Ulster County.
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New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup - Free access to information about individuals incarcerated in state facilities.
Limitations of Free Access
While inspection is free, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Staff assistance may be limited due to resource constraints
- High-volume requests may require scheduling
- Some records may require additional processing time to retrieve
- Older records may be archived off-site and require advance notice
- Certain records may be sealed or expunged and unavailable for public inspection
- Online systems may not contain complete information available in physical records
For comprehensive criminal background checks, the New York State Office of Court Administration provides a statewide search service for a fee of $95.00 per name. This service includes information from all courts throughout New York State, including Ulster County, but excludes sealed records and youthful offender adjudications.
What's Included in a Ulster County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Ulster County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with New York State requirements. A typical criminal record contains the following components:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Ulster County Sheriff's Office, local police department)
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding penal code citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer's information
- Incident report number
Court Case Information
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (e.g., Ulster County Court, local town/village court)
- Filing date
- Charges filed by prosecutor with statutory citations
- Classification of charges (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-B)
- Judge assigned to case
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court appearance dates
- Motions filed and their dispositions
- Evidence information
Disposition Information
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Verdict (if trial conducted)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (length, facility type)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence date
Additional Information
- Active warrants (if applicable)
- Orders of protection/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Special conditions (e.g., firearms restrictions, pistol permit revocations)
- DNA collection status
- Related civil matters (e.g., judgments and liens)
- Driver's license suspensions/revocations related to criminal matters
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The completeness of criminal records varies based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the charges. Records of cases resulting in conviction typically contain more comprehensive information than cases that were dismissed or sealed.
Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests and prosecutions that did not result in convictions (known as "favorable dispositions") may be sealed, making them unavailable through standard record searches. Similarly, youthful offender adjudications are confidential under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.
How Long Does Ulster County Keep Criminal Records?
Ulster County maintains criminal records 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 criminal records, though many records are retained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Court Records Retention
The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains court records according to the following schedule:
- Felony Case Files: Retained permanently for their historical and legal value
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 25 years after case disposition
- Violation/Infraction Case Files: Retained for 6 years after case disposition
- Indictments: Retained permanently
- Court Dockets and Indices: Retained permanently
- Judgments of Conviction: Retained permanently
- Grand Jury Records: Retained for 6 years after panel discharge
- Orders of Protection: Retained for 6 years after order expiration
Law Enforcement Records Retention
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports: Retained for 25 years
- Investigation Files (Felonies): Homicide cases retained permanently; other felonies retained for 25 years
- Investigation Files (Misdemeanors): Retained for 10 years
- Booking Information/Mugshots: Retained for 10 years
- Fingerprint Cards: Retained for 50 years
- Incident Reports: Retained for 10 years
- Warrant Files: Retained until executed or recalled, plus 6 years
Corrections Records Retention
The Ulster County Jail maintains records according to the following schedule:
- Inmate Case Files: Retained for 10 years after release or discharge
- Inmate Medical Records: Retained for 7 years after release or discharge
- Visitor Logs: Retained for 3 years
- Jail Incident Reports: Retained for 7 years
Probation Records Retention
The Ulster County Probation Department maintains records according to the following schedule:
- Adult Probation Case Files: Retained for 10 years after discharge
- Juvenile Probation Case Files: Retained until the individual reaches age 21, plus 10 years
It is important to note that while these retention periods represent the minimum required by law, many records are maintained for longer periods or permanently, particularly those with historical significance or those related to serious offenses. The Historical Society of the New York Courts maintains information about historical court records from Ulster County that have been preserved for their historical value.
Additionally, even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information about criminal convictions may be maintained indefinitely in electronic databases maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, § 160.55, or § 160.59 are not physically destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained separately with restricted access limited to specific agencies under certain circumstances.
Lookup Criminal Records in Ulster County
Ulster County Sheriff's Office