Ulster County Public Records /Ulster County Warrant Search

Ulster County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Ulster County?

A search warrant in Ulster County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.05, a search warrant is a court order directing a police officer to conduct a search of designated premises, vehicles, or persons for specified property or evidence, and to seize such property or evidence if found.

The issuance of search warrants in Ulster County is governed by strict constitutional and statutory requirements. Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the New York State Constitution, search warrants may only be issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants:

Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
Bench Warrants: Court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal matters such as civil contempt proceedings

For a search warrant to be valid in Ulster County, it must be based on an affidavit establishing probable cause that evidence of criminal activity will be found at the location to be searched. The warrant must be executed within a specified timeframe, typically within 10 days of issuance, as mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.30.

Are Warrants Public Records In Ulster County?

The public accessibility of warrants in Ulster County follows a nuanced framework established by New York State law. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), government records are presumptively available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. However, the status of warrants as public records depends on several factors including the type of warrant, its current status, and applicable exemptions.

Active warrants in Ulster County are generally not considered public records while they remain unexecuted. This restriction is based on New York Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e), which exempts records that "if disclosed would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings." The non-disclosure of active warrants serves critical law enforcement purposes, including:

Preventing suspects from evading apprehension
Protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations
Safeguarding the safety of law enforcement personnel

Once a warrant has been executed and the associated case has progressed through the judicial system, the warrant may become part of the court record. Court records in Ulster County, including executed search warrants and related documents, are maintained by the Ulster County Clerk's Office and may be accessible to the public with certain limitations.

It is important to note that even when warrants become part of the public record, certain information may be redacted pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, which provides for the sealing of records in cases resulting in favorable dispositions for the defendant.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Ulster County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Ulster County may utilize several official channels. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary resource for warrant information within the county jurisdiction.

To check for active warrants, members of the public may:

Contact the Ulster County Sheriff's Office directly:

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

Visit the Ulster County Courthouse to inquire about potential warrants:

Ulster County Courthouse
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280
Ulster County Courts

Consult with the Ulster County Clerk's Office regarding court records:

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

When inquiring about warrant status, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social security number (for verification purposes)
Photo identification

For individuals concerned about appearing in person, an attorney may be authorized to make inquiries on their behalf. Legal representation can provide guidance on addressing active warrants while minimizing potential negative consequences.

How To Check for Warrants in Ulster County for Free in 2026

Ulster County residents and interested parties can verify warrant status through several no-cost methods. The county maintains public access systems that allow individuals to conduct warrant searches without incurring fees.

To check for warrants in Ulster County at no cost:

Utilize the online resources provided by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants that can be accessed through their official website. Users can search by name to determine if a warrant exists.
Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office in person to request a search of court records:

Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact the Ulster County District Attorney's Office for information regarding pending cases:

Ulster County District Attorney's Office
275 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Check the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services website for statewide warrant information.

When conducting a warrant search, individuals should provide:

Complete legal name (including any aliases or former names)
Date of birth
Last known address in Ulster County

For the most comprehensive results, searchers should check both county and state resources, as warrants may be issued at different jurisdictional levels. The information obtained through these channels is considered official and current as maintained by the respective agencies.

What Types of Warrants In Ulster County

Ulster County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice system. Understanding the differences between these warrant types is essential for individuals navigating the legal system.

Arrest Warrants are issued pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10 when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Ulster County are typically issued:

After a grand jury indictment
Upon a criminal complaint filed by law enforcement
Following a judge's determination of probable cause

Bench Warrants are court orders issued under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 530.70 when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court and may be issued for:

Failure to appear for arraignment
Missing a scheduled trial date
Non-compliance with court-ordered conditions
Failure to pay court-imposed fines

Search Warrants authorize the examination of specific locations for evidence as detailed in New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.05. These warrants must describe with particularity:

The exact premises to be searched
Specific items sought as evidence
The alleged criminal activity under investigation

Civil Warrants are issued in non-criminal matters and may include:

Orders of protection enforcement
Child support enforcement warrants
Civil contempt warrants
Eviction warrants

Material Witness Warrants are specialized orders issued under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 620.20 to secure testimony from individuals who possess material information about a criminal case but are unlikely to respond to a subpoena.

Each warrant type follows distinct procedural requirements and carries different implications for the named individuals. The New York State Police and Ulster County Sheriff's Office maintain records of active warrants within their respective jurisdictions.

What Warrants in Ulster County Contain

Warrants issued in Ulster County contain specific information mandated by New York State law to ensure legal validity and proper execution. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.45 for search warrants and § 120.10 for arrest warrants, these documents must include detailed identifying information and legal justifications.

A standard Ulster County warrant contains:

Case Identification Information:
- Court of issuance (e.g., Ulster County Court, Kingston City Court)
- Case number or docket number
- Date of issuance
- Expiration date or execution timeframe
Subject Identification:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Date of birth
- Last known address
- Any known aliases
Legal Basis:
- Specific charges or allegations (including statutory citations)
- Statement of probable cause
- Reference to supporting affidavits or testimony
Authorization Details:
- Specific actions authorized (search, seizure, arrest)
- Geographic limitations (specific premises, vehicles)
- Time restrictions for execution (day/night authorization)
Judicial Authorization:
- Name and signature of the issuing judge or judicial officer
- Official court seal

For search warrants specifically, the document must contain a particular description of the property to be searched for and seized, as required by the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 12 of the New York State Constitution. This description must be sufficiently detailed to enable executing officers to identify the correct location and items with reasonable certainty.

The information contained in warrants is maintained in official records by the Ulster County Clerk's Office and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Who Issues Warrants In Ulster County

In Ulster County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by New York State law. This authority is distributed across multiple levels of the judicial system, ensuring appropriate oversight of law enforcement activities.

The following judicial officers possess warrant-issuing authority in Ulster County:

New York State Supreme Court Justices serving in Ulster County have broad jurisdiction to issue all types of warrants throughout the county. These justices preside at:

Ulster County Supreme Court
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280

Ulster County Court Judges have authority to issue warrants for matters within county court jurisdiction, including felony cases and certain civil proceedings:

Ulster County Court
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280

City Court Judges in Kingston have warrant-issuing authority for matters arising within city limits:

Kingston City Court
1 Garraghan Drive
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3529

Town and Village Court Justices (also known as Justice Courts) throughout Ulster County's municipalities can issue warrants for matters within their local jurisdiction:

Ulster County Magistrates Association
(Representing the 20 town and 3 village courts in Ulster County)
c/o Ulster County Courthouse
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401

The issuance of warrants follows strict procedural requirements established by the New York Criminal Procedure Law. For a warrant to be valid, the judicial officer must:

Review sworn affidavits or testimony establishing probable cause
Determine that the legal threshold for issuance has been met
Ensure the warrant contains all statutorily required information
Sign and date the warrant, making it an official court order

The separation of warrant-issuing authority from law enforcement agencies serves as a critical check and balance in the criminal justice system, providing independent judicial review of requests for searches, seizures, and arrests.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Ulster County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Ulster County can access this information through several official channels. The process for locating warrant information varies depending on the type of warrant and the issuing authority.

To search for outstanding warrants in Ulster County:

Contact the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly:

Ulster County Sheriff's Office
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3802
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ulster County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants issued within the county and can provide information regarding warrant status upon request.

Check the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website for publicly posted warrant information. The Sheriff's Office periodically updates listings of individuals with active warrants.
Contact the court that may have issued the warrant:

Ulster County Court
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Kingston City Court
1 Garraghan Drive
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3529
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Consult the New York State Police wanted persons database, which includes information about individuals wanted on warrants throughout New York State.
For traffic-related warrants, contact the Ulster County Traffic Violations Bureau:

Ulster County Traffic Violations Bureau
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3050
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When conducting a warrant search, be prepared to provide:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Address history in Ulster County
Valid identification

For third-party searches, be aware that certain information may be restricted due to privacy laws. The most comprehensive warrant information is typically available to the subject of the warrant or their legal representative.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Ulster County

Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or county authorities. These warrants are processed through the federal judicial system and enforced by federal law enforcement agencies, though local agencies may assist in their execution.

To check for federal warrants that may be active in Ulster County:

Contact the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, which has jurisdiction over Ulster County:

United States District Court - Northern District of New York
James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse
445 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 257-1800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
U.S. District Court - Northern District of NY

Inquire with the United States Marshals Service, the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants:

U.S. Marshals Service - Albany Office
James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse
445 Broadway, Room 411
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 431-0175
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
U.S. Marshals Service

Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation field office serving Ulster County:

FBI Albany Field Office
200 McCarty Avenue
Albany, NY 12209
(518) 465-7551
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM
FBI Albany

Consult the federal PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system for publicly available federal court records:

PACER Service Center
(800) 676-6856
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
PACER

Federal warrants may be issued for various reasons, including:

Federal criminal violations
Interstate flight to avoid prosecution (Fugitive warrants)
Violations of federal probation or supervised release
Immigration violations
Failure to appear in federal court

Unlike some county-level warrant information, federal warrant details may be more restricted from public view, particularly for active investigations. Individuals with concerns about possible federal warrants should consult with an attorney familiar with federal criminal procedure.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Ulster County?

Warrants issued in Ulster County remain valid for varying periods depending on their type, the nature of the alleged offense, and applicable statutory provisions. Under New York State law, most warrants do not automatically expire but remain in effect until they are executed, recalled by the issuing court, or otherwise resolved through legal processes.

For arrest warrants issued in Ulster County:

Felony Arrest Warrants remain active indefinitely, with no statutory expiration date. Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, these warrants remain executable until the defendant is apprehended or the warrant is vacated by court order.
Misdemeanor Arrest Warrants also have no statutory expiration date, though practical considerations regarding statute of limitations may affect prosecution once the individual is apprehended.
Bench Warrants issued for failure to appear in court remain active until the court recalls them or the defendant appears before the court. These warrants do not expire with the passage of time.

For search warrants issued in Ulster County:

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.30, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant becomes invalid for execution purposes, though it remains part of the court record.
If a search warrant is not executed within the prescribed timeframe, law enforcement must return to the issuing court to obtain a new warrant.

While warrants themselves may not expire, it is important to note that the underlying charges may be subject to statutes of limitations that restrict the timeframe for prosecution. These limitations vary by offense type:

Felonies: Generally 5 years from commission
Misdemeanors: Generally 2 years from commission
Violations: Generally 1 year from commission

However, certain serious offenses, including murder, have no statute of limitations in New York State.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants within the county jurisdiction, while the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services coordinates warrant information at the state level.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Ulster County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Ulster County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the completeness of the application materials. Under standard procedures, the process follows a structured timeline governed by New York State law.

The typical search warrant process in Ulster County includes:

Preparation Phase (1-3 days): Law enforcement officers compile evidence establishing probable cause and prepare the warrant application, including:
- Detailed affidavits from investigating officers
- Supporting documentation and evidence
- Specific description of places to be searched and items to be seized
Review by Prosecutor (1-2 days): The Ulster County District Attorney's Office reviews the warrant application to ensure legal sufficiency:

Ulster County District Attorney's Office
275 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Judicial Review (1-24 hours): The completed application is presented to an authorized judicial officer for review and potential approval.
Issuance (Immediate upon approval): Upon finding of probable cause, the judge signs the warrant, making it immediately executable.

In emergency situations, the process can be expedited significantly. Ulster County has established protocols for obtaining emergency warrants when circumstances involve:

Imminent danger to life
Risk of evidence destruction
Flight risk of suspects

For these urgent situations, judges may be available outside normal court hours, and warrants can sometimes be obtained within hours or even minutes. The New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.36 also provides for telephonic or electronic warrant applications in certain emergency circumstances.

Once issued, search warrants in Ulster County must be executed within 10 days, as mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.30. This statutory timeframe ensures that searches are conducted based on relatively current information while providing law enforcement reasonable time to prepare for safe execution.