Find Criminal Records in Ulster County
Criminal records in Ulster County are maintained by the County Clerk at 244 Fair Street in Kingston and by the courts in the 3rd Judicial District. The County Clerk's office provides online access through the Search IQS portal, where you can search as a guest without creating an account. Civil cases are available from 1980 to present, and criminal cases from 1978 to present. Criminal cases are marked with "DA" before the Index or Indictment Number. The Record Room is on the 2nd floor and has public terminals. Ulster County also runs a Supreme and County Court at 285 Wall Street, Kingston, and Family Court at 16 Lucas Avenue, Kingston.
Ulster County Criminal Records Overview
Where to Search Ulster County Criminal Records
The Ulster County Clerk at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 is the primary office for court records. The phone is (845) 340-3288. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The 2nd floor Record Room has public terminals where you can search records. You can also mail a request with the index number, filing date, party names, documents needed, and applicable fees.
The Supreme and County Court at 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 handles felony cases and major civil matters. The phone is (845) 481-9375. Family Court is at 16 Lucas Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, phone (845) 481-9430. Family Court records are NOT public under Section 166 of the Family Court Act. Only parties, attorneys, parents, guardians, CPS representatives, and CASA workers can access those files.
Certain sealed or restricted court records in Ulster County are only available to the parties involved or their attorney of record. A notarized letter with the names, index number, and filing date may be needed. This is a stricter standard than for most other court records.
Online Criminal Records Search Options
The County Clerk's Search IQS portal is the best local option. Search as a guest without an account. You can search by first and last name, index number, or date range. The portal covers civil actions (contracts, matrimonial, foreclosure, name change, guardianship, tort, tax certiorari) and criminal actions (felonies and misdemeanors from County Court). Some documents are viewable online while others need an in-person visit. Sealed cases do not appear.
WebCrims provides free access to pending criminal case information. The eCourts portal covers civil cases through WebCivil Supreme.
Ulster County criminal cases from 1978 to present are available through the County Clerk's Search IQS portal.
For a statewide search, the Criminal History Record Search costs $95 per name. Sealed records are excluded. Marijuana convictions under certain statutes have been vacated and sealed statewide.
DCJS Criminal History Records
DCJS keeps fingerprint-based records. To get your own, call (877) 472-6915 for a fingerprinting appointment. Use service code 15464Z for a suppressed version or 15465F for unsuppressed. The fee is $14.25 plus processing. Results take 3 to 4 weeks. You can also use the Record Review program directly through DCJS.
Criminal Record Sealing
Dismissed cases seal under CPL 160.50. Violation and infraction convictions may seal under CPL 160.55. Substance abuse convictions may seal under CPL 160.58. Conviction sealing is available under CPL 160.59 after 10 years. Youthful offender adjudications seal automatically under CPL 720.35. Marijuana convictions under PL 221 statutes have been vacated and sealed.
The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, provides for automatic sealing. Misdemeanors seal after 3 years. Felonies seal after 8 years. Sex offenses and Class A felonies are excluded.
Fees for Criminal Records
In-person inspection is free. Copies and other services have fees.
- CHRS statewide search: $95.00 per name
- Copy fees: $0.65 per page
- Certified copies: additional fees per state law
- Fingerprinting appointment: $14.25
The Search IQS portal allows free guest searches. WebCrims is free. For mail requests, include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Criminal records in Ulster County can be accessed through online portals, in-person visits, and written requests.
Public Access to Records
Court records are generally public under Judiciary Law 255 and FOIL. Available records include civil and criminal case files, judgments, docket sheets, and calendars. Restricted records include victims of sex offenses (Civil Rights Law 50-b), Family Court matters, juvenile proceedings, sealed records, and matrimonial details. The Committee on Open Government can help with access issues.
Corrections and Inmate Records
The DOCCS website has inmate lookups for state prison. The Ulster County jail holds local inmates. Contact the Sheriff's Office for current jail information.
Nearby Counties
Ulster County is in the Hudson Valley. Nearby counties each manage their own courts.