Criminal records in Ulster County, New York, are available through several channels. UlsterCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, the county's official court systems, the Ulster County Clerk's Office, law enforcement agencies, and the Sheriff's Office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Ulster
To begin your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number (index number or docket number)
Through UlsterCourt.us
Go to UlsterCourt.us and enter the known information — name or case number. The tool will display publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
Online through Official Resources
- Ulster County Clerk's Office — on the Criminal Actions page, you can obtain information about criminal cases in the Supreme and County Courts. Document copies are ordered through the Search IQS system. Phone inquiries at (845) 340-3288 are for informational purposes only.
- NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — DCJS processes official state-level criminal history checks. To obtain a complete criminal history, a request with fingerprints must be submitted.
- Sex Offender Registry — the official New York State registry allows searches for convicted level 2 and 3 offenders.
- Inmate Lookup — on the NY DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup portal, you can find individuals who are or were in state correctional facilities.
In Person
Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office in Kingston. On-site, you can view available criminal records and order copies. Note: some records are sealed according to New York State Criminal Procedure Law or Civil Rights Law.
By Mail
A written request is sent to the county clerk's office. Include the full name of the party, approximate year, type of case, and return address. For an official state-level criminal history, contact DCJS with a completed form and fingerprints.
Search Ulster Criminal Cases by Case Number
In New York State, each case is assigned an index number. The format depends on the court.
For County Court and Supreme Court, the number typically consists of:
- County or court code
- Year the case was filed
- Sequential case number
For example, a number might look like UC2024-001234, where "UC" indicates Ulster County, "2024" is the year, and the rest is the sequential number. The exact format may vary depending on the court level (Town/Village Court, County Court, Supreme Court).
If you know the case number, the search is much more accurate and faster. Without the number, the clerk can find the case by name and approximate date, but it will take more time.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Ulster
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the New York State Penal Law section (e.g., PL 155.25 — petit larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend charges during proceedings — reduce severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled
- Disposed — case is concluded (verdict, dismissal, agreement)
- Sealed — records are sealed by court order
Hearings
Types of court sessions in county criminal cases:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — judge determines if there is enough evidence
- Pre-Trial Conference — discussion between parties before trial
- Trial — court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — punishment assigned after conviction
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Convicted |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
| Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) | Case adjourned with the possibility of dismissal after a specified period |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Ulster
Certified copies of criminal records from the Supreme and County Courts are maintained by the Ulster County Clerk's Office.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — through the Search IQS system on the Court Records page
- In Person — at the clerk's office building
- By Phone — (845) 340-3288 (for informational inquiries only; copies must be ordered through IQS or in person)
Bring a photo ID for identification. Divorce cases are available only to the plaintiff, defendant, or their attorney.
State-Level Criminal History
A full criminal history check is conducted by DCJS. Fingerprints must be submitted through an authorized collection point. Results are sent by mail.
Contact Information
Ulster County Clerk's Office
Ulster County Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Ulster
Fees for copies of court documents in Ulster County are set according to CPLR § 8019 and the county clerk's office fee schedule.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.25 |
| Document comparison (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00 |
| Record search (by name, for a 2-year period) | $5.00 |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (with fingerprints) | Approximately $75–$100 |
Processing Time
- Requests through Search IQS — typically a few business days
- In-person requests — often the same day, depending on volume
- Mail requests — 1 to 3 weeks
- DCJS check — 2 to 8 weeks
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or, in some cases, credit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods directly with the clerk's office.