Public Defender

280 Wall St, Suite 3
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 845-340-3232
Fax: 845-340-3744

The Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to indigent clients in the criminal courts and Family Court in Ulster County. It also provides representation at the Appellate level for criminal court cases.

Applying for Counsel  

The Public Defender cannot be hired directly by the public. We are exclusively assigned through the courts. Below you will find information on how to get an attorney from our office to handle your case.

Criminal Court

                *Please note, some Judges prefer to handle screening of clients for eligibility on their own. Please follow the instructions below and when you contact us, we will let you know whether we can screen you. In most cases, our office will be able to assist you.

If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for assistance through the Public Defender’s Office. To apply, you must fill out a financial affidavit for eligibility screening. Click the links below fillable forms and complee instructions:

Once completed you can get it to us by:

  • Saving and Emailing Heather Hughes at hhug[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us; or
  • Calling (845) 340-3646 or 845-340-3232, option 3, to schedule an appointment. You may also stop in without an appointment.; or
  • Bringing the printed form with you and visiting our office Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, at 280 Wall Street, Second Floor, Kingston (across from the County Courthouse).

Please click here for COMPLETE Instructions for Applying for Counsel (pdf)l:



Financial Affidavit (English)

Financial Affidavit (Spanish)

 Family Court

For Family Court cases, clients must apply for representation directly at Family Court, located at 2 Development Court, Kingston, NY. The help window is open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information about Family Court please click here: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/3jd/ulster/3JD-Ulster%20Family%20Court.shtml