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 and family court cases.

Eligibility: In order to qualify for services, clients must fill out financial affidavits in each court. The judge in that court reviews the affidavit and, based on federal guidelines, recommends or denies assignment of the Public Defender.  Financial Disclosure Form

Public Defenders are assigned to certain courts and only work in those courts. Clients must accept services of that Defender in order to receive representation.

The Public Defender's Office also provides the following services:

Defender Based Advocate

Phone: 845-943-6261
This program began operation in 1989. Services are primarily assessment, bail expediting, community service, court advocacy, court ordered restrictions, counseling and release planning. Target populations are non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. 

Investigator

Phone: 845-943-6108 or 845-943-6262
Serves subpoenas for the Public Defender and assigned counsel clients. Also conducts in-depth investigations.

Fees for Services: Public Defender services are free to indigent clients unless a judge orders repayment to Ulster County by client.