Perry County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Perry County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case numbers.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Perry County Sheriff's Office, the Kentucky River Regional Jail roster, the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk, and state-level law enforcement databases. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Perry County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement authority for unincorporated areas of Perry County and maintains booking records for individuals taken into custody under its jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with the Kentucky River Regional Jail for detention of arrested persons. Members of the public may contact the office directly to inquire about recent arrest activity. The office maintains records including arrestee name, charges, booking number, arresting officer, and custody status. Records are updated as arrests are processed through the booking facility.
2. Local Police Departments
The Hazard Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Perry County and maintains its own arrest logs separate from the Sheriff's Office. Arrest information from city police may be obtained through a formal open records request submitted to the department. Press releases announcing significant arrests are periodically published through official channels and local media outlets. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the Hazard Police Department may submit a written request pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq.
Hazard Police Department
195 Main Street
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-2222
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case files that are directly linked to arrests processed through the county. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county." Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court case numbers, charge dispositions, and hearing schedules. The court's online case search portal provides access to case-level information for matters filed in Perry Circuit and District Courts.
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 1350
Hazard, KY 41702
Phone: (606) 436-4390
Perry County Court Information
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository and processes requests for criminal record information. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, administered by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, allows members of the public to search for offenders by last name, first name, and middle name, with options to search aliases and filter results to include photographs. This database reflects individuals currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections and may not include all arrest records. The Kentucky State Police also processes formal open records requests for criminal history information. Fees for certified criminal history records are set by state administrative regulation and are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fee schedules directly with the Kentucky State Police.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Perry County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 7309
Hazard, KY 41702-7309
Phone: (606) 436-6144
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page for reproduced records.
Clerk of Court:
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 1350
Hazard, KY 41702
Phone: (606) 436-4390
Perry - Kentucky Court of Justice
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with court administrative procedures.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Perry County Sheriff's Office should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject of the record
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Requests should be addressed to: Perry County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 7309, Hazard, KY 41702-7309. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Perry County Sheriff's Office: (606) 436-6144
- Perry County Circuit Court Clerk: (606) 436-4390
- Information available by phone is limited to general guidance; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
- Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated case materials through the discovery process in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors have access to materials beyond what is available to the general public under applicable court rules.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Hazard Police Department, Kentucky State Police, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Perry County
Arrest records in Perry County are public records subject to disclosure under Kentucky's open records law. Under KRS § 61.870 through KRS § 61.884, all public agencies are required to make public records available for inspection by any person, with limited enumerated exceptions. Arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies that qualify as public agencies under this statute, and booking information is among the categories of records routinely disclosed upon request. The public policy underlying this framework reflects the principle that government transparency and accountability require that law enforcement activity be subject to public scrutiny.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not subject to routine public disclosure
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected from release
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to information about law enforcement activity. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent prejudice to individuals whose cases did not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance requirements
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to FCRA requirements must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest record information. An arrest that did not result in a conviction is legally distinct from a criminal conviction, and the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions is subject to scrutiny under federal and state equal employment opportunity guidelines.
What's in Perry County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Hazard Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by felony class or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public disclosures)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information beyond what appears in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Perry County?
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge under Kentucky's open records law. Fees are assessed when copies are requested. The following fee structure applies under current Kentucky administrative practice:
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 per page (standard rate under KRS § 61.874) |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Search fees | Not permitted for routine public records requests |
- Inspection of records in person is available at no cost
- Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
- Certification fees vary by the issuing office and record type
- Electronic format copies may be provided at the actual cost of reproduction
- Payment methods accepted include cash, check, or money order depending on the office
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors should submit a written fee waiver request with their open records submission
- Court records copy fees are set by the Kentucky Court of Justice and may differ from law enforcement copy fees
Members of the public may obtain basic arrest information, including custody status and charge information, at no cost through online resources such as the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Perry County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for the legal removal or restriction of arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though it never existed for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Eligibility for Expungement in Kentucky:
Under Kentucky law, the following categories of arrest records may be eligible for expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Charges that were dismissed by the court
- Charges on which the defendant was acquitted at trial
- Certain misdemeanor convictions, following a waiting period and upon meeting statutory eligibility criteria
- Certain Class D felony convictions, subject to specific eligibility requirements under KRS § 431.073
Ineligible Records:
The following categories are not eligible for expungement under current Kentucky law:
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- Violent felony offenses
- Offenses involving a victim under the age of 12
- DUI convictions
- Cases where the defendant has prior felony convictions within a specified period
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk to confirm the charge and disposition
- Determine eligibility based on the offense type, disposition, and applicable waiting period
- Complete the official expungement petition form, available from the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible felony expungements; misdemeanor expungement fees are set by court rule)
- Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth objects to the petition
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the Kentucky State Police, the arresting agency, and other relevant repositories for record removal or sealing
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 1350
Hazard, KY 41702
Phone: (606) 436-4390
Perry - Kentucky Court of Justice
Kentucky State Police (for state repository updates following expungement):
Kentucky State Police Headquarters
919 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 782-1800
Open Records Request – Kentucky State Police
Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Kentucky attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Kentucky Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Perry County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Perry County, the arrested person is transported to the Kentucky River Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Perry County. The Kentucky River Regional Jail is operated under the authority of the Perry County District Attorney's office and houses individuals arrested by the Sheriff's Office, Hazard Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and other law enforcement agencies operating within the county.
Kentucky River Regional Jail
115 River Road
Hazard, KY 41701
Kentucky River Regional Jail Information
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Kentucky River Regional Jail, the arrested person undergoes the booking process, which includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume at the time of intake.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested person must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than the next regularly scheduled court session following arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The arrested person is formally advised of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- The defendant is advised of applicable rights
Initial appearances in Perry County are conducted in Perry District Court and may be held via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs and fees
- Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the nature of the charges and the defendant's history
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
- The defendant or a co-signer pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the defendant is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives a written notice of the court date and any conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody at the Kentucky River Regional Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules and procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants in Perry County are represented by the Department of Public Advocacy. Eligibility is determined based on financial circumstances at the time of the initial appearance.
Department of Public Advocacy – Perry County
P.O. Box 1060
Hazard, KY 41702
Phone: (606) 435-6001
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking qualified criminal defense representation.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Perry County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews felony arrests and determines whether to file formal charges by information or seek a grand jury indictment. The Perry County Attorney handles misdemeanor prosecutions. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges based on the evidence available.
Perry County Commonwealth's Attorney
P.O. Box 1060
Hazard, KY 41702
Phone: (606) 436-4614
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in drug court, mental health court, or pretrial diversion programs; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
- Trial: The case proceeds to jury or bench trial; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release
Sentencing (if convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks depending on charge level
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
- The Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than legal counsel
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Perry County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Kentucky is governed by state law, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives records retention schedules, and individual agency policies. Records retention schedules establish the minimum period for which agencies must maintain records before authorized destruction.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, and the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository
- Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court clerk
- The Kentucky State Police criminal history repository retains conviction records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a period established by the applicable retention schedule, which varies by agency
- Court records for dismissed cases are retained for a minimum period and may remain accessible unless expunged
- Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals:
- Court records for acquittals are retained in the court clerk's system and are accessible as public records unless sealed or expunged
- Local law enforcement booking records are retained per agency retention schedules
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a shorter period than conviction records
- These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement under Kentucky law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable records retention schedule
- Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after the active retention period
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained per agency policy, with many digital records maintained on a permanent or long-term basis
- Court electronic records are maintained indefinitely in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records and to update information when notified of expungements or corrections, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Perry County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 7309
Hazard, KY 41702-7309
Phone: (606) 436-6144
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files are retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by court administrative procedures
- Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system
State Repository:
The Kentucky State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository. All arrests resulting in fingerprinting are reported to the state repository. The Kentucky State Police open records process governs access to criminal history information maintained at the state level.
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records on a permanent basis
- These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for criminal justice purposes
- Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw on these federal databases
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Retention | State Repository | Federal Database |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor conviction | Permanent or extended | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dismissal | Per retention schedule | Retained unless expunged | Retained unless updated |
| Acquittal | Per retention schedule | Retained unless expunged | Retained unless updated |
| No charges filed | Shorter retention period | May be purged | Varies |
| Expungement granted | Destroyed or sealed | Updated per court order | Notation added |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history information for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold; no time limit applies for higher-compensation positions or for convictions. Some states impose more restrictive reporting limitations, though Kentucky does not currently impose a blanket ban on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework. Convictions may be reported indefinitely on background checks regardless of the time elapsed since the offense.
Important Notes:
- An expungement order does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases or commercial background check services
- Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for criminal justice purposes
- Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority and are subject to different retention rules
- Juvenile arrest records are subject to separate retention and confidentiality requirements under Kentucky law
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a written open records request to the Perry County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk. The Department of Corrections open records process governs requests for records held by that agency. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.