Yell County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Yell County in 2026
YellRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records, including booking information, charges, and custody status for individuals processed through Yell County law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may find records covering:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Jail roster and inmate status
- Charge and disposition information
- Bond and release details
Records available through official channels may vary in completeness and are subject to applicable state and federal restrictions.
Official arrest records in Yell County may be searched through the county Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by state agencies. The following resources are currently available for locating arrest-related information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Yell County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting the county website. The roster is updated as bookings and releases occur and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Historical arrest records may require a formal public records request submitted to the records division.
2. Local Police Departments
Yell County contains several incorporated municipalities with their own police departments, including the Dardanelle Police Department and the Danville Police Department. Each department maintains its own arrest logs and may issue press releases identifying individuals taken into custody. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific city jurisdiction should contact the relevant municipal police department directly, as records are not centrally consolidated at the county level.
Dardanelle Police Department
209 N. 2nd St.
Dardanelle, AR 72834
Phone: (479) 229-3605
Danville Police Department
202 S. Main St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-2222
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings maintained by the Yell County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public may search for associated court cases by name through the Arkansas CourtConnect portal, which provides access to case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Searching by the arrestee's full legal name will return any court cases filed in connection with an arrest.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Arkansas State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to the public for background screening purposes. The criminal background check service offered through the Arkansas Department of Public Safety allows individuals and authorized entities to request criminal history records, which include arrest and conviction data compiled from law enforcement agencies across the state. A fee applies to most requests. The Arkansas State Police also maintains records related to arrests made by state troopers operating within Yell County.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Yell County Sheriff's Office
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
Sheriff's Office – Yell County AR
Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Standard copy fees apply to printed records.
Clerk of Court:
Yell County Circuit Clerk
380 W. 4th St., Suite 101
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed in Yell County. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Arkansas law.
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Yell County Sheriff's Office at 380 W. 4th St., Danville, AR 72833. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's return mailing address. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on record volume and staff availability.
By Phone:
The Yell County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (479) 495-4850 for general arrest inquiries. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm basic custody status but will refer detailed records requests to the online system or an in-person visit.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Yell County
Arrest records in Yell County are public records under Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are subject to disclosure because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Journalism and investigative reporting
- Academic and policy research
- Employment and housing background screening
- Legal proceedings and civil litigation
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under state and federal law:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Arkansas juvenile code)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in applicable cases
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
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)
- Landlords (subject to applicable housing discrimination laws)
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history data. Under the FCRA, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported after seven years in certain contexts. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Yell County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Yell County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or Arkansas State Police)
- Booking date and time
- Booking or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Arkansas statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- 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 (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Aggregate data from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Yell County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Yell County is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-109, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page (varies by office) |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document (Circuit Clerk) |
| Electronic records | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Arkansas FOIA |
| Inspection (in-person review) | No charge |
Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court case files at no cost during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested. The Yell County Circuit Clerk charges a standard certification fee for documents requiring an official seal. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods.
Statewide criminal background checks processed through the Arkansas State Police carry a separate fee schedule. Members of the public requesting a name-based criminal history check through the Arkansas Department of Public Safety criminal background check portal are subject to fees established by the Arkansas State Police, currently set at $22.00 for a name-based search.
Records available at no charge include online jail roster information, court case index data accessible through Arkansas CourtConnect, and inmate status information through the Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Yell County
Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the arrest record from public access, while sealing restricts public inspection without physically destroying the record. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., the Arkansas Expungement Act governs eligibility and procedures for expunging criminal records, including arrests that did not result in conviction.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests where charges were never filed
- Arrests where charges were dismissed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence
- Certain felony convictions after completion of sentence and applicable waiting period
- Successful completion of a diversion or drug court program
Individuals convicted of Class Y felonies, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses requiring registration are not eligible for expungement under current Arkansas law.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court case information from the Yell County Circuit Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and applicable waiting period.
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Clerk's office.
- File the petition with the Yell County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office.
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court.
- If the order is granted, provide certified copies of the expungement order to the arresting agency, the Circuit Clerk, and the Arkansas State Police for record removal.
Yell County Circuit Court
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
Yell County Prosecuting Attorney – 15th Judicial District
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4870
Following entry of an expungement order, the Arkansas State Police updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Yell County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Yell County, the arrested individual is transported to the Yell County Detention Center, which is operated by the Yell County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county.
Yell County Detention Center
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
Sheriff's Office – Yell County AR
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours of arrest for a first appearance. At this hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
The hearing may be conducted in person or via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Arkansas law at ten percent of the total bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The individual 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 release process takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Yell County Public Defender
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4870
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. The Arkansas Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Yell County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read 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 set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felony cases: May extend six months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Arkansas Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than counsel
- Contact family or a bondsman for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
Important Contacts:
Yell County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
Sheriff's Office – Yell County AR
Yell County Circuit Clerk
380 W. 4th St., Suite 101
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4850
Search ARCourts
Yell County Prosecuting Attorney – 15th Judicial District
380 W. 4th St.
Danville, AR 72833
Phone: (479) 495-4870
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Yell County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Yell County is governed by Arkansas state law and the records retention schedules established by the Arkansas History Commission and the Arkansas State Police. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and Arkansas State Police criminal history repository
- Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where federal retention is permanent
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
- Retained by local law enforcement for a minimum of five to ten years, subject to agency policy
- Maintained in the state criminal history repository
Dismissed Charges:
- Booking records retained by the Sheriff's Office for a minimum of five years
- Court records retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- May remain in the state repository unless expungement is granted
Acquittals:
- Court records retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
- Eligible for expungement under Arkansas law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of three to five years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum period established by the Arkansas Records Retention Schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome, with felony case files retained permanently and misdemeanor files retained for a minimum of five years.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of three years. Electronic court records are retained permanently in the Arkansas CourtConnect system.
State Repository: The Arkansas State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions statewide. Records are retained in accordance with state law and FBI CJIS policy.
FBI Database: Records entered into the NCIC and Interstate Identification Index are retained permanently and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all law enforcement and court databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. Following entry of a valid expungement order, the Arkansas State Police updates the state repository, and local agencies are directed to seal or destroy applicable records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement while retaining the underlying record for law enforcement access.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for arrests that did not result in conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose a shorter reporting window by state statute. Third-party background check companies and commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records beyond the periods maintained by official agencies; individuals should contact those companies directly to request updates following an expungement.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Yell County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (479) 495-4850 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain written confirmation of record status.