Floyd County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Floyd County in 2026
FloydCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Floyd County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charge details, and court case numbers. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Official arrest records in Floyd County, Kentucky may be searched through the Floyd County Sheriff's Office, the Floyd County Clerk of Court, the Kentucky Court of Justice case search portal, and the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository. Members of the public seeking arrest information should identify the correct jurisdiction before initiating a search, as Floyd County encompasses multiple municipalities each with independent law enforcement agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Floyd County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the Floyd County Detention Center. The roster is accessible through the Kentucky Department of Corrections offender search and reflects real-time custody status. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a continuous basis as new bookings are processed.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Prestonsburg Police Department and the City of Pikeville Police Department serve municipalities within or adjacent to Floyd County and maintain their own arrest logs. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through official city websites and local news outlets. Members of the public may submit a written public records request to each department under the Kentucky Open Records Act to obtain arrest logs not available online.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides a public case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal court cases by defendant name. Searching an arrestee's name through the Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet public access portal returns associated case numbers, charge descriptions, court dates, and case dispositions. This resource links arrest events to formal court proceedings.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) maintains the Commonwealth's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Kentucky State Police criminal records portal. A standard name-based background check is available for a fee of $20.00 per request. The repository includes arrests from all Kentucky jurisdictions that have reported to the state system.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Floyd County Sheriff's Office
100 Courthouse Square, Suite 1
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-6171
Floyd County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page as established under Kentucky law.
Police Departments:
Prestonsburg Police Department
200 West Court Street
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-2596
Records requests at the Prestonsburg Police Department are processed through the records clerk during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought.
Clerk of Court:
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Kentucky Court of Justice – Floyd County
The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains criminal case files for all felony and misdemeanor matters adjudicated in Floyd County. Case file inspection is available during regular business hours. Copy fees are set at $0.25 per page for standard paper copies, with certification fees assessed separately.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to ten business days following receipt.
By Phone:
The Floyd County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (606) 886-6171 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody but are not able to provide detailed arrest history by phone. Requestors seeking comprehensive records are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. Defense counsel and prosecutors access records through established court procedures governed by the Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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)
- Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)
Are Arrest Records Public in Floyd County
Arrest records in Floyd County are public records subject to disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local agencies. The Open Records Act reflects the Commonwealth's policy that government transparency serves the public interest and that records documenting the exercise of official authority, including the power of arrest, are presumptively open to inspection.
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
- 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
- Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing inquiry
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have consistently recognized that arrest records document the exercise of governmental power and that public access serves First Amendment interests in press freedom and community awareness. At the same time, courts balance transparency against privacy interests, particularly where charges were not pursued or where records have been expunged.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and its use in employment decisions is subject to legal scrutiny.
What's in Floyd County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public versions
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency, whether the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Kentucky State Police
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statutes numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
- Gang-related designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints, which are collected but not typically included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time where applicable
- Release conditions where made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public versions
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure analysis
- Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Floyd County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Floyd County depends on the custodial agency and the format of the records requested. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of public records that does not exceed the actual cost of reproduction, excluding staff time.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document (court records) |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of duplication |
| Kentucky State Police criminal history check | $20.00 per request |
| Court case copies (Circuit Court Clerk) | $0.25 per page |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person requests)
- Check or money order payable to the applicable agency (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (where available at specific offices)
Fee Waivers:
Public agencies in Kentucky may waive fees for indigent requestors or where the request serves a significant public interest. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written statement explaining the basis for the waiver request along with the records request.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online inspection of the Kentucky Court of Justice public case search portal
- Online inspection of the Kentucky Department of Corrections offender search
- In-person inspection of public records at the custodial agency, where no copies are made
How To Delete Arrest Records in Floyd County
In Kentucky, the legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access is expungement, which results in the sealing or destruction of records so that they are no longer accessible to the general public. Expungement differs from sealing in that expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain in existence but are restricted from public view. Kentucky law provides for both outcomes depending on the nature of the charge and the outcome of the case.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals whose charges were dismissed, whose cases resulted in acquittal, or who were not charged following arrest may petition for expungement of the arrest record. Individuals convicted of certain Class D felonies and misdemeanors may also be eligible for expungement after satisfying a waiting period and meeting statutory criteria. Serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses involving the use of a deadly weapon are not eligible for expungement.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Kentucky Court of Justice or the Kentucky State Police to confirm the charges and disposition.
- Determine eligibility based on the charge classification and case outcome under KRS § 431.073 or KRS § 431.076 for misdemeanors.
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Kentucky Court of Justice expungement resources.
- File the petition in the Floyd County Circuit Court or District Court depending on the level of the offense.
- Pay the filing fee, currently set at $100.00 for felony expungements and $50.00 for misdemeanor expungements, unless a fee waiver is granted.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one; the Commonwealth's Attorney may object to the petition.
- If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the Kentucky State Police, the arresting agency, and the court clerk for compliance.
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Kentucky Court of Justice – Floyd County
Kentucky State Police Criminal Records
1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police
Following a granted expungement, the subject of the record may lawfully state on employment applications that the arrest did not occur. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes including subsequent criminal proceedings.
What Happens After Arrest in Floyd County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Floyd County, the arrested individual is transported to the Floyd County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
Floyd County Detention Center
320 Trivette Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-6171
Floyd County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Floyd County Detention Center, the booking process commences and typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state and federal repositories
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves to:
- Formally notify the defendant of the charges
- Determine eligibility for appointment of a public defender
- Set bond or bail
- Advise the defendant of constitutional rights
Initial appearances in Floyd County are conducted in Floyd County District Court and may be held via video conference from the detention 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 at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appeared at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court releases the defendant on a written promise to appear without requiring monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in appropriate cases
- Pretrial supervision reporting requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically requires one to eight hours. Upon release, the defendant receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If Bond Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody at the Floyd County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Department of Public Advocacy – Floyd County
149 South Central Avenue, Suite 3
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 889-6500
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Eligibility for a public defender is determined based on financial need. Defendants complete an application at the initial appearance, and the court makes an eligibility determination.
Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys practicing in Floyd County.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The Commonwealth's Attorney may file an information charging the defendant, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those listed at booking.
Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-6328
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow counsel and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal occurs when the Commonwealth declines to proceed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case.
- Diversion programs including pretrial intervention, drug court, and mental health court are available to eligible defendants; successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea agreement allows the defendant to plead guilty or no contest to agreed charges in exchange for a sentencing recommendation.
- Trial proceeds before a jury or, by agreement, before the judge alone; the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing (if convicted):
Following a conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24 to 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
- Felonies: resolved within six months to over one year in complex cases
- Kentucky's constitutional speedy trial guarantee requires that cases proceed without unreasonable delay
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment
- Right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Floyd County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
320 Trivette Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-6171
Floyd County Sheriff's Office
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Kentucky Court of Justice – Floyd County
Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-6328
Department of Public Advocacy – Floyd County
149 South Central Avenue, Suite 3
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 889-6500
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
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 by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed 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 Floyd County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Floyd County is governed by Kentucky state law, local agency policies, and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives records retention schedules. Under Kentucky's public records statutes, agencies must follow approved retention schedules that specify minimum retention periods for each category of record. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center. These records form part of the subject's permanent criminal history and are accessible through background check systems indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently in court records and in the state criminal history repository. Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records associated with misdemeanor convictions for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule, which is at least five years in most categories.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Court records for dismissed cases are retained for a minimum of five years. These records do not reflect a conviction and are treated differently in background check contexts.
Acquittals (Not Guilty): Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained in court records, which are often permanent, and in local law enforcement systems for a minimum retention period. These records are eligible for expungement under Kentucky law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period by the Sheriff's Office and are among the most readily eligible for expungement. Requestors may petition for immediate expungement in appropriate cases.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and booking photographs are retained according to the applicable KDLA retention schedule, with minimum periods ranging from five years for non-conviction records to permanent retention for felony conviction records.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained according to agency policy and state schedules. Electronic court records maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice are retained permanently in most categories.
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 that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement.
Retention by Agency:
Floyd County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the KDLA law enforcement retention schedule. Felony arrest records are retained permanently; non-conviction records are retained for a minimum of five years. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years following final disposition. Electronic records maintained through the Kentucky Court of Justice system are retained permanently.
Kentucky State Police Repository: The Kentucky State Police maintains the central criminal history repository for the Commonwealth and retains records of all arrests reported by Kentucky law enforcement agencies. The repository is accessible to law enforcement statewide and is used for background checks conducted through the Kentucky State Police criminal records portal.
FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index retain records of arrests reported by participating agencies on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in federal background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; part of the subject's permanent criminal history
- Dismissal: Records remain unless expunged; not reported as a conviction on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; eligible for expungement in most cases
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrests are accessible through online portals including the Kentucky Court of Justice case search and the Kentucky Department of Corrections offender search. Arrests from more than several years ago may require an in-person request to the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk or the Sheriff's records division, as older records may not be fully digitized. Records subject to destruction under the applicable retention schedule may no longer be available.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of history for positions paying below a statutory threshold, though this limitation does not apply to all positions. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework. Expungement of a record does not guarantee its removal from all third-party databases, and individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact individual data brokers separately to request removal.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Floyd County Sheriff's records division at (606) 886-6171 or submit a written public records request to the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk at 149 South Central Avenue, Prestonsburg, KY 41653. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.