>Yates County Arrest Records Online

Yates County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Yates County, New York?

Arrest records are public documents in Yates County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates on the principle that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy and that citizens have the right to know about the actions of public agencies, including law enforcement.

Under FOIL, arrest records maintained by the Yates County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are considered public records. However, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, interfere with law enforcement investigations, or compromise public safety as specified in Public Officers Law § 87(2).

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Yates County?

Yates County arrest records are available through various online platforms, reflecting the county's commitment to digital accessibility of public information. The Yates County public records system provides a gateway for citizens to access certain arrest information electronically. This online accessibility is part of the county's effort to modernize record-keeping systems and improve public access to government information.

The Yates County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes information about recent arrests and inmate populations. This resource allows members of the public to search for arrest records without physically visiting county offices. Additionally, third-party aggregators may compile and present arrest data from Yates County, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be guaranteed by county authorities.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records including detailed reports and evidence may require formal requests through the appropriate county agencies. Online records are subject to the same exemptions and redactions as physical records under FOIL provisions.

How to Look Up Yates County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Yates County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The county has established several official channels through which arrest information may be obtained:

Online County Records Portal: The Yates County Clerk's Office maintains a digital records system where certain arrest records can be searched. This portal is accessible 24 hours a day and provides basic information about arrests within the county jurisdiction.
Sheriff's Office Records Division: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the Yates County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Yates County Sheriff's Office 227 Main Street Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-4438 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
County Clerk's Office: The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions. Yates County Clerk's Office 417 Liberty Street, Suite 1107 Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-5120 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
New York State Incarcerated Lookup: For information about individuals who have been sentenced and incarcerated, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains a searchable database.
Written FOIL Requests: Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89, citizens may submit formal written requests for specific arrest records. These requests must be directed to the Records Access Officer at the relevant agency and should include sufficient information to identify the records sought.

Contents of a Yates County Arrest Record

Yates County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New York State law and local regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of New York State Penal Law or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including the statutory citation and degree of offense (e.g., misdemeanor, felony).
Booking Information: Photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, and other biometric data collected during the booking process at the Yates County Jail.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including arraignment details, bail or bond information, court dates, and eventual resolution (if available).
Prior Criminal History: In some instances, the arrest record may reference previous arrests or convictions within Yates County jurisdiction.

It should be noted that pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed under certain circumstances and would not appear in publicly available arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Yates County

New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records in Yates County. The process is governed primarily by Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, which establishes criteria and procedures for removing eligible arrests from public access. Expungement serves to mitigate the collateral consequences of arrests, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or did not result in conviction.

Eligibility for expungement in Yates County is determined by several factors:

Waiting Period: Generally, individuals must wait at least 10 years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later.
Eligible Offenses: Most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors qualify for sealing under the statute. However, sex offenses, violent felonies, and certain other serious crimes are explicitly excluded.
Criminal History Limitations: Individuals with more than two felony convictions or more than one felony and one misdemeanor conviction are typically ineligible.

The expungement process requires filing a formal application with the court that handled the original case. This application must include:

A sworn statement from the applicant
Certified copies of the disposition of the case
A set of fingerprints for verification purposes
Supporting documentation demonstrating rehabilitation

Upon receipt of a complete application, the court will notify the Yates County District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file any objections. If the application is approved, the court will issue an order directing all agencies, including the Yates County Sheriff's Office, to seal the records related to the arrest and conviction.

It is important to note that even sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision under specific circumstances as outlined in Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59(9).