Criminal records in Yavapai County, Arizona, are available through several channels. YavapaiCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court portals, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of the Superior Court's office. Below is a practical guide on searching, understanding, and ordering criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Yavapai
Start with YavapaiCourt.us — enter a last name or case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings. This is the fastest way to check basic data.
Online Search via Official Portals
- Arizona Public Access Case Lookup — the case lookup portal of the Arizona Judicial Branch covers cases from justice and municipal courts. Enter the person's last name or case number.
- eAccess — the eAccess system contains Superior Court records in civil and criminal cases filed since July 1, 2010.
- YCSO Inmate Search — the Inmate Search of the County Sheriff's Office allows you to find individuals currently held in custody by last name.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of the Superior Court's office in Prescott provides access to public terminals where case materials can be viewed. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the Clerk's office or to the Central Repository for Criminal Records of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The request requires:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Applicant's signature and a copy of identification — for requests to DPS
Search Yavapai Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in the Arizona Superior Court is assigned a unique number. A typical format looks like this:
| Element | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Letter prefix | P | Place of filing (P — Prescott, V — Verde Valley) |
| Year | 1300 | Year the case was filed (2013) |
| Type code | CR | Type of case: CR — criminal |
| Sequential number | 00456 | Sequential registration number |
The full number in this example: P1300CR00456. If you know the number, enter it in the Case Number field on the eAccess or Public Access portal — this will give an exact result without unnecessary matches by last name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Yavapai
Charges
- Statute code — reference to Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), for example, A.R.S. § 13-1105 for first-degree murder.
- Severity degree — felony (serious crime, classes 1–6), misdemeanor (offense, classes 1–3), or petty offense.
- Change of charges — the prosecutor may change or drop individual counts; this is reflected as an amended charge in the case card.
Case Status
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, no decision yet |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled |
| Disposed | The court has made a decision — verdict, closure, or dismissal |
| Closed | All procedural actions are completed |
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in the county:
- Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge, charges are announced.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial (for felony).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss a plea deal or prepare for trial.
- Trial — court proceedings before a jury or judge.
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty verdict.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions.
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — acquitted
- Dismissed — case closed, charges dropped
- Acquitted — full acquittal after substantive review
Information about arrest and search warrants can also be found on the Arizona Judicial Branch website.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Yavapai
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court's office in the county. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
What is Needed for the Request
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the defendant
- Completed request form (available at the office)
- Valid photo identification — for in-person requests
- Payment of the established fee
Clerk of the Superior Court's Office — Prescott
Requesting Criminal History through DPS
A full state-level criminal history can be ordered through the Department of Public Safety's request portal. Note: Arizona law restricts the issuance of such records — they are available only to authorized individuals and agencies, as well as the person to whom the record pertains.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Yavapai
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $0.50 per page | Standard rate according to A.R.S. § 12-284 |
| Certification | $26.00 per document | Added to the cost of the copy |
| Criminal history check through DPS (fingerprint-based) | $22.00 and up | Depends on the type of check; may include federal FBI fee |
Processing Times
- Copies at the office — usually issued on the day of the request if the case is easily accessible. More complex requests may take 3–5 business days.
- Mail requests — 5 to 10 business days after the request is received by the office.
- Requests to DPS — processing takes from a few days to several weeks depending on workload.
Fees are established according to A.R.S. § 12-284 and the county's internal fee schedule. Check current amounts directly with the Clerk's office as they may change.