Kentucky Criminal History Records Search
Finding Kentucky criminal history records starts with understanding where these files are kept. The state maintains court cases in the CourtNet database. This system holds over four million records from all 120 counties. You can search for misdemeanors going back five years. Felony records date back to 1978. Local sheriffs and police departments keep arrest records. The state also offers background checks through the AOC FastCheck system.
Kentucky Criminal History Quick Facts
Where to Find Kentucky Criminal History Records
The Administrative Office of the Courts operates the main portal for statewide criminal history searches. Their AOC FastCheck system lets you request reports online. Each report costs twenty dollars. You can also visit their drive-thru location at 1001 Vandalay Drive in Frankfort. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. They accept credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders.
Circuit Court Clerks in each county maintain local court records. These offices handle all criminal cases filed in their jurisdiction. You can visit them in person to request files. Many counties now use electronic filing systems. The Kentucky Court of Justice website lists contact information for all 120 counties. Some clerks offer online record searches through their own websites.
The Kentucky State Police also provides background checks. You can submit requests by mail or walk into their office. They require specific forms for processing. As of December 2020, they no longer accept cardboard fingerprint cards for state or FBI checks. Their website provides all necessary forms and instructions.
Note: The AOC criminal record reports do not include driving records or arrest records.
How to Search Criminal History Records Online
Online searches offer the fastest way to access Kentucky criminal history information. The state provides several digital tools for finding records. You can search from home at any time. This saves trips to courthouses and government offices.
The CourtNet database serves as the primary tool for court record searches. It contains over four million case files. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The database covers all 120 Kentucky counties. Misdemeanor and traffic cases go back at least five years. Felony records extend back to 1978. Access requires an account with the Administrative Office of the Courts.
KOOL provides another online option. The Kentucky Online Offender Lookup tracks state inmates. You can search by name to find incarceration records. The system shows current and past inmates. It includes photos and aliases when available. Visit kool.corrections.ky.gov to use this tool.
- AOC FastCheck for official background checks
- CourtNet for court case lookups
- KOOL for inmate searches
- County clerk websites for local records
- Sheriff's office portals for arrest logs
Many counties offer their own online systems. Jefferson County provides inmate searches through their corrections website. Fayette County lists current inmates and active warrants online. These local tools work well for recent arrests and pending cases.
Types of Kentucky Criminal History Records
Kentucky maintains several categories of criminal records. Each type serves a different purpose. Understanding these differences helps you find the right documents.
Court records form the most comprehensive category. These files include all documents from criminal proceedings. You will find charging documents, motions, and verdicts. Sentencing orders appear in these files too. Circuit Court Clerks maintain these records. They keep both physical and digital copies depending on the case age.
Arrest records document when police take someone into custody. Local law enforcement agencies create these files. They show the date, time, and location of arrests. The records list the charges at the time of arrest. Sheriffs and police departments maintain arrest logs. Some publish this information online.
Incarceration records track time spent in jails and prisons. The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains state prison records. County jails keep their own booking records. The KOOL system makes many of these records public.
Background check reports provide certified summaries. The AOC offers these for a fee. They show convictions from Kentucky courts. These reports are official documents. Many employers and agencies require them.
Getting Criminal History Records at the County Level
Each Kentucky county maintains local criminal records. These files complement the state databases. County-level searches often reveal more details.
Circuit Court Clerks serve as the primary record keepers. They maintain all court documents for their county. This includes criminal, civil, and family court cases. You can visit their offices during business hours. Most clerks charge fees for copies. Certified copies cost more than regular ones.
Sheriff's offices handle arrest and incident reports. They also manage warrant records. Some counties provide online access to these files. Others require in-person requests. The Kentucky Open Records Act governs access to these documents.
County clerks maintain certain legal records too. They keep land records and some court documents. However, they do not hold criminal case files. Those stay with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Note: Processing times vary by county. Large counties may take longer to fulfill requests.
Fees for Kentucky Criminal History Records
Costs vary based on the type of record and where you request it. Statewide background checks have set fees. Local copies depend on each office's pricing.
The AOC FastCheck system charges twenty dollars per report. This fee applies to each name you search. Payment options include all major credit cards. You can also pay with cash, check, or money order at the Frankfort office. Make checks payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.
County offices set their own copy fees. Most charge per page for court documents. Typical rates range from fifty cents to one dollar per page. Certified copies add extra costs. Some counties accept credit cards. Others take only cash or check.
The Kentucky State Police may charge for certain background checks. Their fees depend on the type of search requested. Check their website for current pricing.
Kentucky Open Records and Criminal History Laws
Kentucky law balances public access with privacy protections. The Kentucky Open Records Act governs most criminal records. This law grants residents the right to inspect public documents. However, some restrictions apply.
Under KRS 61.870, public agencies must allow record inspections. They can charge reasonable fees for copies. Agencies have five business days to respond to requests. Some records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions.
Effective June 2021, only Kentucky residents may request to inspect public records. KRS 61.872(3) establishes this requirement. You must prove residency when making requests.
Criminal records contain sensitive information. Social Security numbers are typically redacted. Financial account details stay private. Information about juvenile cases remains confidential. Victims' personal information may also be protected.
Browse Kentucky Criminal History by County
Select a county below to find local criminal history resources. Each county page lists contact information for the Circuit Court Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and detention centers.
Criminal History Records in Major Kentucky Cities
Major cities coordinate with county offices for criminal record access. Choose a city to learn about local resources.