Kentucky Criminal Records

Are criminal records public in Kentucky?

Criminal records are government documents and are therefore accessible by the public. Kentucky put the Open Records Act into place in the 1970s to allow full disclosure of government records concerning citizens. You can request a criminal record through any local government agency that has them because of this act.

How do I find criminal records in Kentucky?

Criminal records in Kentucky can be found through the court system, the police, or a background check site. You can mail in a criminal records request by printing the form on the Kentucky court website and then mailing it to courts.

What is Megan’s Law in Kentucky?

Megan’s Law in Kentucky is a statute that requires the registration of all people over 18 who have committed a sex crime on a public registry. The registry shows their personal information, location, vehicles, and past offenses. Most offenders have to register for 20 years unless they have previous convictions or have committed a more serious crime.

How do I find sex offenders in Kentucky?

You can visit the Kentucky sex offender registry website online and search for a map of nearby sex offenders or by searching by other criteria, such as their name. It will bring up a list of results based on the criteria and provide information about the offender.

How do I search for arrest records in Kentucky?

You can search for arrest records in Kentucky by either performing a criminal background check or contacting the local police department. Arrests may or may not show up on a criminal background check, depending on where you get it from, and most people have their prior arrests expunged.

What’s inside an arrest record in Kentucky?

Arrest records in Kentucky will contain information such as the location, date, and time of the arrest, the name of the arresting officer, a brief description of the incident, personal information about the individual, where the individual was taken for detention, and the crimes they were charged with.

What is a felony in Kentucky?

Crimes that can be punished by more than one year in state prison are labeled as felonies in Kentucky. There are different lettered classes, from A-D, as well as capital felonies. Class A felonies have the harshest potential sentence, with 20-50 years in prison or life imprisonment. Class D felonies have the least harsh potential sentence, with a maximum of five years in prison. Examples of felonies include first-degree rape, second-degree assault, and theft over $10,000.

What is a misdemeanor in Kentucky?

Misdemeanors in Kentucky will have less harsh sentences than felonies, as they can only have a sentence up to one year in a county jail, which is much better to be held in than a state prison. There are two classes, A and B. Class A misdemeanors have a maximum sentence and potential fine of up to 12 months in jail and $500 in fines. Class B misdemeanors have only 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $250.

Are mugshots public record in Kentucky?

Mugshots in Kentucky show up on most criminal records and will also be found on inmate records, the sex offender registry, and arrest warrants. They are used along with fingerprints to confirm the identity of an offender from a victim.

Can I get rid of my criminal record in Kentucky?

Depending on your criminal record in Kentucky, you may be eligible to have the crimes removed after a certain amount of time. You can go through a process called expungement, in which the courts remove any files about your case.

How do I get my record expunged in Kentucky?

To start the expungement process in Kentucky, you must first see if you are eligible. Arrests and non-convictions are eligible for expungement immediately. Misdemeanors can be expunged after five years, and only certain felonies may be expunged. Next, you must fill out the proper form and mail it to the court. After that and some more steps, the court will decide whether or not to grant you the expungement.

How do I find court records in Jefferson County?

Visiting the Jefferson County Court Clerk website will bring you to a page that lets you search for court dockets, court records, cases and also retrieve background checks. You could also mail in a request for records or call them.

How far back can employers check a criminal background in Kentucky?

Employers will be able to see all prior convictions in Kentucky if they choose to. The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) prohibits employers from seeing arrests older than seven years, however. Additionally, job applicants have the right to obtain a copy of all of the criminal record information the employer obtained about them.

How do I find inmates in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains all inmate records and provides an online way to search their inmate database. Performing a search on their website will bring up a list of names relevant to the search criteria and show their offenses, DOC number, and facility. Clicking on a name brings their full inmate record.

How do I find police reports in Kentucky?

To get a police report or accident report in Kentucky, you must request one from a local police department. The Louisville police department website has a section that allows you to request police reports for a fee. Additionally, you could contact the state police department and inquire about them there.

How do you check for arrest warrants in Kentucky?

The Kentucky State Police provides a warrant section that posts updates on recent incidents and arrests. Additionally, you could call the police department nearest to you and ask them if you or someone you know has an arrest warrant.

How do I find someone’s parole status in Kentucky?

You can check on someone’s parole status in Kentucky by calling the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) at 1-800-511-1670. Additionally, the inmate database on the Kentucky Department of Corrections website will retrieve any known parole information about the offender.

Is DUI a felony in Kentucky?

A DUI will be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony in Kentucky if it is the fourth repeat offense or there were aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances would be things like speeding 30mph above the limit, driving into oncoming traffic, driving with a child, or causing injury or death to another person.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a juvenile’s criminal record can be eligible for expungement if they have completed the sentence and have waited two years since then. The court could decide that the juvenile would be eligible sooner if there is a good reason. Violent crimes cannot be expunged.