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Muhlenberg County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Muhlenberg County in 2026

MuhlenbergRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the disposition of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest information for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access the current jail roster and recent arrest information through the Kentucky Open Records Act portal or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, with new bookings reflected within 24 hours of processing.

Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-3345
Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Greenville Police Department and the Central City Police Department serve as the primary municipal law enforcement agencies within Muhlenberg County. Both departments may release arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information to the public upon request. Members of the public may contact each department directly to inquire about recent arrest activity within their respective jurisdictions.

Greenville Police Department
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-4282
City of Greenville

Central City Police Department
214 West Broad Street
Central City, KY 42330
Phone: (270) 754-2020
City of Central City

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Criminal court cases arising from arrests in Muhlenberg County are filed in the Muhlenberg Circuit and District Courts. Members of the public may search for associated court cases using the Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet public case search system. Searching by the arrestee's name will return linked court case records, including charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.

Muhlenberg Circuit and District Court
100 East Main Street, Suite 2
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1700
Kentucky Court of Justice

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. This database includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee applies for civilian record requests; current fees are listed on the KSP website. The database includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and conviction information from all Kentucky jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Address: 100 East Main Street, Greenville, KY 42345
  • Records division is located at the main Sheriff's Office building
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (270) 338-3345
  • What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details such as booking number or date of arrest
  • Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per page; current rates are available at the front desk

Police Departments:

  • Greenville Police Department: 100 East Main Street, Greenville, KY 42345 | (270) 338-4282
  • Central City Police Department: 214 West Broad Street, Central City, KY 42330 | (270) 754-2020
  • Records requests at each department are processed through the records division during regular business hours; fees for copies vary by department

Clerk of Court:

  • Address: 100 East Main Street, Suite 2, Greenville, KY 42345
  • Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Phone: (270) 338-1700
  • Case files may be inspected in person at the clerk's office
  • Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply as set by the Kentucky Court of Justice

By Mail:

  • Mailing address: Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office, 100 East Main Street, Greenville, KY 42345
  • Written requests should include:
    • Full legal name of the arrestee
    • Date of arrest, if known
    • Booking number, if known
    • Requestor's full name and return mailing address
  • Include payment for applicable copy fees
  • Processing time: Responses are provided within the timeframe required under KRS § 61.880, which mandates a response within three business days

By Phone:

  • Sheriff's Office: (270) 338-3345
  • No automated arrest information system is currently available
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

  • Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
  • Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access
  • Records obtained through discovery in legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules

Information Needed for Search:

  • Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Booking number, if known
  • Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Greenville PD, Central City PD, or Kentucky State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Muhlenberg County

Arrest records in Muhlenberg County are public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records, including arrest and booking records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve the needs of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and known aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges filed at the time of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Mugshot or booking photograph
  • Bond and bail information
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

  • Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Kentucky law
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information related to active investigations may be withheld
  • Identities of undercover officers are not disclosed
  • Confidential informant information is protected
  • Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
  • Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • General public
  • Media organizations
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
  • Licensing agencies
  • Background check companies
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

  • Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though local ordinances may apply
  • Housing providers must consider applicable fair housing laws when using arrest records
  • An arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt; the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant in employment and housing contexts

What's in Muhlenberg County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Aliases or "also known as" names
  • Date of birth
  • Age at time of arrest
  • Sex/gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

  • Arrest date and time
  • Location of arrest (street address or general area)
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges
  • Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions
  • Classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
  • Number of counts for each charge
  • Domestic violence designation, if applicable
  • Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

  • Booking facility name and location
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond type:
    • Cash bond
    • Surety bond
    • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
    • No bond
  • Bail bondsman information, if applicable
  • Release date and time, if released
  • Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned
  • Court jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests processed in Muhlenberg County
  • Previous booking numbers
  • Historical charges
  • Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim information
  • Evidence collected
  • Investigative techniques
  • Medical information
  • Mental health status
  • Substance abuse information
  • Full residential address or personal phone number
  • Social Security number (redacted)
  • Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and:

  • Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records review
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
  • Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Muhlenberg County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard rates:

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.10 per page (black and white)
Certified copies (court records)$0.50 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)Varies by agency
Search feeNo search fee currently charged for standard requests
  • Inspection of public records is free of charge under KRS § 61.874
  • Copy fees are set by each agency within limits established by state law
  • Certification fees apply when a certified copy is required for legal or official purposes
  • Electronic format fees vary; some agencies provide electronic copies at no additional charge
  • Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, and personal check (agency-specific policies apply)
  • Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency
  • Kentucky State Police criminal history record checks for civilian purposes carry a separate fee, currently listed on the Kentucky State Police Criminal Records page
  • Court case records accessed through the CourtNet online system may be available at no charge for basic case information

How To Delete Arrest Records in Muhlenberg County

Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or deletion of the record, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying record. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under KRS § 431.073, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records in Kentucky. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case and the nature of the charges:

  • Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
  • Charges that were dismissed by the court
  • Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
  • Certain Class D felony convictions after a waiting period, subject to specific statutory criteria

Felony convictions involving violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other serious crimes are not eligible for expungement under current Kentucky law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Muhlenberg Circuit or District Court
  2. Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case disposition
  3. Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Kentucky Court of Justice
  4. File the petition with the Muhlenberg Circuit or District Court clerk
  5. Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible felonies; no fee for eligible misdemeanors and dismissed charges under current law)
  6. Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court
  7. If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Contact Information for Expungement:

Muhlenberg Circuit and District Court Clerk
100 East Main Street, Suite 2
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1700
Kentucky Court of Justice – Expungement

Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (Public Defender)
100 Fair Oaks Lane, Suite 302
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-8006
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from the Department of Public Advocacy or a local legal aid organization. After expungement is granted, the Kentucky State Police repository is notified and updates the state criminal history record accordingly.

What Happens After Arrest in Muhlenberg County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Muhlenberg County, the arrested individual is transported to the Muhlenberg 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 if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Muhlenberg County Detention Center
1000 West Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-3345
Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

  • Recording of personal identification information
  • Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state and federal databases
  • Criminal history check conducted
  • Outstanding warrants check performed
  • Personal property inventoried and stored
  • Clothing exchanged for jail-issued uniform
  • Medical screening completed
  • Brief mental health screening conducted
  • Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of arrest for a warrantless arrest. At the first appearance:

  • The individual is formally notified of the charges
  • The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
  • Bond or bail is determined
  • Rights are explained
  • The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond hearings and court schedules are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • The full bond amount must be paid in cash
  • The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
  • Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

  • A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
  • The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
  • The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond/ROR):

  • The individual is released on a written promise to appear in court
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The individual is held without the possibility of bond
  • Reasons include serious violent offenses, assessed flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

  • Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring
  • Pretrial supervision as directed by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

  • Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
  • Personal property is returned
  • A written court date is provided
  • Written conditions of release are issued
  • The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center
  • A housing assignment is made
  • Inmate orientation is conducted
  • Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. Eligibility is based on income. The application is completed at the first court appearance.

Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy – Muhlenberg County
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1700
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorneys may visit clients at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Muhlenberg County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. Options available to the prosecutor include:

  • Filing formal charges by Information or seeking an Indictment
  • Requesting additional investigation before making a charging decision
  • Declining to prosecute
  • Filing different or additional charges based on the evidence

Muhlenberg County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1740
Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Kentucky may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an Indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

  • Both parties exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings

Pretrial Motions:

  • Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery may be filed and heard before trial

Pretrial Conferences:

  • Attorneys and the judge meet to discuss case status, potential resolution, and trial readiness

Plea Negotiations:

  • The Commonwealth's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation; the defendant decides whether to accept or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal:

  • Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement

Diversion Programs (if eligible):

  • Pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court programs are available in Kentucky; successful completion results in dismissal of charges

Plea Agreement:

  • The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges; a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Trial:

  • Defendants have the right to a jury trial for most charges; a bench trial before a judge is also available; the prosecution and defense each present their case; the verdict is guilty or not guilty; if guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
  • First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
  • Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
  • Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
  • Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Kentucky Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to an attorney
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to confront witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
1000 West Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-3345
Inmate information: (270) 338-3345
Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court:
100 East Main Street, Suite 2
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1700
Case information: Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet

Commonwealth's Attorney's Office:
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1740
Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys

Public Defender's Office:
100 East Main Street
Greenville, KY 42345
Phone: (270) 338-1700
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Politely exercise the right to remain silent
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
  5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Muhlenberg County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Muhlenberg County is governed by Kentucky state law and the policies of each maintaining agency. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives establishes records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. Members of the public may reference the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives for current retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent
  • Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Kentucky State Police repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent in most databases
  • Local law enforcement: Retained according to the applicable state retention schedule
  • Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
  • State repository: Retained permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
  • Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
  • State repository: Policy varies; records may remain unless expungement is ordered

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
  • Court records: Often retained permanently
  • State repository: Policy varies; may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
  • Local arrest logs: Retained according to the applicable schedule
  • May be eligible for expungement under KRS § 431.073

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
  • Often eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork: Retained according to the state retention schedule, typically five years minimum
  • Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to the state repository
  • Photographs: Retained according to the applicable schedule
  • Evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
  • Records management systems: Often retained permanently
  • Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
  • Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

  • Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
  • Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
  • The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records: Minimum five years
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Investigative files: Varies based on case classification and outcome
  • Contact: (270) 338-3345

Police Departments:

  • Arrest records: Minimum five years
  • Incident reports: Minimum five years
  • Retention periods may vary between the Greenville Police Department and the Central City Police Department

Clerk of Court:

  • Criminal case files: Retained based on disposition; felony cases are retained permanently; misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of five years; traffic cases are retained for a minimum of three years
  • Electronic records: Often retained permanently

State Repository:

  • The Kentucky State Police maintains the Commonwealth's central criminal history repository
  • Retention policy: Permanent for most arrest and conviction records
  • Includes arrests from all Kentucky jurisdictions
  • Accessible through the Kentucky State Police Criminal Records portal

FBI Database:

  • The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
  • Federal retention: Typically permanent
  • Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
  • Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

  • Permanent retention in most databases
  • Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
  • Appears on background checks indefinitely

Dismissal:

  • May remain in databases unless expungement is ordered
  • Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks in most cases
  • Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

  • Physical destruction or sealing of local records as directed by the court order
  • Kentucky State Police repository is updated following an expungement order
  • The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an expungement flag
  • Timeframe for removal from all systems varies

No Charges Filed:

  • Shortest retention period applies
  • Records may be purged automatically after three to five years
  • Immediate expungement may be requested in eligible cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

  • May require an in-person request at the relevant agency
  • Records may be stored in archives
  • A retrieval fee may apply
  • Processing time may be longer than for recent records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

  • Records may not be digitized
  • Paper records may be held in archives
  • Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
  • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (270) 338-3345 for assistance

Destruction of Records:

Authorized Destruction:

  • Destruction occurs after the applicable retention period expires
  • Destruction is also authorized following a court order for expungement
  • Destruction is carried out according to the state records retention schedule
  • Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency

Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:

  • Permanent retention is required for felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals

Public Access to Old Records:

  • Older records may not be available online
  • In-person inspection may be required for records not yet digitized
  • Some very old records are permanently archived
  • Historical research access may differ from routine public records requests

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

  • Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
  • Kentucky does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions under state law

"Ban the Box" and Fair Chance Laws:

  • Kentucky does not currently have a statewide ban-the-box law applicable to private employers
  • Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in some contexts
  • Employers should consult applicable federal and state guidance before using arrest records in hiring decisions

Important Notes:

  • Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
  • Third-party websites may not update records following expungement
  • Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes
  • Immigration records are maintained separately and are subject to different retention rules
  • Juvenile records are subject to separate retention and access rules under Kentucky law

How to Check Retention Status:

  • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (270) 338-3345
  • Submit a public records request for information about a specific arrest
  • Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a request