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Fayette County, Kentucky Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Fayette County, Kentucky?

Arrest records are public in Fayette County, Kentucky, pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Kentucky Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and upholds the public's right to information about law enforcement activities within the county.

Members of the public may access these records through various official channels, including the Fayette County Sheriff's Office and the Lexington Police Department. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action. Pursuant to KRS 61.872, public agencies must make records available within three business days of receiving a request, unless specific exemptions apply.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Fayette County?

Arrest records in Fayette County can be accessed online through several official platforms. The Fayette County Court Records system provides digital access to court cases that originate from arrests. Additionally, the Kentucky Offender Search portal maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections allows the public to search for individuals who have been processed through the correctional system following arrest.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes recent arrest information. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic information about arrests made within the county jurisdiction. The Kentucky State Police also maintains electronic records that may be searched by authorized parties.

Online access is governed by KRS 61.874, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing electronic copies of records. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete arrest records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies.

How to Look Up Fayette County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Fayette County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels:

  • Fayette County Sheriff's Office
    150 N. Limestone Street
    Lexington, KY 40507
    (859) 252-1771
    Official Website

    The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Lexington Police Department Records Division
    150 E. Main Street
    Lexington, KY 40507
    (859) 258-3600

    The Records Division processes requests for arrest reports and booking information. Requestors must complete a standard form and provide proper identification.

  • Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
    120 N. Limestone Street
    Lexington, KY 40507
    (859) 246-2228
    Fayette Circuit Court

    The Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of arrests that have proceeded to court action. Pursuant to KRS 30A.010, the clerk is the custodian of all court records.

  • Kentucky State Records Center
    1025 Capital Center Drive
    Frankfort, KY 40601
    (502) 564-1710

    For older arrest records (15-35 years), requestors may contact the State Records Center by submitting a records request form to state.records@ky.gov.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to KRS 61.872(2), requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by electronic means where available.

Contents of a Fayette County Arrest Record

Fayette County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Kentucky law. These records typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description and booking photograph
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Statutory charges filed (KRS citation numbers)
  • Case or incident number
  • Booking information including fingerprints
  • Bail or bond information
  • Court appearance dates
  • Disposition of the case, if available

The Fayette District Court processes criminal cases resulting from arrests and maintains records of these proceedings. The District Criminal/Traffic Division is the largest division in the Fayette County Office of Circuit Court Clerk and handles the majority of arrest-related court proceedings.

Law enforcement agencies in Fayette County adhere to the Kentucky Uniform Crime Reporting standards when documenting arrests. This ensures consistency in record-keeping across jurisdictions and facilitates accurate statistical reporting to state and federal authorities.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Fayette County

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Fayette County under specific conditions established by Kentucky law. Pursuant to KRS 431.076, persons who were arrested but not convicted may qualify for expungement if:

  • The charges were dismissed with prejudice
  • A grand jury issued a no true bill
  • A jury rendered a verdict of not guilty
  • The case was dismissed without prejudice and two years have passed with no reindictment

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Fayette Circuit Court. The petition must include:

  • The petitioner's full name and current address
  • All charges sought to be expunged
  • The date of the arrest and name of the arresting agency
  • The case number and court of jurisdiction
  • A verified affidavit stating that the petitioner has not been convicted of any other felony or misdemeanor in the five years prior to the filing

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing within 30 days. The Commonwealth's Attorney and any victims must be notified and given opportunity to present objections. If the court grants the expungement, all records held by courts, law enforcement agencies, and other public agencies must be sealed.

Expunged records are not destroyed but are removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies may access expunged records for limited purposes as specified in KRS 431.076(8), including consideration for employment with law enforcement agencies and for prosecutorial purposes.

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