Lexington-Fayette Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky?
Arrest records are public documents in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted by statute, shall be available for public inspection. The Kentucky Open Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency, maintain accountability of public officials, and uphold the public's right to information regarding governmental activities, including law enforcement operations.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government maintains these records in accordance with established retention schedules that determine how long different types of records must be preserved. Law enforcement agencies within Lexington-Fayette are required to maintain arrest records and make them accessible to members of the public upon proper request, subject to certain limitations regarding ongoing investigations or protected information.
How to Look Up Lexington-Fayette Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lexington-Fayette have multiple methods available to access this information. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government has implemented several channels through which these records may be obtained:
Online Public Access Systems: The Lexington Police Department maintains digital databases that allow for remote searches of arrest information. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number through the department's public portal.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Lexington Police Department located at 150 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the address above. Requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any case numbers if available.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Fayette County District Court located at the Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse, 150 N. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 246-2228.
Pursuant to KRS § 61.872, public agencies must respond to open records requests within five business days of receipt. Fees for copies are established by statute and agency policy, with standard paper copies typically costing $0.10 per page.
Contents of a Lexington-Fayette Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Lexington-Fayette law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in an arrest. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, and current address of the arrested individual
- Physical Description: Height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Offense Information: Nature and description of the alleged criminal activity, including applicable Kentucky Revised Statute violations
- Arresting Agency Data: Name and badge number of the arresting officer, department identification, and jurisdiction information
- Booking Information: Processing details, including booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the Kentucky Court of Justice system, if applicable
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to juvenile offenders are subject to additional confidentiality protections under KRS Chapter 610.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lexington-Fayette
The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Lexington-Fayette under KRS Chapter 431. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest and court records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lexington-Fayette include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal with prejudice
- Arrests that did not result in indictment within 60 days (for felonies) or 12 months (for misdemeanors)
- Certain Class D felonies after a waiting period of 5 years following completion of sentence
- Most misdemeanors after a waiting period of 5 years following completion of sentence
- Violations after a waiting period of 5 years following completion of sentence
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Fayette District Court if the charge was a misdemeanor or violation, or with the Fayette Circuit Court if the charge was a felony. The petition must be accompanied by a certificate of eligibility from the Kentucky State Police and payment of the required filing fee, currently set at $100 per case.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The Commonwealth's Attorney and any victims involved in the case must be notified and given an opportunity to present objections. If the court grants the expungement, all records held by courts, law enforcement agencies, and other public offices must be sealed or destroyed as directed by the court order.
Pursuant to KRS § 431.078 and § 431.073, certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including:
- Sex offenses
- Offenses against children
- Offenses resulting in serious physical injury or death
- Offenses involving a deadly weapon
- Multiple felony convictions
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