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Madison County, Kentucky Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County, Kentucky?

Arrest records are public in Madison 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, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Kentucky Open Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and criminal proceedings within their communities.

Members of the public may request arrest records from various Madison County agencies, including the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Madison County Detention Center. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The public nature of these records serves multiple functions, including maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies and providing community members with information pertinent to public safety concerns.

It should be noted that certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with KRS 61.878, which provides exemptions for personal privacy, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records. Requesters seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are public, specific information contained therein may be withheld in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Madison County?

Madison County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Madison County Detention Center provides an inmate search function that allows members of the public to access current booking information and arrest details. Similarly, the Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes information about recent arrests and individuals currently in custody.

The digital availability of arrest records is governed by KRS 61.874, which permits public agencies to provide records in electronic format. Online access to these records facilitates public oversight while reducing administrative burden on county offices. Users of these online systems should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive, as certain details may be omitted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions.

Digital arrest record repositories are typically updated on a regular basis, though there may be a delay between an arrest and the appearance of the corresponding record in online databases. For the most current and complete information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with direct inquiries to the appropriate county offices.

How to Look Up Madison County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Madison County arrest records in 2025 have several methods available to them, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and accessibility:

  • Online County Resources: The Madison County Detention Center's inmate search tool provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent bookings. This resource is available 24 hours a day and requires no fee for access.

  • Kentucky Court System: The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Users may search by name or case number to locate relevant information.

  • State Corrections Database: The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system (KOOL) maintained by the Department of Corrections provides information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.

  • In-Person Requests: Physical copies of arrest records may be obtained from the Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office located at:

Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
116 W Main St.
Richmond, KY 40475
859-624-4713
Kentucky Court of Justice - Madison County

  • Written Requests: Pursuant to KRS 61.872, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the custodial agency. These requests should include sufficient information to identify the specific records being sought, such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.

Requesters should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with KRS 61.874(3), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records.

Contents of a Madison County Arrest Record

Madison County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Kentucky law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), gender, and race.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; names and badge numbers of arresting officers; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including the classification of offenses (e.g., felony, misdemeanor).

  • Booking Information: Time of processing into the detention facility, property inventory, and initial assessment details.

  • Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views.

  • Biometric Data: Fingerprints and, in some cases, other biometric identifiers collected during processing.

  • Case Disposition: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearances, and preliminary case outcomes if available.

It should be noted that pursuant to KRS 17.150, certain information may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under KRS Chapter 610.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison County

The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under KRS Chapter 431. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records, charges, and in some cases convictions, are removed from public access and official records. In Madison County, this process is administered through the Circuit Court system.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Madison County include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate expungement under KRS 431.076, provided the charges were not dismissed with the possibility of refiling.

  • Certain misdemeanor and Class D felony convictions may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period (typically 5 years for misdemeanors and 5-10 years for eligible felonies) under KRS 431.073.

  • Arrests not resulting in charges may be expunged if no indictment was returned within 60 days of arrest.

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

  1. File a Petition for Expungement with the Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
  2. Pay the required filing fee (currently $100 for misdemeanors and $500 for felonies).
  3. Provide a certificate of eligibility from the Kentucky State Police.
  4. Attend a scheduled hearing before a Circuit Court judge.

Upon granting of an expungement order, all agencies possessing records related to the arrest or conviction are directed to seal those records from public access. Pursuant to KRS 431.073(5), expunged records remain accessible to certain entities, including law enforcement agencies and licensing boards for specific purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement services may contact:

Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
116 W Main St.
Richmond, KY 40475
859-624-4713
Madison County Clerk's Office

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