Morgan County, Kentucky Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Morgan County, Kentucky?
Arrest records in Morgan County, Kentucky are public documents pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for inspection by any resident of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Open Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Morgan County may submit a written application to the custodian of the records. Pursuant to KRS 61.872, the application must describe the records to be inspected with reasonable particularity. The custodian shall determine within five (5) days, excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, whether to comply with the request and shall notify the requestor of the decision within the specified time frame.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with KRS 61.878, which provides exemptions for personal privacy, ongoing investigations, and other statutorily protected information. The custodian bears the burden of proof in sustaining any denial of access to records.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Morgan County?
Morgan County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests, through its online portal. Additionally, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed by authorized individuals.
Pursuant to KRS 27A.420, the Administrative Office of the Courts has established a system for electronic filing and retrieval of court records. This system facilitates public access to non-confidential court documents, including those pertaining to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings in Morgan County.
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains the primary database for court records in Morgan County. Records accessible through this system include arrest warrants, indictments, and case dispositions. Users should be advised that certain limitations apply to online access, particularly regarding juvenile records and cases under seal by court order.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections also maintains the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, which provides information regarding individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities, including the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex located in Morgan County.
How to Look Up Morgan County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking arrest records in Morgan County in 2025 may utilize several methods established by Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations. The following procedures are available for obtaining such records:
Online Access: The Kentucky Court of Justice electronic records system provides public access to court records, including those related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers. This service is available 24 hours per day, subject to system maintenance requirements.
In-Person Requests: Requestors may visit the Morgan County Judicial Center to examine arrest records during regular business hours. Pursuant to KRS 61.872(2), public records shall be available for inspection during the regular office hours of the public agency.
Morgan County Judicial Center
261 Court Street
West Liberty, KY 41472
(606) 743-3763
Morgan County Courts
- Written Requests: Written applications for arrest records may be submitted to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk. Such requests must comply with KRS 61.872(2) and include sufficient information to identify the records sought.
Morgan County Sheriff's Office
450 Prestonsburg Street
West Liberty, KY 41472
(606) 743-3613
Morgan County Government
- Certified Copies: Pursuant to KRS 422.020, the Circuit Court Clerk may provide certified copies of arrest records upon payment of the statutory fee. Such certified copies shall be admissible in evidence in all courts and administrative bodies.
Contents of a Morgan County Arrest Record
Morgan County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Kentucky Administrative Regulations and law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following components:
Demographic Information: The full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any identifying marks or tattoos.
Arrest Details: The date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; the name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: A detailed listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) citation for each offense and the classification (violation, misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking Information: The date and time of booking, the detention facility, and any property seized during the arrest process.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected pursuant to KRS 17.110, which requires fingerprinting of all persons arrested for felonies and specified misdemeanors.
Photographic Identification: A mugshot or booking photograph taken at the time of processing.
Case Disposition: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearances, and the ultimate resolution of the case.
Criminal History: References to prior arrests or convictions, if applicable and permitted by law to be disclosed.
Pursuant to KRS 17.150, law enforcement agencies shall maintain records of all persons arrested by the agency. These records shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Morgan County
The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Morgan County. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. The authority for expungement is established in KRS Chapter 431.
Pursuant to KRS 431.076, a person who has been charged with a crime and who has been found not guilty of the crime, or against whom charges have been dismissed with prejudice, may petition the court in which the case was tried for expungement of the record. The petition shall be filed no sooner than sixty (60) days following the order of acquittal or dismissal by the court.
For cases resulting in conviction, KRS 431.078 permits expungement of misdemeanor and violation convictions after a waiting period of five (5) years from the completion of the person's sentence or probation, whichever occurs later. Certain offenses, including sex offenses and crimes against children, are statutorily excluded from eligibility for expungement.
The process requires filing a petition with the Morgan County Circuit Court, payment of the filing fee established by the Kentucky Supreme Court, and submission to a criminal background check. The Commonwealth's Attorney shall be served with the petition and may present objections to the court.
If the court determines that the petitioner is eligible for expungement and that the expungement would be in the interest of justice, it shall order all records in the custody of the court and any records in the custody of any other agency or official, including law enforcement records, to be expunged.
Morgan County Circuit Court
261 Court Street
West Liberty, KY 41472
(606) 743-3763
Morgan County Courts
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