Bardstown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bardstown, Kentucky?
Arrest records are public documents in Bardstown, Kentucky, pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes that all public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, must be accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by statute. The Kentucky Open Records Act serves as the legal foundation for public access to government-held information, promoting transparency in governmental operations and accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may request and review arrest records as part of their right to monitor law enforcement activities within their community.
The Nelson County Sheriff's Office and Bardstown Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with KRS 61.878, the fundamental arrest information remains available for public inspection. This accessibility allows citizens, researchers, journalists, and legal professionals to obtain information about arrests made within Bardstown city limits.
How to Look Up Bardstown Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Bardstown, Kentucky. Individuals seeking these records may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a formal written request to the Bardstown Police Department Records Division located at 212 Nelson County Plaza, Bardstown, KY 40004. Requests must include the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Visit the Nelson County Sheriff's Office in person at 210 Nelson County Plaza, Bardstown, KY 40004, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Requestors must present valid government-issued identification and complete a records request form.
Access the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, which maintains a database of court cases including arrest information for cases that have proceeded to court. This system provides case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information.
Contact the Nelson County Detention Center at 801 West Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004, for information regarding current inmate status and recent bookings.
Pursuant to KRS 61.872, public agencies must respond to open records requests within five business days. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying services, typically $0.10 to $0.25 per page, though viewing records in person generally incurs no cost. Electronic records may be provided when available and requested.
Contents of a Bardstown Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Bardstown law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Criminal charges filed, including the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) citation for each alleged offense and the classification (violation, misdemeanor, or felony).
Arresting agency information, including the department name, officer identification, and badge number.
Booking information, such as the unique booking number, fingerprint identification number, and the facility where the individual was processed.
Photographic documentation, commonly known as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process.
Preliminary case disposition information, including bail amount, court appearance dates, and initial plea entered.
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable.
Vehicle information, if the arrest involved a motor vehicle.
In accordance with KRS 17.150, these records are maintained in the Kentucky State Police centralized criminal history database as well as local agency records management systems. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to juveniles as protected under KRS 610.320.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bardstown
The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under KRS Chapter 431. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. In Bardstown, as throughout Kentucky, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate expungement under KRS 431.076, unless the case was dismissed with the understanding that the defendant would complete a diversion program.
Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after a five-year waiting period following completion of the sentence, provided the individual has no other criminal convictions during that period.
Certain Class D felonies may be expungeable under KRS 431.073 after a waiting period of five years following completion of the sentence, subject to specific statutory limitations.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Nelson Circuit Court located at 113 East Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004. Petitioners must submit a completed Application to Vacate and Expunge Felony Conviction form (AOC-496) or Petition for Expungement of Misdemeanor form (AOC-497), depending on the case type. A filing fee of $100 is required for misdemeanor expungements, while felony expungements require a $500 filing fee.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the Commonwealth's Attorney, who may contest the expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge their records. Once expunged, the arrest record is removed from public databases and the individual may legally state that the arrest never occurred.
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