Access Kentucky Felony Records

Kentucky felony records document serious criminal cases filed in the Commonwealth's 120 counties. The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains these records through CourtNet 2.0, a statewide database containing over four million case files dating back to 1978. You can search for felony cases online, visit local courthouses, or request certified copies through the mail. Each county Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian of records for their jurisdiction.

Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 Felony Search

CourtNet 2.0 serves as the primary tool for accessing Kentucky felony records. The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains this system, which collects data from all 120 Kentucky counties. The database contains felony cases dating back to 1978, providing nearly five decades of criminal history. Users can search by party name, case number, citation number, or attorney name. The system also allows filtering by case type, county, and date ranges.

The Kentucky Court of Justice provides public access to CourtNet 2.0 through a guest login portal. Basic searches are available without registration, though full case details may require a subscription. Attorneys and registered users can access enhanced features through the Kentucky eCourts portal. The system displays case status, party names, hearing dates, and docket information. Note that sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain confidential matters remain excluded from public view.

The CourtNet disclaimer states that information cannot be used for employment decisions or government program eligibility. The AOC disclaims warranties about data validity. Users should verify information through official court records.

FastCheck Background Check System

The FastCheck portal offers official criminal record reports from CourtNet. The Administrative Office of the Courts operates this service for individuals and organizations needing verified background checks. Each request costs $25 and includes misdemeanor convictions from the past five years and all felony convictions since 1978. The system does not include arrest records, inmate records, or sealed and expunged cases.

FastCheck provides two options for requesting records. Registered users can create an account for regular background checks and receive results online. One-time requesters can submit a single check and receive results by U.S. mail without registering. Both methods require detailed information about the subject, including full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The requester must also provide their contact information and payment details.

Payment options include credit and debit cards through the online portal. Mail requests require a check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer." Processing times vary based on request volume. Online users receive email notifications when results are ready. Note that fees are non-refundable even if no record is found.

Kentucky Offender Online Lookup

KOOL provides information about current inmates, parolees, and individuals under supervision. The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains this database, which covers state prisons, reentry centers, and recovery facilities. The system displays offender photographs, conviction details, and projected release dates when available.

The basic search allows queries by name or alias. Advanced options include filtering by offender type, DOC number, supervision status, facility location, age, race, gender, and specific offenses. Users can also search by Kentucky Revised Statute code or conviction county. The system shows crime dates, conviction dates, sentence information, and parole eligibility dates.

Important limitations apply to KOOL data. Offender information newer than 120 days may not be finalized. The system excludes county jail inmates except those serving state sentences. Federal prisoners and juvenile detention residents do not appear in KOOL. Pre-trial detainees in local jails are also excluded. The site displays a warning that misuse of offender information is a criminal offense punishable by law.

County Felony Record Access

Each Kentucky county maintains felony records through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. These offices store case files, court documents, and judgment records for their respective jurisdictions. Most clerks accept in-person requests during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Requesting records from a county clerk requires specific information. Provide the case number if known, along with the names of parties involved and approximate dates. Copies cost $0.25 per page under standard court fee schedules. Certified copies require an additional $5 per document. Some counties accept mail requests with payment enclosed. Others offer online payment systems through the Kentucky ePay portal.

Records follow a retention schedule based on age. Current records through 15 years remain at the courthouse. Records between 15 and 35 years old move to the State Records Center. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives stores records older than 35 years. Accessing older records may require additional processing time and specific locator numbers.

Note: Juvenile records, adoption files, and sealed cases remain confidential under Kentucky law.

Kentucky Felony Expungement Process

Kentucky law allows expungement of certain Class D felonies under KRS 431.073. Most Class D felonies qualify for expungement after a waiting period. The process requires obtaining an expungement certification, filing a petition with the court, and paying applicable fees.

The first step involves requesting an expungement certification from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Form RU-009 requires the subject's Social Security number, driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and address. The fee is $40.50 online or $40 by mail. Processing takes up to 60 days as both Kentucky State Police and the AOC review the criminal record.

After receiving certification, petitioners have 30 days to file with the Circuit Court in the county of conviction. Class D felony expungement requires Form AOC 496.3. The total filing fee is $300, with $50 due at filing and $250 due if granted. Courts may allow payment plans for the balance. Misdemeanor expungements follow a similar process with lower fees under KRS 431.078.

Non-U.S. citizens should consult an immigration attorney before filing. Expungement can affect immigration status. Sex offenses, crimes against children, and most violent felonies do not qualify for expungement. Each conviction requires a separate filing in the county where it occurred.

Kentucky State Police Criminal History

The Kentucky State Police maintains centralized criminal history records under KRS 17.150. These records are not subject to public inspection, though individuals may access their own records. Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies may access records for official purposes.

The Public Records Branch handles open records requests for accident reports and other police documents. Requests can be submitted by mail to 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or by fax to 855-592-7656. The email address ksp.openrecords@ky.gov accepts electronic requests. Initial responses typically arrive within five business days.

Accident reports cost $10 through the online BuyCrash system or $5 by mail. Copies of other documents cost $0.10 per page. Photos cost $2 to $3 each. CDs and DVDs cost $2 to $3 per disc. Kentucky law restricts accident report access to parties involved, insurance companies, attorneys, and certain other authorized entities under KRS 189.635.

Note: Kentucky residency is required to enforce rights under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

Kentucky Open Records Act Access

The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884) guarantees public access to government documents. All public records must be open for inspection by any person, with specific exemptions for privacy and security. Agencies must respond to requests within five business days, excluding weekends and holidays.

Requesters must be Kentucky residents to enforce rights under the Act. Residency includes individuals living in Kentucky, businesses with Kentucky locations, persons working in Kentucky, or property owners in the state. Commercial requesters must certify their purpose and may face higher fees.