Clark County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Clark County in 2026
ClarkKYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records maintained by government agencies in Clark County, Kentucky. Members of the public seeking criminal history data may locate records through official county, state, and court-level resources. The types of records that may be accessible include:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Inmate and jail roster data
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registry entries
- Probation and sentencing records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain criminal records in Clark County.
1. County Court Records
The Clark Circuit and District Courts, located in Winchester, Kentucky, maintain case files for all criminal proceedings adjudicated within the county. Members of the public may visit the courthouse in person to inspect records using public access terminals available in the clerk's office. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Court staff can assist in locating case numbers, but the public is responsible for conducting their own searches at the terminals.
Clark Circuit/District Court Clerk
17 Cleveland Avenue
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 737-7200
Clark County Court Information
2. Sheriff's Office
The Clark County Sheriff's Office, currently led by Sheriff Berl Perdue, Jr., maintains arrest logs, booking records, and inmate information. Members of the public may submit written requests for available records. Fees may apply for copies of documents. The Clark County Sheriff's Office operates under the authority of the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet.
Clark County Sheriff's Office
31 West Hickman Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 744-4390
3. Online Court Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search for court records by name, case number, or date range. Users should enter the subject's full legal name and refine results by county. The portal reflects case filings, charges, and dispositions but does not include sealed or expunged records. The Kentucky Court of Justice – Clark County page provides direct access to court records from cases in that county.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) serves as the state's central repository for adult criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history background check by mailing a completed request form along with a $20 check or money order payable to the KY State Treasurer. Fingerprints are not required for public requests. As noted by the Kentucky State Police background check program, "KSP allows the general public to obtain an adult criminal history on any individual."
Kentucky State Police – Criminal Records Unit
1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police Background Checks
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Clark County Clerk's Office or the Kentucky State Police. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the requester's contact information. Under KRS § 61.880, agencies are required to respond to open records requests within five business days. Mailing address for the county clerk is listed below.
Clark County Clerk's Office
34 South Main Street, Room 109
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0280
Clark County Clerk's Office
What Is Clark County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official government document that reflects an individual's history of contact with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. In Kentucky, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies as a case moves through the justice system — from initial arrest through sentencing and any subsequent supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant. An arrest record documents that law enforcement took an individual into custody, but it does not indicate a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, either through a guilty plea or a trial verdict. Felony records involve offenses punishable by more than one year of incarceration, while misdemeanor records involve lesser offenses. Juvenile records are treated separately under Kentucky law and are sealed from public access in most circumstances.
Active warrants represent current court orders for an individual's arrest and are distinct from historical records of past cases. The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Clark County include:
- Clark County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Clark Circuit and District Courts — court case files, charges, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Kentucky State Police — statewide criminal history repository
- Winchester Police Department — local arrest and incident records
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated as charges are filed or modified, and finalized upon disposition. A complete record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. Under KRS § 17.150, criminal history record information is defined and regulated at the state level.
Are Criminal Records Public In Clark County
Criminal records in Clark County are public records under Kentucky's Open Records Act. Pursuant to KRS § 61.870 et seq., all public agency records are presumed open to inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to members of the public upon request.
As stated in Kentucky's open records framework, "All public records shall be open for inspection by any person." This principle extends to criminal court records maintained by the Clark County courts and the Kentucky Court of Justice system.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public access. These include:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed under KRS § 610.340
- Expunged records, which are treated as if they never occurred following a court order
- Records related to ongoing investigations, where disclosure could compromise law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by court order
Federal criminal records are maintained separately by the FBI and are subject to federal law rather than Kentucky's Open Records Act. The Kentucky Attorney General's Office provides guidance on open records obligations and exemptions applicable to state and county agencies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Clark County Online?
Official County Resources
The Clark County Clerk's Office maintains property and official records online, while court case records are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal. Members of the public may search for court cases by visiting the Clark County court records page, which provides access to case filings, hearing schedules, and dispositions. No registration is required for basic case searches.
State-Level Resources
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) offers criminal record reports through its background check system. According to the AOC background check portal, "The Administrative Office of the Courts offers criminal record reports to individuals, businesses, licensing agencies, government entities and others." The Kentucky State Police also maintains a statewide criminal history database accessible through its background check request system.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as records may be distributed across court, sheriff, and state systems
- Be aware that records older than a certain threshold may not be digitized
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating digital systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Clark County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Kentucky law mandates that public records be made available for inspection at no charge. Members of the public may inspect criminal court records at the Clark Circuit/District Court clerk's office without paying a fee. Copying fees apply to reproduced documents.
2. Free Online Databases: The Kentucky Court of Justice case search portal is available at no cost. Members of the public may search court case records, review charges, and view dispositions without creating an account or paying a fee.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Clark County Sheriff's Office at no charge for inspection purposes.
What Costs Money
| Record Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified court document copies | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Official KSP criminal history check | $20.00 (check/money order) |
| AOC criminal record report | Varies by request type |
| Staff-assisted record searches | May incur administrative fees |
| Expedited processing | Additional fees may apply |
State Fee Law
Under KRS § 61.874, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records but may not charge for inspection. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the agency.
What's Included in a Clark County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of the arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (classified by felony or misdemeanor), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
The disposition section reflects the verdict or outcome, conviction date if applicable, sentencing details including type and length of incarceration, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision, as well as any appeals filed.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI records
- Traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under KRS § 610.340)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records where expungement was granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may petition the originating court or agency for correction. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and housing purposes.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Kentucky's Public Records Division establishes retention schedules for government records. Court records are subject to retention rules set by the Kentucky Court of Justice, while law enforcement records follow schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; subject to expungement eligibility |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained permanently (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; destruction timeline per KRS § 610.340 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County courts retain case records permanently under Kentucky Court of Justice rules. The Clark County Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records according to the state-mandated retention schedule. The Kentucky State Police maintains conviction records permanently in the statewide criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, but the electronic record remains accessible in state databases.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical elimination of a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under KRS § 431.073 for eligible offenses, results in the record being treated as if it never existed for most purposes, though law enforcement agencies may retain access. Expungement eligibility in Kentucky depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since disposition.
Old Records Access
Records predating digital systems may require special requests to the court clerk or the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Some historical records are held in state archives and require written requests for retrieval.
Federal Records
The FBI maintains its own criminal history database independently of state systems. Federal records are subject to federal law and are not affected by Kentucky expungement orders.
Practical Implications
Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless legally expunged. Old convictions continue to appear on background checks. Employment screening checks cover criminal history within the past 7–10 years in many industries, while professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age.