How to Find and Access Kentucky Criminal Records

Like many other U.S. states, Kentucky also offers public access to all its criminal records. The government websites have databases that give you the option to locate specific Kentucky criminal records and view, download and print them according to your requirements. Be it for misdemeanors or felonies, juvenile crimes or sex offenses, the Kentucky criminal records include them all. The chief aim of offering access to these records to the public is to ensure their safety. Moreover, background checks are also important when it comes to utilizing these records. Often, investigators and researchers also make use of these records.

Details of every criminal case form part of the official documents of the State of Kentucky. When a case is registered in any of the Kentucky courts it becomes part of this archive. The courts serve as the courts of records and have the responsibility to maintain and preserve Kentucky criminal records.

The district and circuit courts are the primary units of the judicial system. In case the decision seems to be unsatisfactory by the losing party, the case is moved to the court of appeals. The Supreme Court of Kentucky is the highest authority and all criminal cases involving the death sentence are heard at the Supreme Court only. All these courts are responsible for keeping all records of the criminal cases that have been heard or are being heard at the courts.

Kentucky Court Records Online

The Kentucky court records maintained online offer information with regard to the criminal cases registered in the state. You can look for the online records at http://apps.courts.ky.gov/CourtRecords/. The search may be done according to the party, the case or the citation. If you are searching by party, you will find a form which you need to fill out. There are a number of fields that need to be filled in order to narrow down your search. You need to enter specifications like the last name, the type of case, the county and division, type of party and so on. Once you have filled the fields, all you need is to hit the 'search' button. A comprehensive list of all the cases that match your search would then be available for your usage.

There are a number of reasons that you need to check an individual’s background. Before you associate with a person or employ someone, it is necessary to know whether he or she has a clean background or not. Otherwise you and your loved ones run the risk of becoming easy prey for criminal targets. Background checks are also essential before you begin any sort of financial transaction with an individual.

Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts

With the help of the Administrative Office of the Courts of Kentucky, it becomes easier to conduct a criminal background check on an individual. The service is available for individuals, business enterprises, government agencies, licensing agencies, and others. The mode of operation is quite simple yet effective.

The local case management system in the 120 counties of Kentucky has databases that preserve and maintain court information. This information is then gathered by CourtNet, a statewide database operated by the Administrative Office of the Courts of Kentucky. This all-comprehensive database is a storehouse of information with regard to Kentucky criminal records. The database offers information on felony cases registered as early as 1978 and misdemeanor and traffic violation cases registered within the last 5 years.

There are two methods of obtaining a criminal background check in Kentucky. If you are a resident of the state you can opt for an ‘In person-request’. For this you need to visit the Administrative Office of the Courts drive-thru window. This is located at Frankfort. This service is available from Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and unavailable on weekends and state-observed holidays. Or, you can mail your request. For this you need to fill out a request form and pay via check or money order the required fees. The check or money order must be payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. The processing of the mail request takes about 7-10 working days.

The fees for obtaining the Kentucky criminal history background check are nominal. For individuals, non-profit organizations and licensing agencies it is $10. For government, emergency management services personnel and youth leaders, the fees are waived.

Kentucky Department of Correction

Kentucky Department of Correction is responsible for the correction and rehabilitation of the inmates of Kentucky prisons. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup is a service offered by the Kentucky Department of Correction. You can look up relevant information at http://apps.corrections.ky.gov/KOOL/ioffsrch.asp. If you have the first and last name of the person you are looking for the search becomes easier. In order to have specific search results you need to enter specific search keywords. When you have entered the information, all you need to do is click the search button and the list of offenders matching your search appear on your computer monitor. This service is free of any charge and hassle free as well.