Kenton County Criminal Records
What Is Kenton County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kenton County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870, these records constitute public documents maintained by various government agencies for the purpose of documenting criminal activity, legal proceedings, and case dispositions.
Criminal records in Kenton County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Kenton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records detail the circumstances of arrest but do not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing formal findings of criminal liability by the courts.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year and/or substantial fines.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age. These records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public pursuant to KRS § 610.340.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest issued by judicial authorities.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Kenton County, each responsible for different aspects of the criminal justice process:
Kenton County Sheriff's Office
303 Court Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 392-1800
Kenton County Sheriff's Office
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
230 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6323
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
Kentucky State Police
Criminal Records Branch
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police
Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea entries, trial information, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Kenton County
Criminal records in Kenton County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870-61.884). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Kentucky citizens to inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including those related to criminal proceedings.
The Act specifically states that "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person, except as otherwise provided by KRS 61.870 to 61.884." This provision creates a presumption of accessibility for most criminal records generated and maintained by Kenton County agencies.
Public criminal records in Kenton County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole information
- Sex offender registry data
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as premature disclosure could compromise law enforcement activities
- Juvenile records, which are generally sealed pursuant to KRS § 610.340
- Records expunged by court order under KRS § 431.073
- Records containing information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Grand jury proceedings, which remain confidential under Kentucky law
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains that "court records are presumed to be open to the public unless they are confidential under a statute, rule, or case law." This policy reflects the state's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy concerns and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Kenton County must submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency, which will then determine whether the requested records are subject to disclosure under current Kentucky law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kenton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kenton County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record sought and its custodial agency.
For court records, individuals may contact the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk:
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
230 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6323
Kenton County Circuit Court
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The procedure for obtaining court records involves:
- Completing a records request form specifying the case number, defendant name, and other identifying information
- Submitting the request in person, by mail, or through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal
- Paying applicable fees ($0.50 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification)
- Presenting valid identification when collecting records in person
For arrest and incarceration records, contact:
Kenton County Detention Center
3000 Decker Crane Lane
Covington, KY 41017
(859) 363-2400
Kenton County Detention Center
Hours of Operation: Records requests accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The procedure for obtaining detention records involves:
- Submitting a written request including the subject's full name and date of birth
- Providing a copy of the requestor's government-issued identification
- Paying applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Allowing 3-5 business days for processing
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request records from:
Kentucky State Police Records Branch
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The procedure for obtaining state criminal history records involves:
- Completing the Request for Criminal History Record Information form
- Providing fingerprints (for official background checks)
- Submitting payment of $20.00 per record check
- Including a self-addressed stamped envelope for return by mail
Requestors should note that processing times vary by agency and request volume. Currently, court records typically require 3-5 business days, while comprehensive criminal history checks may take 10-15 business days to process.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kenton County Online?
Kenton County residents and interested parties may access certain criminal records through various online portals maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by platform.
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains the primary online portal for accessing court records in Kenton County. This system, known as CourtNet 2.0, allows users to search for:
- Circuit and District Court cases
- Case scheduling information
- Case status updates
- Judgment and disposition information
To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Kentucky Court of Justice website
- Select "Search Court Records" from the main menu
- Register for a CourtNet 2.0 account (requires email address and payment information)
- Purchase search credits ($25 minimum initial purchase)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review results and select specific cases for detailed information
The Kentucky Department of Corrections Offender Search provides information regarding individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities, including the Kenton County Detention Center. This database includes:
- Current inmate status and location
- Physical descriptions
- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Projected release dates
To access this information:
- Visit the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) website
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- Review the search results for matching records
- Select specific records to view detailed information
The Kenton County Sheriff's Office maintains limited online records regarding:
- Current inmate population
- Outstanding warrants
- Sex offender registry information
For federal cases involving Kenton County residents, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky provides access through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system, which requires registration and includes nominal fees for document retrieval.
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive. Certain documents, particularly those filed before digital record-keeping implementation or those subject to confidentiality restrictions, may only be available through in-person requests. Additionally, the City of Covington Police Department maintains specific crime information that may supplement county-level data.
Can You Search Kenton County Criminal Records for Free?
Kenton County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, though comprehensive searches typically involve fees. The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.874) permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of records but requires that inspection of records be provided at no cost.
Free record inspection options include:
In-Person Court Record Review
The Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's office provides public terminals for free on-site inspection of non-confidential court records. Visitors may:
- Review case dockets
- Examine non-sealed court filings
- View judgment and disposition information
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
230 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6323
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Resources Without Subscription Fees
Several online platforms provide limited criminal record information without charge:
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The Kentucky Department of Corrections Offender Search offers free access to basic inmate and offender information, including current custody status and location.
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The Kenton County Sheriff's Office website provides free access to the current jail roster and limited warrant information.
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The Kentucky Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the Kentucky State Police, offers free public access to information regarding registered sex offenders residing in Kenton County.
Public Records Request Fee Waivers
Under certain circumstances, agencies may waive fees for record requests when:
- The request is made by a qualifying nonprofit organization
- The information will be used for a public purpose
- The requestor demonstrates financial hardship
To request a fee waiver, individuals must submit a written statement explaining the basis for the waiver request along with their records application.
While inspection of records is generally free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested:
- Paper copies: $0.10-$0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic records: Varies by agency and format
For comprehensive criminal history reports, the standard fee of $20.00 per record check applies through the Kentucky State Police, with no general waiver provisions available for these specialized searches.
What's Included in a Kenton County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Kenton County agencies contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Kentucky state law and local record-keeping protocols.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding statute citations
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility assignment
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
- Judge assignment
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-D or misdemeanor class A-B)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and supervision details
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offense details
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of individual records varies based on case complexity and stage in the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk typically contain the most complete documentation of case proceedings, while law enforcement agencies maintain detailed arrest and booking information.
Pursuant to KRS § 17.150, criminal justice agencies must maintain records that "contain accurate information and are reasonably complete." This statutory requirement ensures that criminal records provide a reliable account of an individual's criminal history within the county.
How Long Does Kenton County Keep Criminal Records?
Kenton County adheres to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives' records retention schedules for maintaining criminal records. These schedules, established pursuant to KRS § 171.420, dictate the minimum periods for which various criminal justice records must be preserved.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
- Domestic violence orders: 20 years after expiration
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Judgment and sentencing orders: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest records: 20 years from date of arrest
- Investigation files for solved felonies: 20 years after case closure
- Investigation files for unsolved felonies: 70 years
- Investigation files for misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Incident reports: 5 years
- Sex offender registration records: 75 years from date of registration
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
Corrections Records Retention:
- Inmate files for felony offenders: 10 years after final release
- Inmate files for misdemeanor offenders: 5 years after final release
- Jail logs and booking information: 3 years
- Probation and parole records: 10 years after supervision ends
These retention periods represent minimum requirements; many records, particularly those of historical or continuing legal significance, are maintained permanently. The Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's office has implemented digital preservation systems for court records dating back to the 1970s, with older records maintained in physical archives.
It is important to note that record retention does not necessarily equate to public accessibility. Certain records may be sealed, expunged, or restricted from public access while still being maintained by the custodial agency pursuant to retention requirements.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives conducts periodic audits to ensure compliance with retention schedules. Agencies must obtain authorization before destroying any records, even if the minimum retention period has elapsed, through a formal disposal request process.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kenton County
Kentucky Court of Justice Records Portal
Kentucky Offender Search Database