Bourbon County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bourbon County in 2026
BourbonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charge details, and court case numbers. The information presented reflects data sourced from official government agencies and public databases.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government portals. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Bourbon County Regional Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent arrest information. The roster reflects individuals currently held in custody and is updated as bookings and releases occur. Arrest information available through this office includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status.
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2011
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Paris Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Bourbon County. The department processes arrests occurring within the city limits of Paris and forwards booking information to the Bourbon County Regional Jail. Press releases and public arrest logs may be available through the department's public information officer upon written request.
Paris Police Department
525 High Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2080
Paris Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides an online case search portal through which individuals may retrieve case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street, Suite 201
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2624
Kentucky Court of Justice – Bourbon County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) repository, which contains arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history check through the Kentucky State Police Records Section. A fee applies to this service. The Kentucky Offender Search tool maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections allows the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the department, including those housed at the Bourbon County Regional Jail.
Kentucky State Police Records Section
1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 301 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (859) 987-2011
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking information
- Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Paris Police Department, 525 High Street, Paris, KY 40361, (859) 987-2080
- Records requests are submitted in writing to the Records Division
- Standard copy fees apply per KRS § 61.874
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 301 Main Street, Suite 201, Paris, KY 40361
- Criminal records division handles case file requests
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (859) 987-2624
- Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee
By Mail:
- Mailing address: Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, 301 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361
- Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for copies should be included with the request in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
- Processing time: Typically 5 to 10 business days
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (859) 987-2011
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Phone inquiries yield limited information; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
- Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by court order
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Paris Police Department, or Kentucky State Police)
Are Arrest Records Public in Bourbon County
Arrest records in Bourbon County are public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records, including arrest and booking records maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Act reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.
Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:
- Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
- Background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
- Use in legal proceedings by attorneys and courts
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and any known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond or bail amount and type
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have consistently recognized that the public's interest in knowing who has been arrested and on what charges outweighs the privacy interest of the arrestee in most circumstances, while also acknowledging that an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers conducting background screening, subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
- Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with FCRA requirements
- Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements
- Housing providers must exercise caution in using arrest records without conviction to avoid fair housing violations
- The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability
What's in Bourbon County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Paris Police Department, or Kentucky State Police)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statutes section numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility: Bourbon County Regional Jail, 100 Legion Drive, Paris, KY 40361
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Court jurisdiction (District or Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Bourbon County
- Historical booking numbers
- Prior charges filed in the county
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted per standard practice)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available to the public
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Bourbon County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Bourbon County is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of public records, but the fee may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page (Sheriff's Office) / $0.25 per page (Clerk of Court) |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $5.00 per document plus per-page copy fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Actual cost of duplication |
| Inspection of records (in-person review) | No charge for inspection |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Kentucky law beyond actual reproduction costs |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
- The Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, check, and money order
- Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request with their records request
- Electronic records provided via email or digital media are subject to the actual cost of duplication, which may be minimal or no charge depending on the agency's capabilities
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bourbon County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the destruction or return of records and the removal of the arrest from public databases.
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals whose charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were not prosecuted may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Certain misdemeanor convictions and some Class D felony convictions may also be eligible for expungement after a waiting period and upon meeting statutory eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Charges dismissed without conviction
- Acquittal at trial (not guilty verdict)
- Charges not filed by the prosecutor
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
- Certain Class D felony convictions after a five-year waiting period, subject to statutory exclusions
- Diversion program completion resulting in dismissal
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the court's final disposition from the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible misdemeanors; $250.00 for eligible felonies, subject to change)
- Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties
- Attend the expungement hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, the court issues an order of expungement directing all agencies to destroy or return records
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street, Suite 201
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2624
Bourbon County Clerk
Bourbon County Commonwealth's Attorney
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-1765
Following the entry of an expungement order, the Kentucky State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and the individual may lawfully state that the arrest did not occur for most purposes. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited law enforcement purposes as permitted by statute.
What Happens After Arrest in Bourbon County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Bourbon County Regional Jail located at 100 Legion Drive, Paris, KY 40361. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Bourbon County Regional Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on the volume of intakes at the facility. The following steps occur during booking:
- Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, and address
- Photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants are checked
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening is conducted
- Housing classification is determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
- Bond or bail is determined
- The individual is advised of their rights
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or clerk's office. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in appropriate cases
- Pretrial supervision reporting requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours after bond is posted. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the next court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Bourbon County Regional Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Department of Public Advocacy serves Bourbon County.
Department of Public Advocacy – Bluegrass Regional Office
200 West Vine Street, Suite 700
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 246-2080
Department of Public Advocacy
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for those seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the Bourbon County Regional Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Bourbon County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of the arrest.
Grand Jury:
For felony charges, the Commonwealth may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. A grand jury indictment is required for certain serious felony charges under Kentucky law.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas are not guilty, guilty, or Alford plea (in some circumstances). The court sets subsequent hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review and negotiation.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case status and potential resolution.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may make the individual eligible for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict results in acquittal; a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24 to 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Kentucky Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
Important Contacts:
Bourbon County Regional Jail
100 Legion Drive
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2011
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street, Suite 201
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2624
Kentucky Court of Justice – Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commonwealth's Attorney
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-1765
Department of Public Advocacy – Bluegrass Regional Office
200 West Vine Street, Suite 700
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 246-2080
Department of Public Advocacy
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bond if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bourbon County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Bourbon County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Felony conviction records are part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
- The Kentucky State Police criminal history repository retains misdemeanor conviction records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- The state repository retains the arrest record unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
- Court records are retained permanently
- The individual may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- The individual may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
- Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management system entries are often retained permanently
- Electronic court records are retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement varies
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years for convictions; minimum three years for non-convictions
- Arrest reports: Retained according to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives schedule
- Phone: (859) 987-2011
Paris Police Department:
- Arrest records and incident reports: Retained per the state retention schedule
- Phone: (859) 987-2080
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
Kentucky State Police – Criminal History Repository:
- Maintains arrest and conviction records submitted by all Kentucky law enforcement agencies
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or removed following expungement
- Kentucky State Police
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain records submitted by Kentucky agencies
- Federal retention is permanent for most records
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all applicable databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Records remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges may not appear on standard employment background checks depending on the reporting agency's practices
- Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action by the individual
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period applies; the individual may be eligible to petition for expungement immediately
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions paying below a certain salary threshold, with no time limit for higher-paying positions. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework. Individuals should be aware that third-party websites may display arrest records that have been expunged from official government databases, and may need to contact those sites directly to request removal.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Bourbon County Sheriff's Records Division at (859) 987-2011
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number
- Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request