Bourbon County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bourbon County in 2026
BourbonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Members of the public seeking criminal history data may find records associated with arrests, court proceedings, convictions, and inmate status through a combination of official government repositories and county-level resources. The information available through public channels may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and District Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active and historical warrant information
- Inmate and offender status records
- Sex offender registry entries
- Probation and parole status (where publicly accessible)
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 Bourbon County.
1. County Court Records: The Bourbon Circuit and District Courts, administered through the Kentucky Court of Justice, maintain case files for all criminal proceedings originating in the county. Members of the public may visit the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk in person to inspect or request copies of court records. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for on-site case lookups.
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2452
Bourbon County Court Information
2. Sheriff's Office: The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate information. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
301 Main Street, Suite 102
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2100
Bourbon County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search: The Kentucky Court of Justice operates an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search for court records by name, case number, or filing date. The portal covers both Circuit and District Court cases statewide, including those originating in Bourbon County. Users should note that not all historical records are available digitally, and sealed or expunged cases do not appear in search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository: The Kentucky State Police (KSP) serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Formal background check requests require submission of fingerprints and a completed application. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request. Members of the public may submit requests through the Kentucky State Police Criminal Records portal.
5. Written/Mail Requests: Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk at 301 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under KRS § 61.880, agencies are required to respond to open records requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Bourbon County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Bourbon County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing records generated at the point of arrest through final case disposition. Under Kentucky law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, each capturing a distinct phase of a case.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public conducting searches:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court of law.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony offenses are the more serious classification under Kentucky law and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of incarceration. Misdemeanor records reflect less serious offenses with shorter potential sentences.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under applicable law. Juvenile records are confidential under KRS § 610.340 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Bourbon County include:
- Bourbon County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Bourbon Circuit and District Courts — case files, charging documents, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Kentucky State Police — statewide criminal history repository
- Paris Police Department — local arrest and incident reports
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of court proceedings, and finalized upon sentencing or case dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment information, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The Bourbon County Court of Justice serves as the primary custodian of court-generated criminal records within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Bourbon County
Criminal records in Bourbon County are subject to public disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq. The Act establishes a presumption of openness for public agency records, including those maintained by courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities. As stated in the statute, "All public records shall be open for inspection by any person."
The following categories of records are accessible to members of the public under current law:
- Adult conviction records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Arrest and booking records
- Inmate status and custody information
- Sex offender registry data
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile records (sealed under KRS § 610.340)
- Expunged records (removed from public access upon court order)
- Sealed case files (restricted by judicial order)
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt to protect law enforcement operations)
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Kentucky Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Open Records Act and adjudicates disputes between requestors and agencies. Members of the public who believe a records request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office of Open Records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Bourbon County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resources for Bourbon County criminal records include:
- Kentucky Court of Justice Case Search — The statewide court portal allows users to search by full name, date of birth, or case number. Results include case type, filing date, charges, and disposition. The portal covers Bourbon Circuit and District Court cases. Access is available through the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
- Bourbon County Clerk's Office — The Bourbon County Clerk maintains certain public records accessible online, including land records and official filings. Criminal court records are accessible through the court system portal.
- Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) — The Kentucky Department of Corrections KOOL system provides current offender status, including incarceration location, sentence information, and projected release dates for individuals under state supervision.
State-Level Resources
- The Kentucky Offender Search tool allows searches by last name, first name, and middle name, with options to filter by photo availability or search aliases.
- The Kentucky State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository and processes formal background check requests.
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 no single portal contains all records.
- Understand that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches.
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public online portal.
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court proceeding. Records predating the digitization of court files may require an in-person request. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report from the Kentucky State Police.
Can You Search Bourbon County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Copying fees apply to reproductions. In-person inspection is available at the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following portals provide free access to criminal record information:
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Court of Justice Case Search | Case filings, dispositions, charges | kycourts.gov |
| Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) | Offender status, sentence info | corrections.ky.gov |
| Kentucky Offender Search | Inmate photos, aliases, name search | kool.corrections.ky.gov |
| Bourbon County Clerk Online | Clerk-maintained public records | bourboncountyclerk.ky.gov |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public may request these logs in person or in writing at no charge for inspection.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the court clerk (per page or per document)
- Official state criminal history background checks through the Kentucky State Police: fee required per request
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond standard inspection
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
Under KRS § 61.874, agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. The statute does not permit agencies to charge for the time spent locating records in response to a properly submitted open records request.
What's Included in a Bourbon County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number (where assigned)
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Jail or detention facility name
Court Case Information
- Case number and court jurisdiction (Circuit or District)
- Filing date and case type
- Charges and applicable statutes (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Plea entered
- Attorney of record
Disposition
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence type and length
- Fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision
- Appeals filed or pending
- Probation or parole status
Additional Record Elements
- Active or historical warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under state law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or jurisdictions
- Federal criminal records (maintained separately by the FBI)
- Records from completed diversion programs where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain errors resulting from data entry, name variations, or incomplete updates following case resolution. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their own records may petition the maintaining agency or the court for correction. The Kentucky State Police provides a formal process for challenging the accuracy of criminal history information held in the state repository.
How Long Does Bourbon County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Kentucky's Public Records Division establishes retention schedules for government records, including criminal justice records. Courts and law enforcement agencies are required to adhere to schedules approved by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA).
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; subject to expungement eligibility |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted; subject to expungement |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; destruction timeline governed by KRS § 610.340 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County courts: Court records are retained permanently under Kentucky court retention rules administered by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking and jail records are subject to agency-specific retention schedules approved by KDLA; periods vary by record type.
- State repository: The Kentucky State Police retains conviction records permanently. Records of arrests not resulting in conviction may be subject to expungement under applicable statute.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or digital elimination of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it; the record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.
- Expungement is a legal process by which a court orders the removal of a criminal record from public access. Under Kentucky law, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for expungement. Eligibility criteria and procedures are governed by KRS § 431.073 for felonies and related provisions for misdemeanors.
Old Records Access
Records predating digital court systems may require special in-person requests at the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk's office or through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives for archived materials.
Expungement
Individuals who obtain an expungement order from a Kentucky court will have qualifying records removed from public access. Expunged records may, however, remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specified purposes. Expungement does not affect records maintained by the FBI under federal law.
Federal Records
The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains a separate national criminal history database. Federal records are governed by federal law and are not subject to Kentucky's open records or expungement statutes.
Practical Implications
Convictions that have not been expunged remain accessible on background checks regardless of the age of the offense. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported without a time limit. Professional licensing boards in Kentucky may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged by court order.