Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinKYRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access to records is subject to applicable state law, and not all records may be complete or current.

Official arrest records in Franklin County may be searched through the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky Court of Justice case portal, and law enforcement agency websites. The following sections outline available methods for locating these records online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the Franklin County Regional Jail. Members of the public may access the Franklin County Regional Jail inmate search to view current custody status, charges, and bond information. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond amount.

2. Local Police Departments

The Frankfort Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Franklin County. The department periodically publishes press releases and arrest summaries through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the Frankfort Police Department may submit a public records request directly to the department's records division.

Frankfort Police Department 316 W. Second St. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 875-8582 Frankfort Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in Franklin Circuit or District Court. The Kentucky Court of Justice eCourts case search allows members of the public to search by name for associated criminal case filings. Searching by the arrestee's full legal name will return any court cases connected to an arrest, including charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Kentucky State Police records portal. A standard background check includes arrests, charges, and dispositions recorded statewide. A fee applies to civilian requests, currently set at $20.00 per record check. This database is the most comprehensive source for statewide arrest and conviction history.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office 321 W. Main St., Suite 100 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 875-5002 Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Police Departments:

Frankfort Police Department 316 W. Second St. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 875-8582 Frankfort Police Department

Records requests at the Frankfort Police Department are processed through the records division during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the incident. Copy fees are assessed per page.

Clerk of Court:

Franklin Circuit Court Clerk 222 St. Clair St. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-8386 Franklin Circuit Court Clerk

The clerk's office maintains criminal case files for all felony and misdemeanor matters adjudicated in Franklin County. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page, and certified copies carry an additional certification fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 321 W. Main St., Suite 100, Frankfort, KY 40601. Each request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be enclosed in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to current workload and may range from several business days to several weeks.

By Phone:

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (502) 875-5002 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status or direct callers to the appropriate online resource or in-person process. Detailed record information is not released by telephone. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through these legal mechanisms when not subject to statutory exemption.

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, Frankfort Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act establishes that all public agency records are open for inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action — the exercise of law enforcement authority — and their public availability serves government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening purposes.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
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
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment interest in press and public access to arrest information must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges are not prosecuted or result in acquittal. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest history. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Franklin County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information, each serving a distinct administrative or legal purpose.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Frankfort Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Kentucky Revised Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification of each charge (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR) bond
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Franklin District Court or Franklin Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Franklin County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

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
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Franklin County?

Members of the public may inspect public records at the relevant agency at no charge. Fees are assessed when copies are requested. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.874, public agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic copies	May be provided at no charge or at reduced cost
Search fee	Not permitted under Kentucky Open Records Act
Inspection (in person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods vary by agency but commonly include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. The Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk assesses copy fees consistent with the Kentucky Court of Justice fee schedule. The Kentucky State Police criminal history record check carries a flat fee of $20.00 for civilian requests, payable at the time of submission.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in connection with legal proceedings. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request. Inspection of records at a public access terminal, where available, is provided at no cost.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting 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. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though it never existed for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 431.073, individuals whose charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were not prosecuted may petition for expungement of the arrest record. Felony convictions are eligible for expungement under a separate provision if the offense is listed on the eligible felony schedule and the required waiting period has elapsed. Misdemeanor convictions may also be expunged after a five-year waiting period, provided no subsequent convictions have occurred.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Franklin County:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and waiting period under Kentucky law
Complete the AOC-496 (Petition for Expungement of Felony Conviction) or AOC-497 (Petition for Expungement of Misdemeanor Conviction/Charge) form, available through the Kentucky Court of Justice forms portal
File the completed petition with the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, if one is set by the court
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the Kentucky State Police and other relevant agencies to update their records

Franklin Circuit Court Clerk 222 St. Clair St. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-8386 Franklin Circuit Court Clerk

Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney 222 St. Clair St., Suite 200 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-4942 Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney

The filing fee for an expungement petition in Kentucky is currently $100.00 for eligible felony convictions and $100.00 for misdemeanor convictions. There is no filing fee for expungement of dismissed charges or acquittals. Following entry of an expungement order, the Kentucky State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and local law enforcement agencies are directed to seal or destroy the relevant records. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may require separate dispute processes under the FCRA.

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Franklin County, the arrested individual is transported to the Franklin County Regional Jail. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Franklin County Regional Jail 400 Coffee Tree Rd. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 875-8740 Franklin County Regional Jail

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Franklin County Regional Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification 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. The initial appearance serves to formally notify the defendant of the charges, determine bond or bail, advise the defendant of the right to counsel, and, where applicable, appoint a public defender for indigent defendants. Initial appearances in Franklin County may be conducted in person or via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. 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: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant or a co-signer pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The defendant 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 an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release: Release conditions may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of the 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 Franklin County Regional Jail, receives a housing assignment, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Franklin County Public Defender 100 Airport Rd., Suite 2 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-8006 Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private counsel. The Kentucky Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to private criminal defense attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. The arraignment, at which the defendant formally enters a plea, follows the filing of charges.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge imposes the sentence.

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 widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months in most instances
Felony cases: may extend from several months to over a year
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Kentucky Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office 321 W. Main St., Suite 100 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 875-5002 Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Franklin Circuit Court Clerk 222 St. Clair St. Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-8386 Franklin Circuit Court Clerk

Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney 222 St. Clair St., Suite 200 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-4942 Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney

Franklin County Public Defender 100 Airport Rd., Suite 2 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-8006 Kentucky 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 anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 171.410 et seq., public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of that process. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court clerk
Maintained in the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository
Accessible on background checks unless expunged

Dismissed Charges:

Retained by local law enforcement for a period consistent with the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
May remain in the state repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
Subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a shorter period consistent with the retention schedule
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are often retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Kentucky law enforcement records retention schedule. The records division may be contacted at (502) 875-5002 for information about specific records.

Frankfort Police Department: Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable retention schedule. The records division may be contacted at (502) 875-8582.

Franklin Circuit Court Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period consistent with the court records retention schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic filing system.

Kentucky State Police Criminal History Repository: The Kentucky State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Kentucky. The retention policy for the state repository is governed by KSP administrative regulations. Members of the public may access information about the repository through the Kentucky State Police records division.

FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Kentucky law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. An expungement order directs local law enforcement and the state repository to seal or destroy the relevant records, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the record. Third-party commercial background check companies are not bound by the expungement order and may require separate dispute processes under the FCRA to update their records.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrest records are available through online search tools maintained by the Franklin County Regional Jail and the Kentucky Court of Justice. Older records may require an in-person request at the relevant agency's records division. Records that predate digital systems may exist only in paper form and may be subject to longer retrieval times. Records that have been destroyed pursuant to the retention schedule are no longer available.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies in certain contexts, and employers in some industries are subject to additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in hiring decisions.