Grayson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grayson County in 2026
GraysonRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Grayson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may access records that include booking details, charges filed, custody status, and court case information. The following record categories are available through official and third-party sources:
- Booking records and mugshots
- Criminal charges and statute violations
- Bond and custody status
- Court case filings linked to arrests
- Inmate and offender search results
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods.
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Grayson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the county detention center. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent arrests. The office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so in-person or phone inquiries are the primary access methods. Records are updated as bookings occur.
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
130 E Main Cross St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3024
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Leitchfield Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. The Leitchfield Police Department publishes information about arrests and public safety matters on its official city website. Members of the public may submit open records requests to the department pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Leitchfield Police Department
200 W White Oak St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-4024
City of Leitchfield Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Grayson County is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county. Members of the public may search for court cases linked to arrests by name through the Grayson County Court of Justice page maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice. Court case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates are accessible through this resource.
Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk
10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3040
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grayson County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit an open records request to the Kentucky State Police to obtain arrest and criminal history information. Additionally, individuals seeking their own criminal history may use the Kentucky State Police background check service, which requires fingerprinting. Fees apply for official background check reports.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 130 E Main Cross St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Phone: (270) 259-3024
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo ID, full name of subject, approximate date of arrest
- Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Leitchfield Police Department, 200 W White Oak St, Leitchfield, KY 42754, (270) 259-4024
- Records requests submitted in writing or in person; fees consistent with state law
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Phone: (270) 259-3040
- Case file inspection available during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies available for an additional fee
By Mail:
- Mailing Address: Grayson County Sheriff's Office, 130 E Main Cross St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
- Written requests must include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Processing time: 3–5 business days for standard requests
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (270) 259-3024
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Limited information is available by phone; 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
- Discovery in active legal proceedings is governed by the Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Leitchfield PD, Kentucky State Police, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Grayson County
Arrest records in Grayson County are public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act, 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. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as foundational documents in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Kentucky law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a 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 cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and KRS § 61.870 together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and background check companies using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment or housing decisions may be subject to legal challenge.
What's in Grayson County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and 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 (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Leitchfield Police Department, Kentucky State Police, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
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 released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Grayson County?
Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies in Kentucky may charge fees for copies of public records, but the fee may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Current standard fees for arrest and court records in Grayson County are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page (law enforcement) / $0.25 per page (court) |
| Certified copies | Additional fee applies (varies by office) |
| Electronic records | No charge in many cases; media cost if applicable |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Kentucky law |
| Inspection (in-person review) | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, and personal check (payable to the respective agency)
- Inspection of records at the agency's office is available at no charge
- Certified copies carry an additional fee set by the individual office
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written request and demonstration of financial need
- Electronic copies, where available, are provided at the cost of the electronic medium used
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Charges apply only when copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Grayson County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record for law enforcement purposes). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records in Kentucky. Eligible circumstances include:
- Charges that were dismissed
- Charges for which the individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
- Cases where the prosecutor declined to file charges
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Certain Class D felony convictions after a waiting period (subject to specific eligibility criteria)
Ineligible Records:
- Convictions for violent offenses
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- DUI convictions
- Cases with pending charges
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under KRS § 431.073 or the applicable statute for the charge type
- Complete the official expungement petition form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Grayson County Circuit Court and pay the filing fee (currently $100 for eligible misdemeanors; $250 for eligible felonies, subject to change)
- Serve notice on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any relevant law enforcement agencies
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth objects
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the Kentucky State Police, the arresting agency, and the court clerk for record removal
Contact Information for Expungement:
Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk
10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3040
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grayson County
Grayson County Public Defender's Office
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may contact the Department of Public Advocacy for assistance with expungement petitions.
Phone: (502) 564-8006 (Kentucky DPA main line)
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
What Happens After Arrest in Grayson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Grayson County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking facility for the county. The Grayson County Detention Center is also designated as an ICE-contracted facility; requests for case information pertaining to detainees held under federal immigration authority are directed to the ICE Chicago Field Office.
Grayson County Detention Center
130 E Main Cross St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3024
ICE – Grayson County Detention Center
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Miranda rights read, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Jail uniform issued
- Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
- 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 within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice – Grayson County page.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount paid in cash to the detention facility
- Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- Released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- Individual held without bond when charged with serious violent offenses, assessed as a flight risk or danger to the community, on probation or parole violation, subject to an immigration hold, or subject to an out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
- Personal property returned
- Written court date and conditions of release provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Not Posted:
- Individual remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
- Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation schedule are provided
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is based on income. The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy assigns counsel at or shortly after the initial appearance.
Grayson County Public Defender (Department of Public Advocacy)
Contact through the Grayson County Circuit Court at the time of initial appearance
Statewide DPA Phone: (502) 564-8006
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Private Attorney:
- Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage
- Attorney visitation at the detention center is available by appointment
- Consultations are confidential
Charging Decision:
The Grayson 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.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
- Pretrial conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to discuss case status and plea negotiations
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
- Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or recommendation
- Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict
Sentencing Options (if convicted):
- Incarceration (jail or prison)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- Combination of the above
- Credit for time served in pretrial detention
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 48 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution | Months (varies widely) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically resolved within 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | Typically resolved within 6–18 months |
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:
Grayson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
130 E Main Cross St, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3024
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk
10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3040
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grayson County
Grayson County Commonwealth's Attorney
10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3554
Grayson County Clerk's Office
10 Public Square, Leitchfield, KY 42754
Phone: (270) 259-3201
Grayson County Clerk's Office
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grayson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Kentucky is governed by state law and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) records retention schedules. Local agencies are required to follow the schedules established under state administrative regulations.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Kentucky State Police repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the court
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain indefinitely
- State repository retains permanently
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository: Record remains unless expungement order received
- May remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records: Retained permanently
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Eligible for expungement under Kentucky law
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years
- Eligible for expungement in many circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per KDLA schedule, minimum three to five years for non-conviction records
- Digital records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement. These entities are subject to the FCRA's accuracy requirements but may not update records promptly following expungement. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party sites separately to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three to five years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for conviction-related records
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Contact: (270) 259-3024
Leitchfield Police Department:
- Arrest records: Minimum three to five years for non-conviction; permanent for conviction-related records
- Incident reports: Minimum five years
- Contact: (270) 259-4024
Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
- Contact: (270) 259-3040
Kentucky State Police Repository:
- Maintains statewide criminal history records for all arrests reported by Kentucky law enforcement agencies
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or removed upon receipt of a court expungement order
- The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections provides current custody and supervision status for individuals in the state correctional system
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is permanent for most records
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be purged after 3 years |
| Expungement granted | Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation |
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online or by phone through the Sheriff's Office
- Arrests from five or more years ago: May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records in archives; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (270) 259-3024
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting conviction records after a set number of years. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many jurisdictions, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state guidance.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Grayson County Sheriff's Records Division at (270) 259-3024
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records
Lookup Arrest Records in Grayson County
- Grayson County court records and Circuit Court Clerk information
- Leitchfield Police Department open records and arrest information
- Grayson County Detention Center – ICE detainee information
- Kentucky State Police open records requests
- Kentucky State Police background checks and criminal history
- Kentucky Offender Online Lookup – Department of Corrections
- Grayson County Clerk's Office – online records and contact information