Shelby County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Shelby County in 2026
ShelbyCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Shelby County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, criminal court filings, inmate rosters, and law enforcement agency reports. Information presented reflects what has been made available through government sources and may not reflect the most current case status.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county and maintains booking records for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The Sheriff's Office updates custody information on an ongoing basis, and inquiries regarding specific individuals may be directed to the records division by phone or in-person visit.
Available information through the Sheriff's Office includes:
- Arrestee name and date of birth
- Booking date and time
- Charges at time of arrest
- Custody status
- Bond amount and type
2. Local Police Departments
The Shelbyville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within the county seat. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal arrest should direct requests to the appropriate city police department based on the jurisdiction in which the arrest occurred.
Shelbyville Police Department
600 Washington St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-1323
Shelbyville Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records for all matters filed in the county. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county." Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, which include charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Kentucky Court of Justice also provides an online case search tool through its eCourts portal for remote access to case index information.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository and processes requests for criminal record information. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit an open records request to the Kentucky State Police to obtain records within the scope of the Kentucky Open Records Act. The Kentucky Department of Corrections operates the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, which allows the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, including those serving sentences for felony offenses. No fee is charged to search the KOOL database.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
501 Main St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-4324
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with Kentucky law.
Shelby County Detention Center (Jailer's Office):
501 Main St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-1323
Shelby County Detention Center
Clerk of Court:
501 Washington St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2352
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shelby Circuit Court Clerk
Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page as established under Kentucky statute.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Mail requests are directed to: Shelby County Sheriff's Office, 501 Main St, Shelbyville, KY 40065. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (502) 633-4324
- Detention Center: (502) 633-1323
Telephone inquiries may yield limited information. Staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex or document-specific requests are referred to in-person or written submission.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery processes in active criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials exempt from standard public disclosure.
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, city police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Shelby County
Arrest records in Shelby 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 records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and academic 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 pertaining 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
- 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. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm based on unresolved or unfounded allegations.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Kentucky does not currently maintain a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual jurisdictions may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Shelby County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Shelby County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and updated as the case progresses.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount and type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Assigned court case number
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and, where available, judge assignment
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected or investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Police Report | Detailed incident narrative prepared by the arresting officer |
| Court Records | Legal proceedings initiated following arrest |
| Criminal Record | Convictions, sentences, and dispositions across all cases |
| Background Check | Comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources |
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Shelby County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Shelby County is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act. Under KRS § 61.874, agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproduction, which for standard paper copies is currently set at no more than ten cents ($0.10) per page for copies made on standard letter or legal-size paper.
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page |
| Nonstandard size copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies; set by court clerk |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of medium, if any |
| Record inspection (no copies) | No charge |
Members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order payable to the applicable agency. The Circuit Court Clerk may assess separate certification fees for documents requiring an official court seal.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in circumstances where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency. Requests submitted by news media organizations for records related to matters of public concern may also qualify for reduced or waived fees under applicable provisions of the Open Records Act.
Online searches through the Kentucky Court of Justice eCourts portal and the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system are available at no charge to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Shelby County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, where granted, requires agencies to treat the record as though it does not exist for most purposes.
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement of the arrest record. Eligible circumstances include cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted at trial, the prosecutor declined to file charges, or the case was resolved through a diversion program resulting in dismissal. Certain misdemeanor convictions may also be eligible for expungement after a waiting period, subject to the specific offense and the individual's criminal history.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Shelby County:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Shelby Circuit Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type, case disposition, and applicable waiting period under Kentucky law.
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
- File the petition with the Shelby Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee. As of the current fee schedule, the filing fee for an expungement petition is $100.00, though this fee may be waived for indigent petitioners.
- Serve notice on the Commonwealth's Attorney as required by statute.
- Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether the petition meets the statutory requirements.
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record.
Following entry of an expungement order, the Kentucky State Police repository and local law enforcement agencies are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to court orders and may not update records automatically; individuals should contact such services directly with a copy of the expungement order.
Shelby Circuit Court Clerk
501 Washington St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2352
Shelby Circuit Court Clerk
Kentucky State Police – Criminal Records
1250 Louisville Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police Open Records
What Happens After Arrest in Shelby County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Shelby County Detention Center, operated under the authority of the Shelby County Jailer. 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 arresting officer must complete preliminary investigative steps.
Shelby County Detention Center
501 Main St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-1323
Shelby County Jailer
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection and submission to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and secure storage of personal property
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
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 court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and, where applicable, appoints a public defender for those who qualify based on financial need. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the individual appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The individual 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. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the individual's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates, with no monetary payment required. The court considers community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk in making this determination.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision reporting.
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 next court date, and a copy of any conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody at the Shelby County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary access, 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 at the initial appearance. The Department of Public Advocacy serves Shelby County.
Department of Public Advocacy – Shelbyville Office
Phone: (502) 633-1228
Kentucky 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 individuals seeking representation. Defense attorneys may visit clients at the detention center in confidential attorney-client consultations.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Shelby County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file charges different from those listed at booking. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates. Arraignment in Kentucky occurs within a reasonable time following the filing of formal charges.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase involves discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court programs, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing options available to the court include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | 24–72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor) | Weeks to several months |
| Arraignment to resolution (felony) | Several months to over one year |
Important Contacts:
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
501 Main St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-4324
Shelby County Sheriff
Shelby Circuit Court Clerk
501 Washington St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-2352
Shelby Circuit Court Clerk
Shelby County Commonwealth's Attorney
501 Washington St, Suite 201
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: (502) 633-7544
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, or friends
- Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
- Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Shelby County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Kentucky is governed by state law, agency policy, and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives records retention schedules. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center. Felony conviction records appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Local law enforcement and court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently or for an extended period consistent with state retention schedules. The Kentucky State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests resulting in dismissed charges remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Local law enforcement agencies retain booking records for a minimum period consistent with state retention schedules, and court records may be retained permanently absent an expungement.
Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk. Law enforcement booking records are retained for a period consistent with agency policy and may remain accessible unless expunged.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period and may be eligible for expungement under Kentucky law.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable state retention schedule. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for periods established by agency policy, and electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to court expungement orders. These entities are governed by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the use of records in employment and housing decisions, but are not required to remove records solely on the basis of a state court expungement order absent a specific legal obligation.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives general records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies. Contact the records division at (502) 633-4324 for information regarding a specific record.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period consistent with the court's records retention schedule. Electronic records maintained through the Kentucky Court of Justice system are retained on a permanent basis.
Kentucky State Police Repository: The Kentucky State Police maintains a centralized criminal history repository that includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and federal requirements applicable to state criminal history repositories.
FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index retain records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be eligible for expungement |
| Expungement granted | Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation applicable in many states, though Kentucky does not currently impose a separate state-law restriction on reporting non-conviction records beyond the federal standard. Convictions may be reported without a time limitation under federal law. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with all applicable FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Shelby County Sheriff's records division at (502) 633-4324 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.