Woodford County Public Records / Woodford County Arrest Records

Woodford County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Woodford County in 2026

WoodfordRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Woodford County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters. The completeness and currency of records vary by source and are subject to applicable state law.

Arrest records in Woodford County may be searched through official resources including the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, public access terminals, and online databases. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Woodford County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster that members of the public may access online. The roster is updated on a rolling basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The Woodford County Sheriff's Office website provides current inmate information directly.

2. Local Police Departments

The Versailles Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Woodford County. The department periodically publishes press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about specific arrest logs.

Versailles Police Department 196 Beasley Drive Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3126 Versailles Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Kentucky Court of Justice operates an online case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal case records by name. Arrest records are frequently linked to associated court case filings, which include charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Kentucky Court of Justice case search tool is available at no cost for basic name searches.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) maintains the official state criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Kentucky State Police Records Section. A fee applies for civilian record requests. The repository includes arrests from all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth and is updated as agencies submit records.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Woodford County Sheriff's Office 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-4444 Woodford County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number.
Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted at the records window.

Clerk of Court:

Woodford Circuit Court Clerk 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3244 Woodford Circuit Court Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office.
Copy fees are set by the Kentucky Court of Justice and are assessed per page.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Woodford County Sheriff's Office at 103 S. Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address and contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Woodford County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (859) 873-4444 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed investigative materials, including police narratives and witness statements, are subject to disclosure rules 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, Versailles Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Woodford County

Arrest records in Woodford County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act, all public agency records are open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted and may be sealed under Kentucky law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
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 cases
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations and statutory exemptions protect individuals from unwarranted invasions of privacy, particularly where charges were not pursued or resulted in acquittal.

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 (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
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. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. 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 does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Woodford County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
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 partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency
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
Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases

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 bond, or 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
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Woodford County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproduction but may not charge for staff time spent locating records.

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 (standard agency rate)
Certified copies	Varies by office; typically $5.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	No charge or nominal fee
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only
Kentucky State Police criminal history check (civilian)	$20.00 per request

Inspection of records at the Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Copy fees at the Circuit Court Clerk are set by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
The Woodford County Sheriff's Office assesses per-page copy fees consistent with agency policy.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash and personal check; the Kentucky State Police accepts payment online for civilian record requests.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion under KRS § 61.874.
Online case searches through the Kentucky Court of Justice are available at no cost for basic name and case number queries.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Woodford County

Kentucky law provides for both expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restriction of public access) of certain arrest records. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from agency files and the state repository, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying record. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under KRS § 431.076 and related provisions, the following circumstances may qualify an individual for expungement of arrest records in Kentucky:

Charges were dismissed with prejudice
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecutor declined to file charges (no information filed)
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
Certain misdemeanor and Class D felony convictions may be eligible after a waiting period and upon meeting statutory criteria

Juvenile records are subject to separate expungement procedures under Kentucky law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Woodford Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and the applicable waiting period.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Kentucky Court of Justice.
File the petition with the Woodford Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee. As of the current fee schedule, the filing fee for expungement petitions in Kentucky is $100.00 for eligible misdemeanors and $300.00 for eligible felonies; no filing fee applies for cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the Kentucky State Police and relevant agencies to update their records.

Woodford Circuit Court Clerk 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3244 Woodford Circuit Court Clerk

Kentucky State Police Records Section 1250 Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 227-8700 Kentucky State Police Records

Following entry of an expungement order, third-party commercial databases may not update immediately. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact those services separately to request removal, as those entities are not bound by the court order in the same manner as government agencies.

What Happens After Arrest in Woodford County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Woodford County, the arrested individual is transported to the Woodford County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Woodford County Detention Center 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-4444 Woodford County Sheriff's Office

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. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility. Court schedules are available through the Kentucky Court of Justice.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention center or clerk's office.
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule for certain offenses.

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant.
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount under Kentucky law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates.
No monetary payment is required.
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond.
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Release on bond may be subject to conditions including regular check-in with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision requirements.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours.
Personal property is returned.
The individual receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release.
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation and phone privileges are explained.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income. Applications are processed through the Department of Public Advocacy.

Department of Public Advocacy – Versailles Office 120 N. Main Street, Suite 200 Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-5178 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. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention center in confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Woodford County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file an information or seek a grand jury indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Woodford County Commonwealth's Attorney 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3491 Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses, the Commonwealth may present the case to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant 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:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. 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. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict results in immediate release; a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.

Sentencing:

Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 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 a few months in most instances
Felony cases: May extend to a year or more depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the United States Constitution and the Kentucky Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Woodford County Detention Center / Sheriff's Office 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-4444 Woodford County Sheriff's Office

Woodford Circuit Court Clerk 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3244 Woodford Circuit Court Clerk

Woodford County Commonwealth's Attorney 103 S. Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-3491 Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys

Department of Public Advocacy – Versailles Office 120 N. Main Street, Suite 200 Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 873-5178 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 other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney.
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Woodford County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Woodford County is governed by Kentucky law and the policies of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Under the Kentucky Public Records Act and applicable retention schedules, agencies are required to maintain records for specified periods based on record type and case disposition.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court clerk.
The Kentucky State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the individual's criminal history.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the agency's retention schedule, which is subject to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives guidelines.
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged.
Records may remain accessible in public databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order.

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently.
Local law enforcement retains arrest records subject to the applicable retention schedule.
Acquitted individuals may petition for expungement under Kentucky law.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods.
Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible for immediate expungement under Kentucky statute.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the agency's approved retention schedule.
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense.

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods, with many agencies maintaining digital records permanently.
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to government retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Kentucky Court of Justice electronic records are maintained in accordance with court retention policies and are often permanent.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records following expungement unless subject to a specific legal obligation.
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of update obligations following expungement requires individual follow-up with each service.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives general records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies.
Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Contact the Woodford County Sheriff's Office at (859) 873-4444 for information about specific records.

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files are retained permanently.
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period specified in the court's retention schedule.
Electronic court records are maintained permanently in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system.

State Repository:

The Kentucky State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth.
Retention policy is governed by state administrative regulation and is accessible through the Kentucky State Police Records Section.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently.
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks without a time limitation.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the Kentucky State Police updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement. The timeframe for removal from agency systems varies following entry of the court order.
No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires; immediate expungement may be available.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available through online resources including the Sheriff's Office website and the Kentucky Court of Justice case search portal.
Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk's office and may involve retrieval from archives with a longer processing time.
Very old records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form; some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the agency's approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report records from the preceding seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely for positions with salaries above a specified threshold. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework. Expunged records should not appear on consumer background checks, though third-party databases may require individual follow-up to ensure removal.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Woodford County Sheriff's Records Division at (859) 873-4444 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Kentucky Open Records Act may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.