Warrant records are public documents in Lexington, Kentucky, pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records maintained by public agencies, including those pertaining to arrest warrants and bench warrants issued within Fayette County.
The Kentucky Open Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in government proceedings serves the public interest. According to KRS § 61.871, the basic policy of the Commonwealth is that "free and open examination of public records is in the public interest." This statutory framework ensures that warrant information remains accessible to members of the public, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information.
Citizens seeking warrant information may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency. The Fayette District Court maintains records of warrants issued within its jurisdiction and makes non-confidential information available in accordance with state law.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides several official channels through which members of the public may access warrant information in Lexington:
Kentucky Court of Justice Website: The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains an online portal where certain court records, including some warrant information, may be accessed. Users must create an account to utilize the search functions.
Fayette County Court Records: The Fayette Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains court records that may include warrant information. These records can be accessed at:
Fayette Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse
120 N. Limestone, Room 103
Lexington, KY 40507
859-246-2141
Fayette Circuit Court
CourtNet 2.0: This subscription-based service provides access to court records throughout Kentucky, including warrant information. Access requires registration and payment of applicable fees as established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Pursuant to KRS § 61.874, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Electronic access to certain records may require payment of subscription fees or per-record charges as authorized by statute.
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Lexington may utilize several official channels:
Direct Court Inquiry: Contact or visit the Fayette District Court Criminal Division, which processes and maintains warrant records:
Fayette District Court - Criminal Division
Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse
150 N. Limestone, First Floor
Lexington, KY 40507
859-246-2228
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Fayette District Court
Online Court Records: The Kentucky Court of Justice provides access to court records through its online portal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to fees for certain searches.
Legal Representation: Individuals may retain counsel to conduct warrant searches on their behalf. Attorneys have access to additional resources and can provide guidance regarding any outstanding warrants.
Law Enforcement Agencies: The Lexington Police Department can verify warrant status:
Lexington Police Department
150 E. Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-258-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pursuant to KRS § 431.005, a peace officer may make an arrest when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a warrant for the person's arrest has been issued in this state or in another jurisdiction. Individuals with outstanding warrants are advised to address the matter promptly through appropriate legal channels.
Members of the public may verify the existence of outstanding warrants in Lexington through several authorized methods:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information and can verify active warrants:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
150 N. Limestone, Suite 265
Lexington, KY 40507
859-252-1771
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court Clerk's Office: The Fayette Circuit Court Clerk maintains official court records, including warrant information:
Fayette Circuit Court Clerk
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse
120 N. Limestone, Room 103
Lexington, KY 40507
859-246-2141
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Federal Warrants: For federal warrants issued in the Eastern District of Kentucky, inquiries may be directed to:
United States District Court - Eastern District of Kentucky
101 Barr Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-2503
Eastern District of Kentucky
Pursuant to KRS § 431.007, all arrest warrants shall be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by the law enforcement agency obtaining the warrant within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the warrant. This requirement ensures that warrant information is accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Warrant records maintained by Lexington authorities typically contain the following information as required by Kentucky law:
In accordance with KRS § 431.006, all arrest warrants shall be maintained in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement agencies. The Administrative Office of the Courts, in cooperation with the Kentucky State Police, maintains this centralized system to ensure proper tracking and service of warrants.
Certain information within warrant records may be redacted or restricted from public access pursuant to KRS § 61.878, which establishes exemptions to the Open Records Act for confidential or sensitive information, including details that might compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger law enforcement personnel.