Knox County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Knox County in 2026

KnoxCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Knox County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and offender status information. Record availability and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.

Arrest records in Knox County may be searched through official law enforcement agencies, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the Knox County Detention Center. The roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may access the jail roster by contacting the detention center directly or by submitting a public records request under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act. Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes:

• Arrestee full name and date of birth
• Booking date and time
• Charges at time of arrest
• Bond amount and custody status
• Arresting agency

Knox County Sheriff's Office
401 Court Square, Suite 102
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3181
Knox County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Barbourville Police Department serves the county seat and issues press releases and arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Members of the public may request arrest logs directly from the department's records division. The Kentucky State Police Post 10 also serves Knox County and issues public news releases regarding significant arrests and investigations in the area.

Barbourville Police Department
103 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-4244

Kentucky State Police Post 10
3319 South US 421
Harlan, KY 40831
Phone: (606) 573-3131
KSP Post 10

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Knox Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search case records by name through the Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet public access portal. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated court case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

Knox Circuit Court Clerk
401 Court Square, Suite 202
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3568
Kentucky Court of Justice

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, including those on parole or probation. The Kentucky State Police maintains the state criminal history repository; certified background checks may be requested through KSP for a fee. At present, the standard fee for a name-based criminal history check through the Kentucky State Police is $20.00. The database includes arrest and conviction records from all Kentucky jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
401 Court Square, Suite 102
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3181
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees are assessed pursuant to KRS § 61.874, which permits agencies to charge the actual cost of reproduction, not to exceed ten cents per page for standard paper copies.

Clerk of Court:

Knox Circuit Court Clerk
401 Court Square, Suite 202
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3568
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Kentucky Court of Justice

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of $0.50 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Knox County Sheriff's Office at 401 Court Square, Suite 102, Barbourville, KY 40906. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to seven business days following receipt.

By Phone:

The Knox County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (606) 546-3181 during regular business hours. Basic custody status information may be provided by phone; however, detailed booking records and certified copies require an in-person visit or written request. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels.

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, city police, or state police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County

Arrest records in Knox County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to KRS § 61.870 through § 61.884, the Kentucky Open Records Act, all public agency records are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Kentucky Attorney General has consistently affirmed that booking records, jail rosters, and arrest logs maintained by law enforcement agencies constitute public records subject to disclosure. As the Kentucky Attorney General's Office has stated, "the Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government is the servant of the people and not the master of them."

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests, including government transparency and accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening for employment and licensing, and use in 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 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 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 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
• Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are not publicly accessible

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution, Section 1, affirms the right of the people to seek and obtain information from their government. The Open Records Act balances the public's right to transparency against individual privacy interests. 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 outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

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 and regulatory agencies
• Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers subject to FCRA requirements may not use arrest records that are more than seven years old in most circumstances. 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 adverse employment decisions may expose employers to legal liability.

What's in Knox County Arrest Records

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 and 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, which may be the Knox County Sheriff's Office, Barbourville Police Department, or Kentucky State Police Post 10
• Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
• 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 and classifications by 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 booking facility
• Intake process timestamp
• Booking photograph
• Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

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 (District or Circuit)
• Scheduled arraignment date
• Court location
• Judge assignment, where available through the Kentucky Court of Justice case search

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

• Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
• Witness statements
• Victim identifying information
• Evidence collected during investigation
• Investigative techniques or methods
• Medical or mental health information
• Social Security number, which is redacted
• Bank account or financial information
• Detailed residential address in certain circumstances

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 following arrest and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk
• Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
• Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Knox County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge the actual cost of reproduction, with a standard maximum of ten cents per page for paper copies. The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Agency	Fee
Paper copy (standard)	Sheriff's Office / Court Clerk	$0.10 per page
Certified court document copy	Circuit Court Clerk	$0.50 per page + $5.00 certification
Name-based criminal history check	Kentucky State Police	$20.00
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency	Actual cost of duplication
Inspection of records (in person)	All agencies	No charge

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. The Kentucky State Police accepts payment by credit card for online criminal history requests.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, such as by nonprofit organizations or journalists, at the discretion of the agency. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing with the records request and should state the basis for the waiver.

Online inspection of court case records through the Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet portal is available at no charge for basic case information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Knox County

Under Kentucky law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or deletion of records, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement to retain the records internally. Kentucky law provides for expungement of certain arrest records under KRS § 431.076 and related provisions.

Eligibility for Expungement:

• Arrests where no charges were filed
• Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
• Acquittals following trial
• Certain misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
• Certain Class D felony convictions after a five-year waiting period, subject to specific eligibility criteria
• Diversion program completions resulting in dismissal

Arrests and charges that are NOT eligible for expungement include:

• Sex offenses requiring registration
• Violent felony offenses
• Cases with pending charges or active probation
• Offenses involving a victim under 18 in certain categories

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Knox County:

1. Obtain a certified copy of the court disposition from the Knox Circuit Court Clerk at 401 Court Square, Suite 202, Barbourville, KY 40906.
2. Complete the official expungement petition form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk or through the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
3. File the petition with the Knox Circuit Court Clerk. The current filing fee for an expungement petition is $100.00, though this fee may be waived for indigent petitioners upon application.
4. The court will schedule a hearing. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will be notified and may object.
5. If the petition is granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the records.
6. Following entry of the order, the petitioner should provide certified copies to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Kentucky State Police, and any other agency holding records.

Knox Circuit Court Clerk
401 Court Square, Suite 202
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3568
Kentucky Court of Justice

Knox County Commonwealth's Attorney
401 Court Square
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3266

Members of the public who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from the Department of Public Advocacy or a legal aid organization serving southeastern Kentucky.

What Happens After Arrest in Knox County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Knox County, the arrested individual is transported to the Knox County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Knox County Detention Center
196 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3522

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Knox County Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

• Recording of personal identification information
• Administration of Miranda rights advisement
• Photograph (mugshot) taken
• Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
• Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
• Personal property inventoried and secured
• Issuance of jail uniform
• Medical screening
• 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 no event later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance, the court:

• Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
• Appoints the Department of Public Advocacy if the defendant is indigent
• Sets bond or bail
• Advises the defendant of constitutional rights

Initial appearances in Knox County are conducted at the Knox District Court and may be held via video conference from the detention center.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Knox County Detention Center. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

• Regular check-in with pretrial services
• Travel restrictions
• No-contact orders
• Drug and alcohol testing
• GPS monitoring
• Pretrial supervision compliance

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours following payment. The defendant receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant receives a housing assignment, participates in inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Defendants who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Department of Public Advocacy. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Department of Public Advocacy – Knox County
Serves Knox County through the regional office
Phone: (606) 337-3002
Department of Public Advocacy

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Knox 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 issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review and negotiation.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion program completion, plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programming.

Timeline Overview:

• Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
• First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
• Misdemeanor cases: resolution within weeks to several months
• Felony cases: resolution within several months to over one year
• Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution

Important Contacts:

Knox County Detention Center
196 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3522

Knox Circuit Court Clerk
401 Court Square, Suite 202
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3568
Kentucky Court of Justice

Knox County Commonwealth's Attorney
401 Court Square
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3266

Department of Public Advocacy
Phone: (606) 337-3002
Department of Public Advocacy

What to Do If Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Knox County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Knox County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to follow the applicable retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide through the Interstate Identification Index

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently in court records
• Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years following case closure
• State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

• Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of three to five years
• Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
• State repository retains records unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals:

• Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
• Local law enforcement records retained per agency policy, typically three to five years
• Records may remain in databases unless the subject petitions for expungement

Charges Not Filed:

• Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
• Local arrest logs retained per agency schedule
• May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

• Booking paperwork: minimum three to five years
• Fingerprint cards: retained per state schedule, often permanently for felony arrests
• Photographs: retained per agency policy

Digital Records:

• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: minimum three years
• Records management system entries: often retained permanently
• Court electronic records: permanent for most criminal cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records and update them when notified of expungements, but enforcement varies. Individuals who obtain an expungement order should notify major background check providers directly.

Retention by Agency:

Knox County Sheriff's Office:

• Booking records: minimum three to five years
• Arrest reports: minimum five years
• Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
• Contact: (606) 546-3181

Knox Circuit Court Clerk:

• Felony case files: permanent
• Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
• Traffic cases: minimum five years
• Electronic records: permanent

Kentucky State Police Criminal History Repository:

• Maintains records of all arrests reported by Kentucky law enforcement agencies
• Retention is permanent for felony arrests; policy for non-conviction records is subject to expungement orders
• Kentucky State Police administers the state criminal history database

FBI Database:

• NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index retain records on a permanent basis
• Accessible to law enforcement agencies for criminal justice purposes
• Background checks for employment and firearms purchases draw from this database

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

• Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
• Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
• Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updates upon receipt of court order; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
• No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years; eligible for expungement petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction are distinguished from convictions in background check reports, and employers are advised to consider this distinction in adverse action decisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Knox County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 546-3181 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Kentucky Open Records Act may be required to obtain confirmation of record existence or destruction.

Lookup Arrest Records in Knox County

• Kentucky Online Offender Lookup – Kentucky Department of Corrections
• Kentucky Court of Justice – Case Search and Arrest Warrant Information
• Kentucky State Police Post 10 Traffic Safety Checkpoint – Knox County
• KSP Post 10 – Serving Bell, Harlan, and Knox Counties
• Kentucky State Police Murder Investigation – Knox/Laurel County Line