Madison County Public Records / Madison County Arrest Records

Madison County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Madison County in 2026

MadisonKYRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Madison County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, court case numbers, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official government resources, the Madison County Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster that reflects current inmates held at the Madison County Detention Center. The Madison County Sheriff's Office publishes booking information that includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects real-time or near-real-time changes in inmate population.

2. Local Police Departments

The Richmond Police Department and Berea Police Department serve the two primary incorporated cities within Madison County. Both departments issue press releases and arrest logs that are accessible through their respective websites and through the Kentucky State Police news portal for Madison County, which publishes law enforcement activity and arrest-related announcements involving state troopers operating in the county.

Richmond Police Department
239 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 623-8911
Richmond Police Department

Berea Police Department
204 Chestnut St.
Berea, KY 40403
Phone: (859) 986-8477
Berea Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Kentucky Court of Justice operates the CourtNet public access system, which allows members of the public to search criminal case records by name. Searching an arrestee's name through this system returns associated court case filings, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Court cases linked to arrests are indexed by defendant name and case number.

Madison Circuit and District Court
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4780
Kentucky Court of Justice

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky State Police maintains the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system, which serves as the statewide repository for arrest and conviction data. Members of the public may request a name-based background check or a fingerprint-based check through the Kentucky State Police background check portal. Name-based searches are available for a fee; fingerprint-based checks are required for certain licensing and employment purposes. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, allows the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, including those on parole or probation.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Madison County Sheriff's Office
107 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 623-1511
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Madison 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 legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below.

Police Departments:

Richmond Police Department
239 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 623-8911
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Richmond Police Department

Records requests submitted to the Richmond Police Department must be made in writing and directed to the Records Division. A per-page copy fee applies to printed records.

Clerk of Court:
Madison Circuit Court Clerk
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4780
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Kentucky Court of Justice

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Madison County Sheriff's Office at 107 W. Irvine St., Richmond, KY 40475. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is typically five to ten business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Madison County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (859) 623-1511 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody but are not able to provide comprehensive arrest history by telephone. Requestors seeking detailed records are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request 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. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials exempt from routine public disclosure.

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's Office, Richmond PD, Berea PD, or Kentucky State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County

Arrest records in Madison County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870–61.884, the Kentucky Open Records Act establishes that records prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by public agencies are open for public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Kentucky Department of Corrections notes in its guidance on open records requests, "Public records are those materials prepared, owned, used, possessed, maintained or retained by state and local government agencies that must be open for public" inspection. Arrest records fall within this definition and are accessible to any member of the public upon request.

The public interest in arrest records is grounded in government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and the needs of legal proceedings. Arrest records allow the public to monitor law enforcement activity and hold government agencies accountable.

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 not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The Act balances transparency with privacy by enumerating specific exemptions while preserving a strong presumption of openness. The First Amendment protects the right of the press and public to access information about government activity, including law enforcement actions. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, 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 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 decisions made by consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to FCRA requirements must follow adverse action procedures when using arrest information. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and many jurisdictions restrict the use of non-conviction arrest data in employment and housing decisions.

What's in Madison 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 or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Kentucky State Police)
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
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location (Madison County Detention Center)
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public 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 (District or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
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, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases

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

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.874, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of public records, but the fee may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 per page
Certified copies (court records)	$0.50 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	No charge or nominal fee
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge
Name-based background check (KSP)	$20.00
Fingerprint-based background check (KSP)	$20.00 + fingerprinting fee

Accepted payment methods at the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written explanation with their request. Inspection of records at a public agency is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies. The Kentucky State Police background check portal provides current fee schedules for state-level criminal history requests.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Madison County

Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of records from agency files, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying records. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 431.073–431.079, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed with prejudice
The individual was acquitted at trial
No charges were filed following arrest
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The offense qualifies as an eligible misdemeanor or Class D felony under current Kentucky law

Felony expungement eligibility was expanded under Kentucky law to include certain Class D felonies, subject to a five-year waiting period following completion of the sentence and satisfaction of all conditions. Violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses involving children are not eligible for expungement.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the court's final disposition from the Madison Circuit or District Court Clerk at 135 W. Irvine St., Richmond, KY 40475.
Complete the appropriate expungement petition form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk or through the Kentucky Court of Justice.
File the petition with the Madison Circuit or District Court, depending on the level of the offense.
Pay the filing fee. Under current law, the filing fee for expungement is $100.00 for eligible misdemeanors and $250.00 for eligible felonies, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney or County Attorney, as applicable.
Attend the scheduled hearing. The court will grant the petition if the petitioner meets all statutory requirements and no objection is sustained.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies all relevant agencies, including the Kentucky State Police repository, to update or destroy records accordingly.

Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney
135 W. Irvine St., Suite 201
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4793

Madison County District Court Clerk
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4780
Kentucky Court of Justice

Following entry of an expungement order, the Kentucky State Police updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals should contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Madison County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Madison County Detention Center, the primary booking facility serving the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of transport personnel.

Madison County Detention Center
107 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4786
Madison 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 in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical screening
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 within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the individual of the charges
Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent
Sets bond or bail
Advises the individual of their rights

Initial appearances may be conducted 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 Detention Center. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant may engage 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 responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court may release the defendant on a written promise to appear, without requiring payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, 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, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

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

If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody, 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 appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Madison County Public Defender's Office
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4770

Private Attorney:

Defendants 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 private representation. Attorneys may visit clients at the Detention Center during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information (for misdemeanors), seek a grand jury indictment (for felonies), request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Kentucky are presented to a grand jury, which determines 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 court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas are not guilty, guilty, and Alford plea (a form of guilty plea in which the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the prosecution's evidence). 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 include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal with prejudice may support an expungement petition.
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 Alford plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol 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: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Madison County Detention Center
107 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4786
Madison County Sheriff's Office

Madison Circuit Court Clerk
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4780
Kentucky Court of Justice

Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney
135 W. Irvine St., Suite 201
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4793

Madison County Public Defender's Office
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4770

What to Do If You're 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 waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Madison County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Madison County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Local agencies are required to follow the applicable retention schedule for each record type.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository
Maintained in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
State repository retains indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received
Records remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records: Retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Local arrest logs: Retained for a minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Often eligible for expungement under current Kentucky law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule (minimum three to five years)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals; retained for a minimum of three years for non-convictions
Photographs: Retained per booking record schedule

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and are not subject to expungement orders
Records in third-party databases may not be updated when a record is expunged
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Madison County Sheriff's Office
107 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 623-1511
Madison County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of three to five years for non-conviction cases and permanently for conviction cases, consistent with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives retention schedule.

Madison Circuit Court Clerk
135 W. Irvine St.
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4780
Kentucky Court of Justice

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of three years. Electronic records are retained permanently.

Kentucky State Police Criminal History Repository:

The Kentucky State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records are retained unless an expungement order is received. Members of the public may request their own criminal history through the Kentucky State Police background check portal.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records from all participating jurisdictions. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following entry of an expungement order, local agencies destroy or seal physical records, and the Kentucky State Police updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from third-party commercial databases requires separate action by the individual.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after three years. Individuals may petition for immediate expungement in eligible cases.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet system
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (859) 623-1511 for assistance

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction arrest history for positions paying less than $75,000 annually. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA's provisions. Expunged records are not reportable by consumer reporting agencies following entry of the expungement order.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority and are subject to different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules and are not accessible through routine public records requests