Carter County Public Records / Carter County Arrest Records

Carter County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Carter County in 2026

CarterCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Carter County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charges filed at the time of arrest, custody status, and associated court case information. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and offender lookup data. All information presented reflects what government agencies make available under applicable public records law and may not represent a complete or final account of any individual's legal history.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Carter County Sheriff's Office, the Carter County Clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice, and state-level law enforcement databases. Members of the public may access these records online, in person, by mail, or by phone, depending on the agency and the nature of the request.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Carter County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may search online. The Carter County Sheriff's Office inmate search displays in-custody inmates, booking dates, charges, and additional custody information. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as individuals are booked into or released from the Carter County Jail. Search capabilities include lookup by inmate name. The roster reflects current custody status and does not serve as a comprehensive historical arrest database.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Grayson, the county seat of Carter County, is served by the Grayson Police Department in addition to the Carter County Sheriff's Office. Press releases and public notices regarding arrests conducted by the Kentucky State Police within Carter County are published on the Kentucky State Police newsroom, which documents enforcement actions including narcotics seizures, warrant service, and impaired driving arrests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal police departments may contact those departments directly for records request procedures.

Grayson Police Department
221 E. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-5561
City of Grayson

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records in Carter County are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk. The Kentucky Court of Justice – Carter County page identifies the Circuit Court Clerk as the primary point of contact for obtaining copies of court records from cases originating in the county. Members of the public may search court cases by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Kentucky Court of Justice also provides statewide online case search tools.

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk
300 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-5188
Kentucky Court of Justice – Carter County

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky Department of Corrections operates the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL), a publicly accessible database that allows searches by offender name. KOOL includes current location, Department of Corrections identification numbers, and offense counts for individuals under the supervision of or incarcerated within the Kentucky corrections system. This database does not include all arrest records but provides relevant information for individuals who have entered the corrections system. No fee is charged for searching KOOL.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Carter County Sheriff's Office
300 W. Main St., Suite 1
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-5000
Carter County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office to request arrest records 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 are assessed per page in accordance with Kentucky law.

Clerk of Court:

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk
300 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-5188
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kentucky Court of Justice – Carter County

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page for reproduced documents.

Carter County Clerk
300 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-4401
Carter County Clerk – Records

The Carter County Clerk's office maintains online records through the eCCLIX platform, which allows members of the public to view or print documents filed with the Clerk's office. Documents are available from January 1, 1985, to the present.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Carter County Sheriff's Office at 300 W. Main St., Suite 1, Grayson, KY 41143. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Carter County Sheriff's Office: (606) 474-5000
Carter County Circuit Court Clerk: (606) 474-5188
Phone inquiries may yield limited information; requestors are frequently directed to online systems or in-person visits for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by court rules and applicable protective orders.

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, municipal police, or state police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Carter County

Arrest records in Carter County are public records subject to disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records. Arrest records are treated as public because they document the exercise of governmental authority, promote transparency in law enforcement, and serve the public interest in community safety and accountability.

Arrest records serve a range of legitimate purposes, including journalism and investigative research, background screening by employers and licensing agencies, legal proceedings, and general community awareness. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."

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 or sealed under Kentucky law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access pursuant to court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records, balancing transparency with individual privacy interests. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record, which documents a law enforcement action, and a conviction, which reflects a judicial determination of guilt.

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 screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. An arrest that did not result in conviction carries no legal presumption of guilt, and certain jurisdictions restrict the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions.

What's in Carter County Arrest Records

Carter County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the initial stages of the criminal process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or Kentucky State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Kentucky Revised Statutes section numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing 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, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, if available

What Is Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account 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 follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

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

Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies in Kentucky may charge for the actual cost of reproducing public records. The standard fee structure for copies of public records at Carter County agencies is as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Record inspection (in person)	No charge for inspection only

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certification fees are assessed separately from per-page copy fees.
Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order; members of the public should confirm accepted methods with the specific agency prior to visiting.
Fee waiver provisions may apply for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency.
The Carter County Clerk's eCCLIX online platform allows users to view or print documents; printing fees may apply depending on the user's access level.
Court records obtained through the Circuit Court Clerk are subject to the fee schedule established by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
No fee is charged to search the Carter County Sheriff's Office inmate search or the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup online.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Carter County

Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under KRS § 431.073, certain misdemeanor and felony arrests that did not result in conviction, as well as certain Class D felony convictions, may be eligible for expungement in Kentucky.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests where charges were not filed or were dismissed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
Certain Class D felony convictions after a five-year waiting period under specific conditions
Diversion program completions that resulted in dismissal

Arrests and Convictions That Are NOT Eligible:

Sex offenses requiring registration
Violent felony offenses
Offenses involving a minor victim
DUI convictions
Cases with pending charges

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Carter County:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Carter County Circuit Court Clerk to confirm the charge and disposition.
Confirm eligibility under KRS § 431.073 or the applicable statute for the specific offense type.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
File the petition with the Carter County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100 for eligible misdemeanors; $250 for eligible felonies, subject to change).
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth objects; uncontested petitions may be granted without a hearing.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies relevant agencies to update or destroy records.

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk
300 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-5188
Kentucky Court of Justice – Carter County

Carter County Commonwealth's Attorney
300 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-6600
Carter County Attorney – Kentucky.gov

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Kentucky attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Kentucky Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Carter County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Carter County, the arrested individual is transported to the Carter County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

Carter County Detention Center
12 Crossbar Rd.
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (606) 474-6600
Carter County Elected Officials

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification

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

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

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

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug or alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Department of Public Advocacy.

Department of Public Advocacy – Ashland Regional Office
1539 Greenup Ave., Suite 200
Ashland, KY 41101
Phone: (606) 920-2080
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Charging Decision:

The Carter 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 proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any stage prior to verdict.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programming. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: resolved within several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Kentucky Constitution and the Sixth Amendment

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

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than counsel
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Carter County?

Arrest record retention in Carter County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
Reported to the Kentucky State Police repository and maintained in state records

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained; local law enforcement records are subject to agency retention schedules
May be eligible for expungement under Kentucky law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to agency retention schedules
May be eligible for expungement or administrative removal

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule
Digital records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for periods established by agency policy
Electronic court records maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice are retained permanently in most instances

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework are not bound by the same obligations. Expungement of a record from government databases does not guarantee removal from all third-party sources.

Retention by Agency:

Carter County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: retained per Kentucky records retention schedule
Investigative files: retained based on case type and disposition
Contact: (606) 474-5000

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk:

Felony case files: permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: retained for a period established by the Kentucky Court of Justice
Electronic records: permanent in most instances
Contact: (606) 474-5188

Kentucky State Police Criminal History Repository:

Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Kentucky jurisdictions
Retention is permanent for convictions; non-conviction records may be updated upon expungement

FBI – NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III):

Federal retention is permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard background checks in many instances
Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems takes time and varies by agency
No charges filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after a set number of years or upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to all private employers, though certain jurisdictions and employers have adopted fair chance hiring policies. Arrests without conviction are not evidence of guilt and their use in employment decisions is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Carter County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 474-5000 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 300 W. Main St., Suite 1, Grayson, KY 41143. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.