Simpson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Simpson County in 2026
SimpsonRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Simpson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and warrant information. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Simpson County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Simpson County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail rosters for individuals arrested and processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent booking data through the Sheriff's Office directly. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond status, and custody status. Jail roster data is updated on a regular basis, with active inmate records reflecting current detention status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Franklin Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Simpson County. The department processes arrests occurring within the city limits of Franklin and may issue press releases containing arrest information for matters of public interest. Members of the public seeking arrest logs or incident-based arrest information from the Franklin Police Department may submit a written request under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Franklin Police Department
100 Courthouse Square
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4451
City of Franklin, Kentucky
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records for all matters filed in Simpson County. As the Kentucky Court of Justice notes, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county." Members of the public may search by an arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Kentucky Court of Justice also provides an online case search portal for locating court records statewide.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently or previously under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. The database includes offender photographs, aliases, and supervision status. Searches may be conducted by last name, first name, or middle name, with an option to filter results to include only offenders with photos. This resource is available at no cost to the public.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4422
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Members of the public requesting records in person 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 are governed by KRS § 61.874, which sets the standard fee for paper copies at $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size documents.
Clerk of Court:
Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
103 W Cedar St, Suite 3
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7638
Simpson – Kentucky Court of Justice
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office.
- Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state statute.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Simpson County Sheriff's Office at 103 W Cedar St, Franklin, KY 42134. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, 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 subject to the three-business-day response requirement established under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
By Phone:
- Simpson County Sheriff's Office: (270) 586-4422
- 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 may be 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 for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in active legal proceedings.
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, Franklin Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Simpson County
Arrest records in Simpson County are public records subject to disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq. Under current law, records created or maintained by public agencies in the performance of their official functions are presumptively open to inspection by any person. Arrest records fall within this category because they document the exercise of governmental authority by law enforcement agencies.
The public interest in access to arrest records is grounded in several recognized principles:
- Government transparency: Public access to arrest records allows citizens to monitor the conduct of law enforcement agencies.
- Public safety: Disclosure of arrest information enables community members to be aware of criminal activity in their area.
- Community awareness: Arrest records inform the public about individuals who have been taken into custody and the nature of alleged offenses.
- Journalism and research: Members of the press and academic researchers rely on arrest records to report on crime trends and evaluate the criminal justice system.
- Background screening: Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use arrest information as part of lawful screening processes.
- Legal proceedings: Parties to civil and criminal litigation may require access to arrest records as part of case preparation.
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 to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases, including sexual offense matters
- Participants in witness protection programs 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 reflects a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy. 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 status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years under the FCRA. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions on the timing of criminal history inquiries. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.
What's in Simpson County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Franklin Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statutes numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected during booking 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
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (District or Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available through the court's case management system
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Simpson County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges associated with prior bookings
- Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Full residential address or personal phone number
- Social Security number (redacted from public records)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives, witness accounts, and investigative findings not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Simpson County?
Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies in Kentucky are authorized to charge fees for copies of public records. Current standard fees applicable to arrest record requests in Simpson County are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies (where available) | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Record inspection (in-person review) | No charge |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Kentucky law for standard requests |
- Inspection of public records is available at no charge; fees apply only to reproduction.
- Certification fees for court records are set by the Circuit Court Clerk and may differ from law enforcement copy fees.
- The Kentucky Open Records Act does not authorize agencies to charge a search fee for locating records.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
- Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order payable to the relevant agency.
- The Kentucky Department of Corrections open records request process follows the same statutory fee structure for records in the custody of that agency.
- The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system is available at no cost for online searches.
- Court case information accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal is available at no charge for basic case lookups.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Simpson County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes). Expungement results in the destruction or erasure of the record, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and access the record.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges (no-information)
- 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
Ineligible Records:
- Convictions for violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses against children are not eligible for expungement under current Kentucky law.
- Records involving DUI convictions are subject to separate statutory restrictions.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge, disposition, and applicable waiting period.
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Kentucky Court of Justice.
- File the petition with the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk at 103 W Cedar St, Suite 3, Franklin, KY 42134.
- Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100 for eligible misdemeanors; $250 for eligible felonies, subject to legislative change).
- Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth objects to the petition.
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for record destruction or sealing.
Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
103 W Cedar St, Suite 3
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7638
Simpson – Kentucky Court of Justice
Simpson County Commonwealth's Attorney
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-8204
Following a granted expungement, the petitioner may lawfully state on most applications that the arrest did not occur. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes authorized by statute.
What Happens After Arrest in Simpson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Simpson County, the arrested individual is transported to the Simpson County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
Simpson County Detention Center
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4422
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Administration of Miranda rights advisement
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening completed
- 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 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 formally advisement
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount under standard practice.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled 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 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 and 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 their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual receives a housing assignment, participates in inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Simpson County Public Defender's Office
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7109
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention facility and conduct confidential consultations. The Kentucky Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private counsel.
Charging Decision:
The Simpson 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 support an indictment. The grand jury process does not include defense participation.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Diversion programs available in Kentucky include drug court, mental health court, and veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
If convicted at trial or by plea, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
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 charge complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Kentucky Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
Important Contacts:
Simpson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4422
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
103 W Cedar St, Suite 3
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7638
Simpson – Kentucky Court of Justice
Simpson County Commonwealth's Attorney
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-8204
Simpson County Public Defender's Office
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7109
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 that 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 Simpson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Simpson County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, 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 Circuit Court Clerk
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
- State repository retains records permanently
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository records remain unless updated following expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records retained per standard schedule
- May be eligible for expungement under KRS § 431.073
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
- Local arrest logs retained per applicable schedule
- May be eligible for expungement petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per state-approved schedule (minimum three to five years for non-conviction records)
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; variable for misdemeanors
- Booking photographs: Retained per agency policy, often five or more years
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management system data: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. These entities are subject to the accuracy requirements of the FCRA but may not update records promptly following expungement or dismissal. Members of the public who discover inaccurate records on third-party websites may submit correction requests directly to those entities.
Retention by Agency:
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
103 W Cedar St
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4422
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum three years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony convictions
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case outcome and offense classification
Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
103 W Cedar St, Suite 3
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-7638
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic case files: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
Kentucky State Police Criminal History Repository: The Kentucky State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions in Kentucky. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and are accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public may request their own criminal history record through the Kentucky State Police.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. 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: Permanent retention in all applicable databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
- Expungement: Physical records destroyed or sealed at the local level; state repository updated; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office and court case search portals
- Arrests from five to twenty years ago: May require an in-person request; possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Arrests from more than twenty years ago: May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
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 impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal seven-year period for non-conviction arrest reporting. Expunged records are not required to be disclosed on most employment applications under Kentucky law.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Simpson County Sheriff's Records Division at (270) 586-4422 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.