Criminal records in Kenton County, Kentucky, are available through several channels. KentonCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases. Besides this resource, records can be obtained through the state's official court system, law enforcement agencies, and the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kenton
Start by determining what specific information you need. You will need at least one identifier for the search: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number.
Online Search
- KentonCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available data on county criminal cases.
- Kentucky Court of Justice Portal — the Request Court Records page describes the procedure for requesting records. You can also send a request by email to records@ky.gov or call 502-564-3617.
- Kentucky Offender Search (KOOL) — a database of the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Allows searches by name, including data on inmates in the Kenton County Detention Center and other state facilities.
- Federal Cases — if the crime falls under federal jurisdiction, the case is handled by the Eastern District of Kentucky District Court, which has an office in Covington.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is the primary access point for county court records. The Kenton County page on the Kentucky Court of Justice portal contains contact information and indicates that the office has two official websites. Contact the clerk in person or call to verify the availability of a specific record.
The courthouse typically has public access terminals where cases can be viewed without a prior request.
Written Request
Send a letter to the Circuit Court Clerk's office specifying the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include payment for the applicable fees. To obtain an official criminal history at the state level, a request is submitted to the Kentucky State Police.
Search Kenton Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Kentucky has a standard format that helps quickly identify the type of proceeding and the year of filing.
Typical structure: YY-CR-NNNNN, where:
- YY — the last two digits of the year the case was opened
- CR — case type code (CR — criminal case in Circuit Court; other common codes: M — misdemeanor in District Court, T — traffic)
- NNNNN — sequential case number
Felony cases go through the Circuit Court. Less serious offenses — misdemeanors, city ordinance violations, traffic cases — are handled by the District Court. Knowing the code, you immediately understand where to look for materials.
If you only have a name and not a case number, first perform a name search on KentonCourt.us, and then use the obtained number to clarify details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kenton
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), for example, KRS 508.010 — Assault 1st Degree |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, classes A–D), Misdemeanor (offense, classes A–B), Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations are fulfilled, and the case is completed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant is informed of the charges and states their plea (guilty / not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines whether there is enough evidence to refer the case to the Circuit Court
- Pre-Trial Conference — a meeting of the parties to discuss procedural issues or a possible agreement
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions or other court requirements
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
| Diverted | The case is referred to a rehabilitation program; charges are dropped upon successful completion |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kenton
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's office. This is the only office authorized to certify court documents at the county level.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office in the courthouse in Covington. Present a photo ID (driver's license or passport) and provide the case number or the person's full name and date of birth.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Verify the address and contacts on the Kenton County page of the Kentucky Court of Justice portal.
- State Level — to obtain a complete criminal history (criminal background check), submit a request to the Kentucky State Police, including fingerprinting if required.
Kenton County Office of Circuit Court Clerk
To request crime information in the city of Covington, you can also contact the Covington Police Department or call Kenton County Communications at 859-356-3191.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kenton
Fees are set by Kentucky law and may be adjusted. Below are approximate amounts current at the time of writing.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 | Standard rate according to KRS 64.012 |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check (Kentucky State Police) | $20.00–$40.00 | Depends on the type of check (name-based or fingerprint-based) |
| Name search through AOC | Fees may apply | Check on the records request page |
Processing Times
- In-Person Request — copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days, depending on the volume.
- Mail Request — 5 to 15 business days after the clerk's office receives the letter.
- Check through Kentucky State Police — 3 to 10 business days for name-based checks; fingerprint-based may take longer.
Payment is typically accepted by check, money order, or, for in-person visits, credit/debit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods by calling the clerk's office before visiting.