Marion County Public Records / Marion County Arrest Records

Marion County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Marion County in 2026

MarionKYRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Marion 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 include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case numbers, and charge classifications. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official channels are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Marion County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the Marion County Detention Center. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The jail roster reflects individuals currently held in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status.

Marion County Sheriff's Office
223 N. Spalding Ave., Suite 201
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3地51
Marion County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Lebanon Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Arrest information from city police departments may be obtained through a written public records request submitted to the respective agency. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on department websites and social media channels.

Lebanon Police Department
222 W. Main St.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-2651
Lebanon Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining all records of Marion Circuit and District Courts, including criminal case files linked to arrests. Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Kentucky Court of Justice also provides access to court case information through its statewide case management system.

Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office
121 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-2651
Circuit Clerk – Marion County Kentucky

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky Department of Corrections operates the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL), which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, including those held at the Marion County Detention Center. The database includes offender name, facility location, sentence information, and supervision status. This resource is available at no cost to the public and is updated on a regular basis.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 223 N. Spalding Ave., Suite 201, Lebanon, KY 40033
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (270) 692-3651
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Lebanon Police Department, 222 W. Main St., Lebanon, KY 40033, (270) 692-2651
Records requests are submitted in writing to the Records Division
Fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 121 N. Spalding Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033
Criminal records division is located within the Marion County Judicial Center
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (270) 692-2651
Case files are available for public inspection during regular business hours
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for court record copies; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Mailing address: Marion County Sheriff's Office, 223 N. Spalding Ave., Suite 201, Lebanon, KY 40033
Written requests should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Include a check or money order payable to the Marion County Sheriff's Office for applicable copy fees
Processing time: Typically 5–10 business days from receipt of complete request

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (270) 692-3651
Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
Discovery requests in active criminal proceedings are governed by the Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure

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, Lebanon Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Marion County

Arrest records in Marion County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records, including arrest and booking records maintained by law enforcement agencies. As stated by the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government is the servant of the people and not their master."

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
Pre-employment and tenant background screening
Legal proceedings, including civil litigation and criminal defense

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 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 from public release
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Kentucky Constitution and the Kentucky Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Courts have consistently recognized that the public's right to access arrest records must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.

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 housing discrimination laws
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating in compliance with the FCRA
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual jurisdictions may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Marion 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, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by 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 are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

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 the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available through the Marion County Judicial Center

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed within the county
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information 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: Compile information from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.874, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of public records that does not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page
Court record copies (Circuit Clerk)	$0.25 per page
Certified copies	Additional fee per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Actual cost of reproduction
Search fee	No charge for standard name searches

Inspection of records in person carries no fee
Certification of copies is available for an additional fee determined by the issuing office
Electronic format copies are provided at the actual cost of reproduction, which may be less than paper copy fees
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; the requesting agency retains discretion to grant or deny such waivers
Accepted payment methods at the Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office

The Marion County Clerk's Office maintains property and vital records with separate fee schedules that differ from court and law enforcement copy fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Marion 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 Kentucky Revised Statutes § 431.073, certain misdemeanor and felony arrest records may be eligible for expungement following the satisfaction of statutory waiting periods and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Acquittals following trial
Certain Class D felony convictions, following a five-year waiting period and satisfaction of all sentence conditions
Certain misdemeanor convictions, following a five-year waiting period
Diversion program completions, where the case was dismissed upon successful completion

Records That Are Not Eligible for Expungement:

Sex offense convictions requiring registration
Violent felony convictions
DUI convictions (in most circumstances)
Cases where the individual has a subsequent criminal conviction

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the relevant court case record from the Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office
Complete the Kentucky Court of Justice expungement petition form, available through the Kentucky Court of Justice
File the completed petition with the Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office at 121 N. Spalding Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible felony expungements; no fee for certain misdemeanor and dismissed charge petitions)
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing before the Marion County Circuit Court
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office
121 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-2651
Circuit Clerk – Marion County Kentucky

Marion County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
121 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3625

Following the entry of an expungement order, the record is removed from public access at the state repository level. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records in all circumstances, and individuals may need to contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Marion County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Marion County, the arrested individual is transported to the Marion County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of law enforcement personnel. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

Marion County Detention Center
301 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3651
Marion County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Marion County Detention Center, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, and address
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the state and federal criminal history repositories
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are verified
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
Housing classification is determined

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 the next regular court session following arrest. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of the charges
Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
Determination of bond or bail
Advisement of constitutional rights

First appearances in Marion County may be conducted in person at the Marion County Judicial Center or via video conference from the detention facility. Court schedules are available through the Marion County Judicial Center at 121 N. Spalding Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs and fees
The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Kentucky law at ten percent of the total bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance at all court dates

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole conditions, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned upon release
The defendant receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
Written conditions of release are provided and must be followed; failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody at the Marion County Detention Center
A housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income and financial resources. The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy provides representation to qualifying defendants in Marion County.

Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy – Elizabethtown Trial Office
(Serving Marion County)
111 W. Dixie Ave., Suite 201
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 766-5085
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Marion County Detention Center, and all consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

Following an arrest, the Marion County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and available evidence to determine whether formal charges will be filed. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at the time of arrest.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters an initial plea. The available pleas in Kentucky are guilty, not guilty, and Alford plea (a form of no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences are held to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case; dismissed charges may be eligible for expungement
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
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):

Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months; felony cases may take longer than misdemeanor cases
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution

Important Contacts:

Marion County Sheriff's Office (Jail):
301 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3651
Marion County Sheriff's Office

Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office:
121 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-2651
Circuit Clerk – Marion County Kentucky

Marion County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office:
121 N. Spalding Ave.
Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3625

Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy:
111 W. Dixie Ave., Suite 201
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 766-5085
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement personnel
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney, including other inmates
Contact family members or trusted individuals who may assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Marion County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Marion County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Under Kentucky law, public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, and records may not be destroyed prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's Office, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Permanent retention applies regardless of the passage of time

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the court and the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years following the conclusion of the case, with many agencies maintaining permanent digital records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository records remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement of booking records where no charges were filed

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years
These records are among those most commonly eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state and federal level
Photographs: Retained for a minimum of three to five years locally; state and federal repositories retain indefinitely

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and are not required to update records following expungement in all circumstances
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party websites varies

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum three to five years; digital records often retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum three to five years
Investigative files: Retained based on case type; felony investigative files are retained permanently
Contact: (270) 692-3651

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of five years following case conclusion
Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of three years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Kentucky State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all law enforcement jurisdictions in Kentucky
Retention policy: Permanent for all entries; records are updated to reflect expungements and dismissals upon receipt of court orders

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
Federal retention: Permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all law enforcement and court databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Dismissal:

Records remain in databases unless expunged by court order
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks

Expungement:

Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level following entry of the expungement order
The state repository updates its records upon receipt of the court order
The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement
Removal from all affected databases typically takes 30 to 90 days following entry of the court order

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system
Updated on a daily or real-time basis

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's Office
Archived records may be subject to a retrieval fee and longer processing times

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records are stored in the agency's archives and are subject to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (270) 692-3651 for information about specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 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 on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA's requirements. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions that have adopted fair chance hiring ordinances.