Lee County, KY Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Lee County Circuit Court and District Court are part of the unified Kentucky Court of Justice. The Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records for the Circuit, Family, District and Business courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Lee County Circuit Court and District Court |
| Main Address | Lee County Courthouse, 256 Main St., Beattyville, KY 41311 (mailing address: P.O. Box E) |
| Main Phone | 606-464-8400 |
| Website | kycourts.gov county information page |
| Circuit Court Clerk | Tyler Phillips |
| Judicial Circuit | 23 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Beattyville) |
| Handles | Circuit Court: felonies, civil cases above the District Court limit, appeals from District Court, and in many counties family matters. District Court: misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, probate, juvenile matters, and preliminary felony hearings. |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (the U.S. District Court for Kentucky), parking tickets (the issuing agency), and driver's licenses (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, since July 1, 2022) |
| Online Case Search | No county case search link is listed here. Statewide information is at kycourts.gov. |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400; statewide request page at Request Court Records |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Online through ePay (no link listed here); call the clerk at 606-464-8400 |
How to Search Lee County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Lee County court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Beattyville.
Online
Go to kycourts.gov for statewide court information and contact details.
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk whether a case search is available online.
Ask the clerk about any copy fees before you request records.
Best for: Statewide court information and contact details
In Person
Go to the Lee County Courthouse, 256 Main St., Beattyville, KY 41311 (mailing address: P.O. Box E).
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400.
Best for: Records and copies not found online
By Phone
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 about records.
Ask which records the clerk holds and how to request copies.
Ask what identifying details the clerk needs before you visit.
Best for: Confirming what records are available
Search by Name on KentuckyCourts.org
Go to KentuckyCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Lee County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Lee County courts handled an estimated 1,100 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 1,076. The estimate scales Kentucky statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~1,100
Total filings in CY 2024
~1,076
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,100
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~1,100 | ~1,116 | ~-1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~1,076 | ~1,100 | ~-2.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~638 | ~653 | ~-2.3% |
| Civil Filings | ~207 | ~207 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~104 | ~104 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~48 | ~48 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~14 | ~14 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~29 | ~29 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Lee County's 0.16% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lee County?
Estimated total filings in Lee County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~1,100 | ~1,076 | ~-1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~1,116 | ~1,100 | ~+3.0% |
| CY 2022 | ~1,084 | ~1,068 | ~+4.6% |
| CY 2021 | ~1,036 | ~1,004 | ~+1.6% |
| CY 2020 | ~1,020 | ~972 | ~+1.6% |
Estimated filings changed +7.8% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 1,020 to 1,100. The largest annual change was +4.6% in CY 2022. The latest change of -1.4% reflects statewide Kentucky trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Lee County's 0.16% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lee County?
The Circuit and District Courts in Lee County hear criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile cases. Filing counts by case type are not published here.
| Case Type | Handled By | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court (felonies) and District Court (misdemeanors and traffic) | Felony charges, misdemeanors, traffic citations |
| Civil | Circuit Court (above the District Court limit) and District Court | Civil lawsuits and claims |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims |
| Family law | Circuit Court, or a Family Court division where one exists | Divorce, child custody, child support |
| Probate | District Court | Probate matters |
| Juvenile | District Court | Juvenile matters (confidential) |
Court filing counts by case type are not published here by county.
How Does Lee County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
Lee County is estimated to account for about 0.16% of the 690,000 cases filed in Kentucky courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Lee County | Kentucky | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,100 | 690,000 | ~0.16% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.4% | -1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,100 | 2,875 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,076 | 2,812 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~58.0% | 58.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~18.8% | 18.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~9.4% | 9.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Kentucky figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Lee County's 0.16% share of the state population.
Lee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kentucky statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lee County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 7.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 100% of Kentucky's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
9,959
Violent crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025
59,098
Property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
216.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (population 4,606,864)
-7.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (69,057 vs 74,690)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 192 | 4.2 | 291 | -34.0% |
| Rape | 1,650 | 35.8 | 1,765 | -6.5% |
| Robbery | 1,369 | 29.7 | 1,657 | -17.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 6,748 | 146.5 | 6,697 | +0.8% |
| Violent crimes total | 9,959 | 216.2 | 10,410 | -4.3% |
| Burglary | 7,813 | 169.6 | 9,188 | -15.0% |
| Larceny-theft | 42,056 | 912.9 | 43,970 | -4.4% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8,893 | 193.0 | 10,698 | -16.9% |
| Property crimes total | 59,098 | 1282.8 | 64,280 | -8.1% |
Rates use the Kentucky 2025 population of 4,606,864. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Lee County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Lee County Courthouse Locations
Lee County has 1 Circuit Court Clerk location, the Lee County Courthouse in Beattyville. Check your notice or ticket for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee County Courthouse (Beattyville) | 256 Main St., Beattyville, KY 41311 (mailing address: P.O. Box E) | 606-464-8400 | See location page: kycourts.gov county information page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Lee County?
Lee County cases go to the Circuit Court or the District Court, depending on the case type. Matters handled outside these courts are flagged below.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court; call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 about your ticket. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the Kentucky Court of Justice. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanors, and the Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court hears felonies, and District Court holds preliminary felony hearings. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The court depends on the charge, so check your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | The court depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Circuit Court hears claims above the District Court limit. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction cases are heard in District Court; call the clerk at 606-464-8400 to ask about filing. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court (Family Court division where one exists) | Divorce cases are heard in Circuit Court or a Family Court division where one exists. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court (Family Court division where one exists) | Custody and support cases follow the same Circuit or Family Court route. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | District Court handles probate matters. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | District Court handles juvenile matters, and juvenile records are confidential. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court, then the Kentucky Court of Appeals | Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court; higher appeals go to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Kentucky. |
Are Lee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Lee County court records are public, but some records are confidential. Kentucky Supreme Court rules and court orders govern court record access, and the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884) covers public agency records.
Public records
Most Circuit, Family, District, and Business court case files are open to the public, subject to court rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
No county case search portal is listed here. Use kycourts.gov for statewide information, and call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 to ask whether a case is online.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk at the Lee County Courthouse, 256 Main St., Beattyville, KY 41311 (mailing address: P.O. Box E), to view or request records.
Fees
This page does not list copy fees. Ask the Circuit Court Clerk which fees apply to your request.
How to Search Lee County Court Records Online
Kentucky court record search tools are limited for Lee County, so start with the Circuit Court Clerk for case details and documents.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Go to kycourts.gov for statewide court information and contact details.
- Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 to ask whether the case is searchable.
- Review the case details the clerk provides, including status and scheduled dates.
- Request documents that are not online through the clerk or the statewide request page.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Documents may require a clerk request |
| Traffic | District Court through the Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Payment is handled separately from record search |
| Civil | Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Sealed or restricted filings are not available |
| Small claims | District Court through the Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Documents may require a clerk request |
| Family law | Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | District Court through the Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Case information from the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which office holds the file |
| Juvenile | Circuit Court Clerk, 606-464-8400 | Limited information only | Juvenile proceedings are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lee County
Lee County fines and citations are paid through the Circuit Court Clerk in person, online through ePay, or by contacting the clerk's office.
- In person: Pay in cash, by check, or by money order at the Circuit Court Clerk's office, 256 Main St., Beattyville, KY 41311 (mailing address: P.O. Box E).
- Online: Pay through ePay. No payment link is listed here, so call the clerk at 606-464-8400 for the ePay link.
- By phone: Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 to ask about your payment options.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court. Traffic citations are heard in District Court, and fines for criminal cases are paid through the clerk.
Lee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Lee County court records?
Call or visit the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 or 256 Main St., Beattyville. Statewide information is at kycourts.gov.
Are Lee County court records public?
Most are public, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are restricted. See the Kentucky Court of Justice request page.
How do I find a criminal case?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 with the defendant's full name, or search by name on KentuckyCourts.org.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-464-8400 to confirm.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay in person at the clerk's office in Beattyville, through ePay, or by calling the clerk at 606-464-8400 for options.
How many people live in Lee County?
Lee County had 7,297 residents in 2025, a change of +0.1% from 7,293 in 2024, based on Census Bureau estimates.
What is the most common type of case?
Filing counts by case type are not published here for Lee County, so the most common type cannot be stated.
Is crime in Lee County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 4.3% to 9,959 in 2025 from 10,410 in 2024, and property crimes fell 8.1% to 59,098 from 64,280, as reported to the FBI. These are Kentucky statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Useful Links
- Find a Court Clerk: The official resource for locating court clerks throughout Kentucky, including Lee County, with contact details and services offered.
- Court Information and Resources: Comprehensive details on the Kentucky Court System, including resources for case searches, legal assistance, and procedural guides.
- Kentucky Court of Justice: Public Menu: Access court records, dockets, and services offered by the Kentucky Court of Justice through this official public interface.
- Kentucky State Police Criminal Records: Obtain criminal record reports, background checks, and information on how to request public records from the Kentucky State Police.
- Kentucky Bar Association: Legal Help: Resources for individuals seeking legal assistance, including finding lawyers, understanding legal processes, and accessing educational materials.
- Kentucky Courts Video Conferencing: Instructions and resources for participating in court proceedings via Zoom, a convenient option for remote hearings.
- Kentucky Revised Statutes: Full text of Kentucky's laws and statutes, maintained by the Legislative Research Commission, for legal reference and study.
- Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky: Provides resources and services relating to consumer protection, legal advice, and public safety in Kentucky, including Lee County.
- PACER: Public Access to Court Electronic Records: Federal portal for access to electronic court records, offering case and docket information across U.S. courts including Kentucky.
- ACLU of Kentucky: Advocacy and legal resources provided by the American Civil Liberties Union to protect civil rights and liberties in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Records: Resource for workplace safety records and related court proceedings, serving as Kentucky’s official occupational safety authority.
- Nolo: Kentucky Free Public Records Directory: Guide to accessing various public records in Kentucky, including court records, through an accessible and reputably maintained directory.
- Lee County Sheriff's Office: Official law enforcement and public safety portal offering details on local legal proceedings, public records, and community resources in Lee County.
- Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet: Information on criminal justice initiatives, public safety programs, and access to justice-related data in Kentucky.
- Pro Bono Legal Services in Kentucky: List of organizations offering free legal services to those who qualify, part of a broader nationwide legal aid effort.
- Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation: Support services and resources for Kentucky law enforcement professionals, including legal assistance and public policy advocacy.
- Westlaw: Kentucky Legal Information: Subscription-based service offering comprehensive legal materials, including cases, statutes, and regulatory information pertinent to Kentucky state law.
- Civil Court Records in Kentucky: Access to Kentucky's civil court records, including downloading forms and information on filing and managing civil cases.
- Family Scholar House Legal Help for Families: Offers resources and referrals for families needing legal support within Kentucky’s court system, aiding educational and personal advancement.
- FindLaw Lawyer Directory: Kentucky: Directory helping connect individuals to attorneys and legal resources throughout Kentucky, including specialized legal fields and practice areas.
Table of Contents
- Lee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lee County Court Records
- Lee County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lee County?
- How Does Lee County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
- Lee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lee County?
- Are Lee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lee County
- Lee County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links