Kentucky Misdemeanors

In Kentucky, a misdemeanor is considered a lower-level crime than a felony but more serious than a traffic violation. Individuals convicted of these offenses may face fines, probation, or short jail time, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Each state within the U.S. has its own system for classifying and penalizing misdemeanors.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Kentucky?

According to KRS 500.080, a misdemeanor is defined as an offense for which the maximum jail time is not more than 12 months. Depending on their seriousness, Kentucky misdemeanors are grouped into Class A and Class B. Nonetheless, traffic and local ordinance violations are not considered misdemeanors but rather minor infractions punishable only by fines. Kentucky law handles DUI offenses separately and has set mandatory minimum penalties for these offenses depending on prior convictions and aggravating factors.

Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties in Kentucky

The Kentucky Revised Statutes contains the maximum jail terms and fine limits for misdemeanor offenses in Kentucky. Per KRS 532.090, a Class A misdemeanor has a maximum jail sentence of 12 months, while a Class B misdemeanor is limited to 90 days.

In addition, KRS 534.040 states that the court has discretion in sentencing and may impose both a fine and jail time or choose to impose only a fine. The maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor is $500, while an offender convicted of a Class B misdemeanor may be fined up to $250.

In Kentucky, DUI first and second offenses are classified as misdemeanors. The penalties are set under KRS 189A.010 and can include jail time, fines, and the suspension of the driver's license. An individual convicted of a first DUI offense is subject to 48 hours to 30 days in jail and a fine between $200 and $500. For a second DUI offense within 10 years, the individual may pay a fine between $300 and $600 and serve a jail term from 7 days to 6 months.

Misdemeanor Court Process in Kentucky

The Kentucky District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over both misdemeanor and violation cases. The only exception to a misdemeanor being heard in District Court is if it is joined with a felony by a grand jury indictment.

The typical sequence of a misdemeanor case in Kentucky is as follows:

• Arrest or citation – A Law enforcement officer arrests an individual or issues them a citation for a misdemeanor offense.
• First appearance/arraignment – The defendant appears before the District Court judge and is informed of the charges, advised of their rights, and asked to enter a plea.
• Pre-trial phase – The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, discuss a plea agreement, or prepare for trial.
• Trial – The case is tried before a judge or jury in the District Court. The prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Verdict – If the defendant is found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence according to the misdemeanor class. The defendant is discharged and acquitted of all charges if found not guilty.

Misdemeanor Records in Major Kentucky Cities

Many public services and resources are centralized on the Kentucky Court of Justice website. The “Find a Case” button leads users to the KYeCourts portal, where they can search for court records, including misdemeanor records, and pay court fines.

• Louisville (Jefferson County) – The Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk provides public access to both recent and archived court records. Individuals interested in obtaining copies of documents in misdemeanor cases may do so by email or mail.
• Lexington (Fayette County) – Individuals can access misdemeanor records and pay court fees and fines online through the KYeCourts portal. To acquire copies, requesters may visit the courthouse in person.
• Bowling Green (Warren County) – Misdemeanor records for Warren County are accessible both online and at the relevant Clerk’s Office.

Online registers of actions mostly include the case number, charges with KRS citations, hearing dates, docket entries, dispositions, sentence terms, and any balances due.

How to Search for Misdemeanor Records in Kentucky

Use the Kentucky Courts of Justice “Find a Case” and “Find a Court Date” tools

You may use the “Find a Case” button to search for publicly available misdemeanor cases if you know the party name, case number, or citation number. The “Find a Court Date” button allows you to search for hearing dates, times, and locations for specific cases.

Know your custodian

In Kentucky, the Circuit Court Clerk maintains court records for both Circuit and District Courts. To view documents in misdemeanor cases or obtain certified copies, you may visit the Clerk’s Office in person during regular business hours.

AOC Report vs. KSP Report

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) maintains official court-based criminal record reports. These reports include felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as case information such as sentencing and disposition. For background check purposes, employers can request an official criminal record report online through the One-Time Request service.

Similarly, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) provides access to misdemeanor conviction records through name-based criminal history checks. This report differs from the AOC report because it does not include all court-verified details.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Kentucky?

Acquittals and Dismissals (KRS 431.076)

You can petition the court to expunge records of all charges that were dismissed or discharged after 60 days of the judgment. If granted, the expunged record is treated as though the arrest or charge never happened.

Misdemeanor and Violation Convictions (KRS 431.078)

Most misdemeanor and violation convictions may be expunged by petition no sooner than five years after completion of sentence or probation, provided statutory criteria are met. Once the court holds a hearing and the petition is granted, the offense is directly expunged from court and agency records.

For many DUI convictions, you may need to wait five years from the completion of your sentence before filing for expungement. It is important to note that subsequent convictions may require longer waiting periods and may not be eligible for expungement.

You must obtain an Expungement Certificate from the AOC before filing most expungement petitions in Kentucky. This certification confirms whether a case is eligible for expungement and lists all agencies that hold related records.

Without a court-ordered expungement, a Kentucky misdemeanor can remain visible to the public, law enforcement, and other authorized individuals. Eligible cases are expunged from public access through the relief set by KRS 431.076 and KRS 431.078.