Simpson 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 Simpson County Circuit Court and District Court are the county's trial courts. The Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records for the Circuit, Family, District, and Business courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Simpson County Circuit Court and District Court (Judicial Circuit 49, Kentucky) |
| Main Address | Simpson County Justice Center, 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134 |
| Main Phone | 270-586-4241 |
| Website | Kentucky Court of Justice county information page |
| Circuit Court Clerk | Beth Anne Fiss |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Franklin) |
| Handles | Circuit Court: felonies, civil cases above the District Court limit, appeals from District Court, and family matters in many counties. District Court: misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, probate, juvenile matters, and preliminary felony hearings |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Kentucky) and parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | No county case search link is listed here. Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 or visit kycourts.gov |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241. Statewide request form: Request Court Records |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Online through ePay; contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 for access |
How to Search Simpson County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Simpson County court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Franklin.
Online
Go to kycourts.gov for the Kentucky Court of Justice county information page.
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk which records can be searched online.
Confirm online results with the clerk, since they may be incomplete.
Best for: Finding county court contact details
In Person
Go to 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk's staff which division handles your case.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 before you visit.
Ask which records the clerk can copy or provide.
Ask about any copy fees when you call.
Best for: Confirming records and clerk requirements
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
Simpson County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Simpson County courts handled an estimated 3,060 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,994. The estimate scales Kentucky statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~3,060
Total filings in CY 2024
~2,994
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~3,060
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,060 | ~3,105 | ~-1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,994 | ~3,060 | ~-2.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,774 | ~1,818 | ~-2.4% |
| Civil Filings | ~577 | ~577 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~288 | ~288 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~133 | ~133 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~40 | ~40 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~80 | ~80 | ~+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 Simpson County's 0.44% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Simpson County?
Estimated total filings in Simpson 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 | ~3,060 | ~2,994 | ~-1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~3,105 | ~3,060 | ~+3.0% |
| CY 2022 | ~3,016 | ~2,972 | ~+4.6% |
| CY 2021 | ~2,883 | ~2,794 | ~+1.6% |
| CY 2020 | ~2,838 | ~2,705 | ~+1.6% |
Estimated filings changed +7.8% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 2,838 to 3,060. 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 Simpson County's 0.44% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Simpson County?
This section lists the case types the Simpson County Circuit Court and District Court hear. County case counts are not available here.
| Case Type | Court | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | Circuit Court | District Court holds preliminary felony hearings |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor cases |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court |
| Civil lawsuits above the District Court limit | Circuit Court | Larger civil claims |
| Civil lawsuits within the District Court limit | District Court | Smaller civil claims |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court |
| Family matters | Circuit Court | Family Court divisions exist in some judicial circuits |
| Probate | District Court | Probate matters are heard in District Court |
| Juvenile matters | District Court | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court |
| Appeals from District Court | Circuit Court | Appeals from District Court are heard in Circuit Court |
How Does Simpson County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
Simpson County is estimated to account for about 0.44% of the 690,000 cases filed in Kentucky courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Simpson County | Kentucky | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,060 | 690,000 | ~0.44% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.4% | -1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,060 | 2,875 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,994 | 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 Simpson County's 0.44% share of the state population.
Simpson County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kentucky statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Simpson 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 Simpson County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Simpson County Courthouse Locations
The Simpson County directory lists 1 Circuit Court and District Court location in Franklin. Check your notice or case paperwork for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson County Justice Center | 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134 | 270-586-4241 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Simpson County?
Circuit Court and District Court hear different case types in Simpson County, and the Circuit Court Clerk can route your question to the right division at 270-586-4241. Federal cases are heard by the U.S. District Court for Kentucky.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court; call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 to confirm. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court hears felonies, and District Court holds preliminary felony hearings. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge decides the court, so check your paperwork or call the clerk. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge or petition type decides the court; call the clerk at 270-586-4241 for guidance. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | The court depends on the claim amount relative to the District Court limit. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court | Family matters go to Circuit Court, or to a Family Court division where the circuit has one. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court | Family matters go to Circuit Court, or to a Family Court division where the circuit has one. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are heard in District Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or Kentucky Court of Appeals | Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court; appeals from Circuit Court go to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. |
Are Simpson County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Simpson County court records are public, with exceptions set by Kentucky law. Access to court records is governed in general terms by Kentucky Supreme Court rules on court records, 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 records kept by the Circuit Court Clerk are open to the public, subject to the exceptions below.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records, and other confidential records, are not publicly available.
Online access
Find county information at kycourts.gov. Not every document is available online, so ask the clerk for records not shown. You can also start a request on the Request Court Records page.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk at 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134, or call 270-586-4241 to confirm which office holds your record.
Fees
No fees are listed here. Ask the Circuit Court Clerk about copy costs before you request records.
How to Search Simpson County Court Records Online
No county case search link is listed here, so Simpson County records are searched through the Circuit Court Clerk and the Kentucky Court of Justice site.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Visit kycourts.gov or call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 to confirm what the clerk can search.
- Ask the clerk to search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details the clerk provides, such as status and scheduled dates.
- Request documents that are not available online from the Circuit Court Clerk.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Payment is handled separately |
| Civil | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Sealed or restricted filings are not public |
| Small claims | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case records held by the clerk | Probate records are not all publicly available |
| Juvenile | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-586-4241 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Simpson County
Simpson County court fines and citations can be paid in person or online with ePay. Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 with payment questions.
- In person: Pay by cash, check, or money order at the Circuit Court Clerk's office, 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134. Confirm payment types with the clerk at 270-586-4241 before you visit.
- Online: Pay through ePay. The county pages do not list a payment link, so call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 for how to access ePay.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Simpson County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Simpson County court records?
Call or visit the Circuit Court Clerk at 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134, or call 270-586-4241. County information is also available at kycourts.gov.
Are Simpson County court records public?
Most are public, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 with the defendant's name and the charge, or visit the clerk in Franklin.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, notice, or case paperwork, and call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241 to confirm.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office by cash, check, or money order, or online through ePay. Call 270-586-4241 for how to access ePay.
How many cases are filed in Simpson County each year?
County filing counts are not available here, so this page does not report yearly case totals.
What share of Kentucky's population lives in Simpson County?
0.45% of Kentucky's population lived in Simpson County in 2025, or 20,788 of 4,606,864 residents, based on Census Bureau estimates.
Is crime in Simpson 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
- Kentucky Court of Justice - Home. Find general court information, access to various court services, and all state court resources.
- Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk - Contact Information. Contact details for Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk's office with phone numbers and office hours.
- Kentucky Circuit Court - Overview. Overview of Kentucky Circuit Courts with links to specific resources about circuit courts operations and jurisdictions.
- Kentucky District Court - Overview. Overview of Kentucky District Courts, including their jurisdictions and access to various district courts.
- Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services in Kentucky. Legal assistance resources include pro bono services and legal aid for individuals seeking legal representation in Kentucky.
- CourtNet 2.0 - Kentucky Court Records Search. Statewide access to court records with CourtNet 2.0, the official portal for accessing public court records in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Attorney General - Home. Official website of the Kentucky Attorney General with resources related to legal issues and consumer protection.
- Simpson County Sheriff's Office - Home. Detailing law enforcement services and community programs, also serving legal documents and managing certain types of public records.
- ACLU of Kentucky - Courts and Legal Access. Providing advocacy and resources about Kentucky court systems, civil liberties, and legal rights issues.
- Kentucky Equal Justice Center - Home. Non-profit organization working to improve access to justice for all Kentuckians, offering resources and legal help.
- FindLaw's Kentucky Law - Legal Information. Comprehensive source for Kentucky legal information, law resources, and attorney directories with free legal articles and case law.
- Simpson County Clerk - Public Records and Services. Local clerk’s office providing public records access like property records, marriage licenses, and voter registration information.
- Simpson County Attorney - Legal Services and Information. Office providing information about legal services, victim advocacy, and community programs in Simpson County.
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Advocacy for racial justice through public education, legal support, and reinforcing constitutional rights in Kentucky's legal processes.
- National Lawyers Guild - Building a Movement. Supporting legal and political rights with a focus on social justice issues through resources and legal advocacy.
- Kentucky League of Cities - Home. Offers city-specific legal resources, information on municipal governance, and support services for city officials throughout the state.
- Simpson County KY - Courts and Public Records. Resource for locating county-level general jurisdiction court information and public records access in Simpson County.
- Kentucky Bar Association - For the Public. Access to attorney search, bar disciplinary actions, and public legal resources to aid understanding of bars and legal assistance.
- United States - Kentucky: Civil Lawyer's Guide. Comprehensive guide created by the forejustice project focusing on civil legal assistance services in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Judicial Information - Contact Information. Centralized contact list for different divisions within Kentucky's judicial branch to aid in proper communication and service access.
Table of Contents
- Simpson County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Simpson County Court Records
- Simpson County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Simpson County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Simpson County?
- How Does Simpson County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
- Simpson County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Simpson County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Simpson County?
- Are Simpson County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Simpson County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Simpson County
- Simpson County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links