Rowan County Public Records / Rowan County Arrest Records

Rowan County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rowan County in 2026

RowanRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Rowan County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case numbers, and custody status updates. The completeness and currency of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, and state-level law enforcement databases. Members of the public seeking arrest records may access these through online tools, in-person visits to government offices, written requests by mail, or telephone inquiries.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the Rowan County Detention Center. The jail roster reflects current inmates and is updated on a rolling basis. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Morehead Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Rowan County. The department issues press releases and public notices regarding significant arrests. Members of the public may contact the department directly to request arrest log information or inquire about specific incidents. The Kentucky State Police Post 8 in Morehead also issues public news releases regarding arrests and investigations conducted within Rowan County, including fatal collision investigations and major criminal matters.

Morehead Police Department
172 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-8584
City of Morehead

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by defendant name. Each arrest that proceeds to formal charges generates a court case number that can be located through this system. Case records include charge descriptions, court dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. The Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the local starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases originating in Rowan County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kentucky State Police maintains the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) repository for the Commonwealth. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history check through the Kentucky State Police Records Section. The Kentucky Online Offender Lookup maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections allows searches of individuals currently or previously under the supervision of the Department. Standard fees apply for certified criminal history reports requested through the Kentucky State Police.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Rowan County Sheriff's Office
627 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5446
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Individuals requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies apply per page as established under Kentucky law.

Clerk of Court:
Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
627 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page. The Rowan County Clerk's records division handles property and administrative records, while the Circuit Court Clerk handles criminal court case files.

By Mail:
Written requests directed to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Rowan County Sheriff's Office: (606) 784-5446
Rowan County Detention Center: (606) 784-5012
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record copies may not be provided by phone and may require an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be directed to the custodial agency for detailed records not available through standard public access channels.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, Morehead PD, Kentucky State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Rowan County

Arrest records in Rowan County are public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., 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. The Act reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in the exercise of law enforcement authority.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at 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 and not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the public's interest in transparency regarding law enforcement activity must be balanced against individual privacy rights and the integrity of ongoing investigations. The First Amendment protects the right of the press and public to access information about arrests as a matter of democratic accountability.

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 restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years in most circumstances. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Rowan County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Assigned court case number
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Document Type	Description
Police Report	Detailed incident narrative prepared by the arresting officer
Court Records	Legal proceedings initiated after the arrest
Criminal Record	Convictions, sentences, and dispositions across all cases
Background Check	Comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources

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

Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies in Kentucky may charge fees for providing copies of public records. The statute establishes that fees may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction and may not include the cost of staff time for locating or reviewing records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies	$0.10 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic copies	Actual cost of duplication
Inspection of records	No charge for inspection only

Fees for copies of court records through the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk are set by the Kentucky Court of Justice and are subject to change
Certified criminal history reports through the Kentucky State Police carry a separate fee established by the agency
Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods

How To Delete Arrest Records in Rowan County

Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from agency files, while sealing restricts public access without necessarily destroying the underlying records. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Under KRS § 431.073, individuals arrested in Kentucky may petition for expungement of arrest records where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the prosecutor declined to file charges. Misdemeanor convictions may also be eligible for expungement under certain conditions after a waiting period. Felony expungement is available for a defined list of Class D felony offenses following completion of sentence and a five-year waiting period under KRS § 431.073.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrest with no charges filed
Charges dismissed by the court
Acquittal at trial
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period
Certain Class D felony convictions after a five-year waiting period
Diversion program completion resulting in dismissal

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Kentucky State Police or the Circuit Court Clerk to confirm the charges and disposition
Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the charge and the disposition
File a Petition for Expungement with the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible misdemeanors; felony petitions carry a higher fee)
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any relevant law enforcement agencies
Attend the scheduled hearing if one is set by the court
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies to expunge or seal the records

Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
627 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Rowan County Court Information

Rowan County Commonwealth's Attorney
627 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5321

Individuals who have had records expunged may lawfully state on employment applications that they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense, subject to limited exceptions for certain licensing and law enforcement positions.

What Happens After Arrest in Rowan County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Rowan County, the arrested individual is transported to the Rowan County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of transport personnel.

Rowan County Detention Center
100 Pioneer Trail
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5012
Rowan County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Kentucky law at ten percent of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision compliance

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Rowan County Public Defender's Office
Served through the Department of Public Advocacy
100 Fair Oaks Lane, Suite 302
Frankfort, KY 40601 (State Office)
Local inquiries: (606) 784-5212 (through Circuit Court Clerk)
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. The Kentucky Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Rowan County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
Trial: The case proceeds to jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor)	Weeks to several months
Arraignment to resolution (felony)	Several months to over one year

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Rowan County Sheriff's Office
627 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5446
Inmate Information: (606) 784-5012
Rowan County Sheriff

Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
627 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Kentucky Court of Justice – Rowan County

Rowan County Commonwealth's Attorney
627 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5321

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply fully with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rowan County?

Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Kentucky is governed by state law and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) records retention schedules. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules, which establish minimum retention periods based on record type and case disposition.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository
Accessible to law enforcement through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records
Local law enforcement records retained per KDLA schedule, at minimum several years
State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum period per KDLA schedule; may remain unless expunged
Court records: Often retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository: Records remain until expungement order is received and processed

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per applicable schedule
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records retained for a minimum period
Eligible for expungement petition under KRS § 431.073
May be purged from local systems after the applicable retention period

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per KDLA schedule
Photographs: Retained per agency policy and KDLA schedule

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained per KDLA schedule, often several years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Kentucky Court of Justice system

Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Rowan County Sheriff's Office
627 E. Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5446
Booking records and arrest reports are retained per KDLA law enforcement records retention schedules.

Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
627 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained per applicable KDLA court records schedules. Electronic records are retained permanently in the Kentucky Court of Justice system.

Kentucky State Police – Criminal History Repository
919 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 782-1800
Kentucky State Police
The state repository retains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Kentucky law enforcement agencies. Retention is permanent unless an expungement order is received.

FBI Database:
The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw from these federal databases.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent retention in all databases
Dismissal	Remains unless expunged; may not appear on standard background checks
Expungement	Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation
No charges filed	Shortest retention; eligible for expungement petition

Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most consumer reporting agencies do not report arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute for most employment background checks. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following an expungement order.

How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Rowan County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 784-5446 or the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 784-5212 to inquire about the status of specific arrest records. A formal public records request submitted under the Kentucky Open Records Act may be required to obtain written confirmation of record status or copies of retained documents.