Jefferson County felony records are official court files that show serious criminal cases filed in Louisville, Kentucky. These records include charges, court dates, plea entries, and final outcomes for felony-level offenses.
The Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk maintains these files in the Hall of Justice on Court Place. Most felony case records are open to the public under Kentucky open records laws. You can search them online, request copies by mail, or visit the clerk’s office in person.
Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk
The Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk is the main office that keeps felony case files for the county. This office sits in the Louisville Hall of Justice and serves as the official record keeper for all felony cases in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Staff at the clerk’s office can help you look up case files, request certified copies, and check case status. The clerk’s office also processes new filings, court documents, and public records requests from citizens, attorneys, and law enforcement agencies.
Circuit Criminal Division
The Circuit Court Criminal Division handles all felony cases where a grand jury has returned an indictment. This division also processes cases from the Commonwealth Attorney’s “rocket docket” program. It manages cases involving juveniles who were indicted as adults. The division keeps official records for all circuit criminal cases, including warrants, indictments, and final judgments.
Felony cases begin in this division when formal charges are filed after a grand jury review. Each case file contains the charging document, defense filings, court orders, and sentencing records. You can contact this division through the main clerk’s office phone line for case status checks and document requests.
District Criminal Division
The District Criminal Division is the largest division in the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. It handles misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony matters before indictment. The District Criminal customer service windows at the Hall of Justice stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. After-hours services may be limited based on staff availability.
You can reach the District Criminal Division at three phone numbers: (502) 595-3060, (502) 595-4428, and (502) 595-3000. Staff can help with misdemeanor records, traffic case lookups, and early-stage felony case details.
Office Locations and Phone Numbers
The main Jefferson County Clerk’s Office sits in Louisville and serves as the central hub for court records. You can reach the main office and motor vehicle services at (502) 574-5700. The Election Center phone line is (502) 574-6100. The Legal Records phone line is (502) 574-6220.
| Department | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Main Office and Motor Vehicles | (502) 574-5700 |
| Election Center | (502) 574-6100 |
| Legal Records | (502) 574-6220 |
| District Criminal Division | (502) 595-3060 |
| District Criminal Division | (502) 595-4428 |
| District Criminal Division | (502) 595-3000 |
You can email any office at countyclerk@jeffersoncountyclerk.org. The Election Center uses a separate email at elections@jeffersoncountyclerk.org. The main office address is 531 Court Place, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.
How to Search Jefferson County Felony Records Online
The Kentucky Court of Justice runs a statewide online portal where you can search Jefferson County felony records from any device. The portal is called KCOJ and it lets you look up court cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The system works 24 hours a day and shows case details from many Kentucky counties, including Jefferson County.
KCOJ Kentucky Court of Justice Portal
The KCOJ portal is the main online tool for searching Kentucky court records. You can reach the portal at https://kcoj.kycourts.net/kyecourts/login/guestlogin. The guest login option lets you search without creating an account. The system shows basic case details for free.
Phone support for KCOJ is available at (866) 396-1751. You can call this number if you have trouble logging in or searching the system. The support line helps with password resets, technical errors, and basic navigation questions.
Search by Defendant Name
You can search Jefferson County felony records by entering a defendant’s full legal name into the KCOJ portal. The system pulls up matching cases and shows basic details like case number, charges, and court division. Adding a date of birth or middle name helps narrow your search when common names appear.
For best results, type the last name first followed by the first name. Avoid using nicknames or shortened versions of the name. The portal searches official court records that use the legal name on file with the clerk’s office.
Search by Case Number
If you know the case number, you can pull up the full case file directly. Jefferson County felony case numbers follow a standard format set by the Kentucky Court of Justice. The format usually includes the year, a court code, and a sequence number.
Case numbers appear on court summons, indictments, and attorney correspondence. You can also get a case number by calling the clerk’s office at (502) 574-5700. Staff can look up the case number using a defendant’s name and date of birth.
Jefferson County Felony Case Records and Documents
Each Jefferson County felony case file contains a full set of court documents from start to finish. These files start when the Commonwealth Attorney files charges and continue through the final court order. The clerk’s office adds new documents as the case moves through arraignment, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing.
What Documents Are Included
A typical felony case file includes the indictment, which lists the formal charges and statutes. It also contains the arraignment record, which shows the defendant’s plea. Other documents include motion filings, court orders, jury verdicts, and the final judgment.
Bond records show the bail amount set at arraignment. Attorney filings include defense motions, evidence lists, and witness subpoenas. Sentencing records contain the prison or probation terms handed down by the judge. All these documents become part of the permanent public record once filed with the clerk.
Requesting Certified Copies
You can request certified copies of Jefferson County felony court documents through the Legal Records department. Call (502) 574-6220 to ask about copy fees and processing times. Certified copies include an official seal that proves the document’s authenticity for use in court, immigration, or licensing matters.
Standard copies cost less than certified copies. You can pick up copies in person at the Hall of Justice or request them by mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk’s office staff can tell you the exact fee for each document type.
Jefferson County Jail and Inmate Records
Jefferson County runs two main jail facilities that hold people charged with felonies before and after trial. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office manages inmate records for these facilities. You can look up current inmates, check booking details, and find visitation hours through official channels.
Metropolitan Corrections Department
Metropolitan Corrections is the main jail facility in Louisville. It holds people arrested in Jefferson County who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The facility’s inmate roster shows current bookings, charges, and bond amounts. You can search the roster online through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website.
Visitation hours, mail policies, and phone rules for Metropolitan Corrections are posted on the sheriff’s website. Family members can send money to inmate accounts through approved vendors. The mailing address for inmate letters is available on the official site.
Community Correctional Center
The Jefferson County Community Correctional Center is a separate facility focused on rehabilitation and supervised release. The main phone number for this facility is (502) 574-2141. When you call, you reach the facility’s main switchboard. Ask to be transferred to the booking desk for inmate details, or the visitation office for visiting questions.
Calling during business hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM local time, connects you faster. The Community Correctional Center serves people transitioning back into the community under supervision.
Sheriff’s Office Contact
The Jefferson County Sheriff is John E. Aubrey. He serves as the head law enforcement officer in the county. You can reach his office at 502-574-5400. The Sheriff’s Office address is 531 Court Place, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.
The Sheriff’s Office manages warrants, inmate records, and court security. You can call the Sheriff’s Office to check on a person held in county custody, ask about outstanding warrants, or get details on the release process.
Expungement and Sealing of Felony Records
Kentucky law lets some people seal or expunge old felony records. Expungement hides the case from public view and most background checks after waiting periods end. Jefferson County residents can start the expungement process through the EIP desk at the clerk’s office.
KRS 431.073 Class D Felony Expungement
Kentucky Revised Statute 431.073 controls expungement for eligible Class D felonies. A Class D felony is the least serious felony category under Kentucky law. People who completed their sentence and stayed crime-free for a set waiting period may qualify for expungement.
You must complete all sentence terms, including probation, parole, and restitution. The waiting period starts after the final discharge from sentence. The court reviews each petition and decides on a case-by-case basis.
Expungement Certification Process
The expungement process starts with a certification request filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts. The AOC office sits at 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky. You can submit certification requests by mail or in person. The AOC confirms that you meet the basic eligibility rules under KRS 431.073 or KRS 431.078.
After AOC certification, the Kentucky State Police reviews the petition. KSP confirms that no new charges are pending and that the waiting period has passed. Once both agencies sign off, you file the petition with the Jefferson Circuit Court. A judge makes the final decision on whether to grant expungement.
EIP Desk at Jefferson County
The Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk’s Office runs an Expungement Intake Program, also called the EIP desk. The EIP desk helps residents start the expungement process without hiring an attorney. Staff explain the filing steps, help you fill out forms, and check your paperwork for errors.
The EIP desk posts its hours on the clerk’s website. You can also call the main clerk’s office at (502) 574-5700 to ask about EIP desk hours and appointment options. The desk can explain the difference between misdemeanor and felony expungement rules.
Statewide Resources for Criminal Records
Kentucky runs statewide systems that cover felony records from all counties, including Jefferson County. These systems help you check criminal history across the whole state. You can use them for background checks, personal record reviews, and legal research.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The Administrative Office of the Courts oversees all court records in Kentucky. The AOC runs the KCOJ portal that lets you search court cases statewide. The AOC also handles expungement certifications and statewide record policies.
You can reach the AOC at 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky. The AOC website explains how to request court records, file expungement petitions, and correct errors in court files.
Kentucky State Police Records
Kentucky State Police keeps the central criminal history repository for the state. KSP records include arrest reports, conviction data, and disposition records from all Kentucky counties. Jefferson County felony records feed into the KSP database once courts enter final judgments.
KSP also certifies eligibility for expungement. After AOC confirms a petition meets the basic rules, KSP checks for pending charges and confirms the waiting period. KSP certification is required before the court can grant expungement.
Fees, Hours, and Practical Details
Knowing the fees and hours ahead of time helps you plan your records request. Jefferson County court offices charge small fees for copies and certifications. Most offices keep regular business hours during weekdays.
Office Hours and Locations
The Hall of Justice at 531 Court Place, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, is the main location for court records. The building houses the Circuit Court Clerk, District Court, and the Sheriff’s Office. District Criminal customer service windows stay open 24 hours a day for basic services.
The main clerk’s office keeps standard business hours from Monday to Friday. Phone lines at the main office and motor vehicle department run during business hours. The Election Center and Legal Records departments keep separate hours posted on the clerk’s website.
Copy and Certification Fees
Standard copies of court documents cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal and signature. The Legal Records department can give you a fee quote before you place a large order.
Online searches through the KCOJ portal are free for basic case details. Some advanced search features and full document downloads may carry small fees. Expungement filings have separate court costs and certification fees set by statute.
Contact Information for Jefferson County Felony Records
You can reach the Jefferson County felony records office through several channels. The main clerk’s office phone number is (502) 574-5700. The Legal Records phone number is (502) 574-6220. The District Criminal phone numbers are (502) 595-3060, (502) 595-4428, and (502) 595-3000. The email for all main offices is countyclerk@jeffersoncountyclerk.org. The official website is www.jeffersonkycourtclerk.com. The main office sits at 531 Court Place, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson County Felony Records
The following questions cover the most common concerns people have about Jefferson County felony records. These answers reflect the official record systems and procedures used in Louisville, Kentucky. Each answer pulls from current public resources and Kentucky state law.
How do I look up a felony case in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
You can search the KCOJ portal at https://kcoj.kycourts.net/kyecourts/login/guestlogin to look up felony cases by name or case number. The portal shows cases from Jefferson County and other Kentucky jurisdictions. You can also visit the Hall of Justice at 531 Court Place, Louisville, and use the public access terminals in the clerk’s office. Staff at the main desk can help you locate case files during business hours. Phone support for the KCOJ portal is available at (866) 396-1751.
What felony records are public in Jefferson County?
Most felony court records in Jefferson County are open to the public under Kentucky’s open records laws. Public records include indictments, court orders, plea entries, verdicts, and sentencing documents. Sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile records are not public. Some records may be hidden by court order to protect witnesses, victims, or ongoing investigations. You can ask the clerk’s office about specific cases to learn if any restrictions apply.
How long does it take to expunge a felony in Jefferson County?
The expungement process in Jefferson County usually takes several months from start to finish. The first step is filing a certification request with the Administrative Office of the Courts at 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort. The AOC reviews your request, then sends it to the Kentucky State Police. After KSP certifies eligibility, you file a petition with the Jefferson Circuit Court. A judge then makes the final decision. Timelines vary based on case backlog and petition complexity.
Can I get a felony case number without knowing the defendant’s full name?
You need at least the defendant’s full legal name to request a case number from the clerk’s office. Adding a date of birth helps narrow the search and avoid name matches. The clerk’s office cannot search using only a nickname, alias, or partial name. You can call the main clerk’s office at (502) 574-5700 to ask about a case number. Staff may ask for your own contact details to log the request.
What is the difference between the Circuit Court and District Court for felony records?
The Circuit Court handles indicted felony cases in Jefferson County. A grand jury must indict the defendant before the case moves to Circuit Court. The District Court handles preliminary felony matters, misdemeanor cases, and traffic offenses. After a felony case is indicted, the file transfers to the Circuit Court Clerk. The District Court keeps records for the early stages of felony cases that never reach indictment.
Are old felony records from decades ago still available?
Older felony case files are still kept by the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, but some may exist only in paper format or on microfilm. The KCOJ online portal may not include records from before the digital system started. You can visit the Hall of Justice in person to look up old case files. Staff in the Legal Records department can help you locate historical felony records. Some old files may be stored off-site and require advance notice to retrieve.
What happens if my felony record has wrong details?
You can file a correction request with the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk’s Office if your felony record shows wrong details. Bring documents that prove the correct details, such as court orders or certified dispositions. The clerk’s office reviews the request and works with the court to fix verified errors. You can also contact the Kentucky State Police to correct entries in the statewide criminal history database. The AOC at 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, can help with court record corrections.