Johnson County Criminal and Court Records

Johnson County is in eastern Kentucky with Paintsville as its county seat. The 24th Judicial Circuit serves Johnson County and handles all felony criminal cases. The Johnson County Sheriff enforces the law and operates the county jail. Both the court and the sheriff maintain records that are open to public inspection. You can request court records from the Circuit Clerk and jail records from the sheriff office.

Johnson County Sheriff Office

The Johnson County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for the county. The sheriff office patrols the county, investigates crimes, serves warrants, and operates the county jail. Arrest records and incident reports are kept at the sheriff office.

You can contact the Johnson County Sheriff to request arrest records or information about current inmates. The office is at 101 Main Street in Paintsville. You can also visit the sheriff website for additional information and resources.

The county website also has information about the sheriff at johnsoncoky.com/elected-officials/sheriff.

Johnson County Circuit Court

The Johnson County Circuit Court is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit. This court hears felony cases, civil suits, and appeals. The Circuit Clerk keeps all records for cases filed in this court.

Court records include indictments, motions, orders, and judgments. You can search these records by visiting the clerk office or using online tools. The clerk can provide plain copies or certified copies for a fee.

The court information page is at kycourts.gov/Johnson.

How to Search Johnson County Criminal Records

To find criminal records in Johnson County, you may need to check with multiple offices. The Circuit Clerk has court records. The Sheriff has arrest and jail records. Each office has its own process for requests.

Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 lets you search court records online. You can find case information for Johnson County and other counties in the state. This service requires a subscription. Visit kcoj.kycourts.net to access the system.

For in-person searches, visit the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Paintsville. Bring identification and the name of the person you are searching for. Staff can help you find cases and make copies.

You will need:

• Full name and date of birth if known
• Approximate year of the case
• Case number if available

Johnson County Jail Records

The Johnson County Jail is run by the Sheriff. Current inmates can be found through the sheriff office. Jail records show booking dates, charges, and bond amounts.

To find out if someone is in jail, call the sheriff office at (606) 789-3411. You can also visit in person during business hours. The staff can tell you the charges and bond status.

Records of past inmates may be available through the Kentucky Department of Corrections. They maintain records of state prisoners and some county inmates. Visit their website for more information.

Types of Records Available

Johnson County maintains various types of criminal records. Each type serves a different purpose and is kept by a specific office. Understanding what records exist can help you find what you need.

Arrest records document when someone was taken into custody. These include the date, time, location, and charges. Incident reports detail the facts of a case as reported to law enforcement.

Court records include the formal charges, court appearances, and final judgments. These show whether a case was dismissed, resulted in a conviction, or ended in a plea agreement.

Common records include:

• Arrest and incident reports
• Booking logs and jail rosters
• Court dockets and case files
• Indictments and grand jury records
• Sentencing orders and judgments

Public Records Requests

Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, you have the right to inspect and copy public records. This includes most criminal records held by government agencies. Some records may be exempt for privacy or safety reasons.

To make a request, write to the agency that holds the records. Describe the records you want with as much detail as possible. The agency must respond within three business days.

There may be fees for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The agency should tell you the cost before processing your request.

Nearby Counties

Johnson County is in eastern Kentucky. These neighboring counties may also have records if a person lived or was arrested in multiple places.