Find DUI Records in Lexington
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and home to the University of Kentucky. The Lexington Police Department handles DUI enforcement throughout the city. Records of driving under the influence arrests are maintained by both the police department and the Fayette County court system. Accessing these records requires contacting the appropriate agency based on what type of document you need.
Lexington Police DUI Records
The Lexington Police Department serves the entire city of Lexington. Officers patrol streets and highways to identify impaired drivers. When an officer makes a DUI arrest, they complete detailed reports. These reports become part of the official record.
The Records Center handles all report requests for the police department. This office is located at 1306 Versailles Road in Lexington. You can reach them by phone at (859) 425-2071. The office maintains normal business hours Monday through Friday.
The Open Records Unit processes formal requests for documents. You can contact this unit at (859) 258-3675. They also accept email requests at ORR@lexingtonky.gov. Staff review requests under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Most requests receive a response within three business days.
Accident reports involving DUI incidents are available through the department. These reports include diagrams, witness statements, and officer observations. Collision reports cost $5 each under the Kentucky State Police fee schedule. Other incident reports cost $0.10 per page plus any media fees.
Fayette County Court DUI Records
DUI cases from Lexington are filed in Fayette County District Court. The court handles arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for misdemeanor DUI charges. Felony DUI cases may transfer to Circuit Court depending on circumstances. The Fayette County Circuit Clerk maintains all court files.
Vince Riggs serves as the Fayette County Circuit Clerk. His office is at 150 North Limestone Street in downtown Lexington. You can call the clerk's office at (859) 246-2141. Staff can help you locate case files and obtain copies of court documents.
The Fayette County Clerk handles vehicle and licensing matters. Susan Lamb holds this position. Her office is at 3301 Keithshire Way in Lexington. Call (859) 246-2106 for vehicle record inquiries. This office may have records related to license suspensions from DUI convictions.
Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 provides online access to Fayette County court records. You can search by name or case number to find DUI cases. The system shows case status, hearing dates, and disposition information. Some sealed or expunged cases will not appear in online searches.
Requesting Lexington DUI Records
Getting DUI records from Lexington agencies requires following proper procedures. Each office has specific requirements for public records requests. Understanding these requirements saves time and ensures you receive the correct documents. The process differs for police records versus court records.
For police reports, visit the Records Center on Versailles Road. Bring photo identification and case information if available. You can also submit requests by mail to the Lexington Police Department. Include your contact information and a description of the records you need. Fees apply for copies of reports.
The Open Records Unit handles formal written requests. Submit your request to ORR@lexingtonky.gov or mail it to the department. Describe the records you want with specific dates and names. The police department has three business days to respond. They may grant, deny, or request more time to process your request.
For court records, visit the Circuit Clerk's office on North Limestone Street. Use the public computers to search for cases by name. Request copies of specific documents from the clerk's staff. Copies cost $0.50 per page for standard documents. Certified copies cost extra.
Note: The Lexington Police Department charges $1 per CD for electronic records and $5 for collision reports.
Online Records Request Process
The Lexington Police Department offers online resources for records requests. Their website at lexingtonky.gov/police provides forms and instructions. You can learn about the Open Records process before submitting a request. This helps ensure your request meets legal requirements.
The Open Records page explains your rights under Kentucky law. It describes what records are available and what exemptions may apply. Some law enforcement records have restricted access during active investigations. The page provides contact information for the Records Center and Open Records Unit.
You can also access the Lexington Council Clerk's office online. This office maintains city ordinances and administrative records. Visit their portal to find information about local traffic laws. The Council Clerk works with the Mayor's office on legislative matters.
Lexington DUI Laws and Penalties
Kentucky DUI laws apply throughout Lexington under KRS Chapter 189A. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Commercial drivers face a lower limit of 0.04%. Drivers under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy.
First offense DUI convictions carry minimum penalties. These include 48 hours to 30 days in jail. Fines range from $200 to $500. The court may order 48 hours of community service as an alternative. License suspension lasts 30 to 120 days.
Second offenses within ten years bring harsher consequences. Jail time increases to 7 days to 6 months. Fines range from $350 to $500. License suspension extends to 12 to 18 months. The court orders mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment.
Third and fourth offenses are classified as misdemeanors but carry felony-level penalties. A fourth offense within ten years becomes a Class D felony. Penalties include 1 to 5 years in prison. License revocation may be permanent.
Additional Lexington Resources
Several agencies work together on DUI enforcement in Lexington. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office assists with patrols and warrant service. State Police also operate in the Lexington area. Each agency maintains its own records system.
The Kentucky State Police provide crash report services. You can obtain accident reports involving DUI through their BuyCrash system. This online portal allows you to purchase reports by credit card. Access the system at any time to get collision records.
Driver history records are available through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. These show all DUI convictions from Lexington and statewide. Employers and insurers often request these records. Visit drive.ky.gov to request your driver history.
The Fayette County Attorney's office prosecutes DUI cases in Lexington. They work with police to review charges before filing. The office may offer diversion programs for first-time offenders. Contact them for information about plea agreements and case status.