If a crime has been committed, please contact your local law enforcement agency.  That agency will investigate the complaint and then provide the Shelby County Attorney's Office with relevant information to initiate a criminal action if appropriate.

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The Shelby County Attorney's Office is dedicated to upholding the law by prosecuting misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses. Additionally, we handle both felony and misdemeanor juvenile offenses.

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For concerns about adult or child abuse, neglect, dependency, or exploitation, please contact (877) 597-2331/(877) KYSAFE1 or (800) 752-6200. Non-emergency reports can also be submitted online.

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District Court Prosecution Responsibilities

The Shelby County Attorney's Office is dedicated to the thorough and fair prosecution of criminal law violations within Shelby County's district courts. This encompasses a wide range of offenses, including traffic violations, misdemeanors such as DUIs, cold checks, and domestic violence cases, as well as juvenile offenses. Our office also conducts preliminary hearings for felony offenses.

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Should you be charged with a crime and need information about your court date, please reach out to the Shelby Circuit Clerk's Office at (502) 633-1287. You can also visit Kentucky Court Dockets Online for specific court schedules.

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Victims of crime, where the perpetrator has been formally charged, can find support and guidance under our Victim Resources section.

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Please note that the Shelby County Attorney's Office does not provide legal representation for criminal defendants. If you are facing a charge that may result in jail time and cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for court-appointed counsel through the Department of Public Advocacy, reachable at (833) 254-2458.

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Understanding the Criminal Process

If you are a victim of a crime, it is crucial to understand the process for pursuing criminal charges. You should first report the crime to the appropriate police agency. For crimes within Shelby County, contact the local police department if the crime was committed within city limits, or the Shelby County Sheriff's Department for crimes commited outside of any city limits. The Kentucky State Police can be contacted for incidents outside the immediate area.

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Investigation and Prosecution
An investigation will be conducted, and the resulting report will be submitted to our office for review. If probable cause is established, a warrant or summons will be issued. The defendant may be arrested or summoned to appear in court, where the case will be handled through various stages, including continuances, pre-trial conferences, trials, or possible plea agreements.

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Criminal Summons: This is a directive for the accused to appear in Shelby District Court at a specified date and time.

Arrest Warrant: This authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest the individual charged with the crime.

We encourage all residents and visitors in Shelby County to reach out to our office with any legal concerns or queries they might have. Our commitment to justice and community safety is steadfast.

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We recognize that the judicial system can be complex and daunting. Our office strives to maintain efficiency and clarity throughout the legal process. For any concerns or questions regarding specific cases, please contact our prosecution team at 502-633-5850. Our commitment is to serve the community of Shelby County with integrity, fairness, and a steadfast dedication to justice.

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CRIMES COMMITTED BY SOMEONE UNDER 18
When a crime is committed by someone under the age of 18, those cases start at the Court Designated Workers Office in Shelby County located in the Shelby County Judicial Center.  If you are the victim of a juvenile, contact law enforcement.