Pike County, Kentucky court records are available through several channels. PikeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official resources of the Kentucky Court of Justice, directly at the Circuit Court Clerk's office, or at public terminals in the Pike County Judicial Center.
Pike Court System & Jurisdictions
There are two main levels of courts in Pike County, Kentucky, each handling different categories of cases.
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases (serious crimes)
- Civil lawsuits over $5,000
- Real estate cases and property disputes
- Appeals from District Court
In Pike County, Family Court also operates as a division of Circuit Court. It has jurisdiction over divorce, custody, adoption, domestic violence, and protective orders.
District Court
District Court handles cases of limited jurisdiction:
- Misdemeanors and violations of city and county ordinances
- Traffic offenses
- Small Claims cases — civil disputes up to $2,500
- Juvenile cases
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Probate (estate cases, including estate management of deceased persons and guardianship appointments) falls under the jurisdiction of District Court. If you are unsure which court your case belongs to, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office for assistance in determining the correct direction.
Pike Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use one of the following methods:
- Kentucky Court of Justice Online System — the official website offers a search for civil and criminal cases, often listing dates of upcoming hearings.
- Phone Call to the Clerk's Office — the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the Pike County Judicial Center provides information about scheduled hearings.
- In-Person Visit — public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view the case calendar in real-time.
Court contact information:
Pike County Judicial Center — Office of Circuit Court Clerk
Call the clerk's office to confirm the time of a specific hearing. The schedule may change due to case rescheduling by a judge, so it's always a good idea to check the current information directly before the hearing date.
How to Get a Copy of a Pike Court Document
Official court case materials in Pike County are stored at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. You can obtain a copy of a document in several ways.
Certified and Uncertified Copies
A certified copy has an official seal and the signature of the court clerk — it is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal procedures. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: Visit the Pike County Judicial Center at 175 Main St., Pikeville. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date.
- By Mail: Send a written request with case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and payment to the address:Office of Circuit Court Clerk
- Through the Records Request Portal: The Request Court Records page of the Kentucky Court of Justice outlines the general procedure for obtaining copies from Circuit, Family, and District courts.
Some records have restricted access — juvenile cases, sealed materials, and certain family cases are usually closed to public view. Check with the clerk to see if the document you need is available.
Pike Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for copies and searches are determined by the administrative rules of the Kentucky Court of Justice and relevant state statutes. Below are typical fees charged by the Circuit Court Clerk's office:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Database search (per name) | Check with the clerk's office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified document copy | $5.00 (base certification fee) |
| Criminal history check through AOC (Administrative Office of the Courts) | Depends on the type of check; details on the Background Checks page |
| Criminal history check through Kentucky State Police | $20.00 (check or money order payable to KY State Treasurer); details on the KSP website |
Payment is usually accepted in the form of a check, money order, or cash. The possibility of credit card payment should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office. Specific amounts may vary depending on the type of case and the volume of documents requested, so before sending a request by mail, it is recommended to call the office and confirm the exact fee.