Dubois County Arrest Records

Dubois County arrest records document instances where individuals have been detained by law enforcement agencies for alleged involvement in criminal activities. These records are critical for maintaining transparency in the justice system, as they detail essential information such as the arrestee's identity, charges, arrest date, and details of the booking process.

The Dubois County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for generating and maintaining these records. Additionally, arrest records are interconnected with Dubois County Court Records, which provide broader case information, including court rulings, sentencing, and legal proceedings.

Arrests in Dubois County are carried out under the following circumstances:

1. Probable Cause: Per Indiana Code § 35-33-1-1, law enforcement may arrest individuals if they have sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed.
2. Arrest Warrants: A warrant issued by a judge or magistrate based on credible evidence or sworn affidavits allows an arrest to be executed.
3. On-site Criminal Activity: If an officer witnesses a crime, an arrest may be made without a warrant.

After an arrest in Dubois County, the individual is taken to the Dubois County Security Center (Jail) for processing.

Dubois County Security Center
257 Brucke Strasse
Jasper, IN 47546
Phone: (812) 482-3522

The booking process typically includes:

1. Identification: Personal details, including name, date of birth, and residence, are documented.
2. Charges Filed: The arresting officer formally records the charges.
3. Mugshots and Fingerprints: The individual is photographed and fingerprinted for entry into local, state, and national databases.
4. Medical Screening: A health check is conducted to ensure the individual is fit for detention.
5. Personal Property Inventory: Belongings are cataloged and securely stored until release.
6. Bail Determination: Depending on the charges, a bail hearing may be scheduled, or bail may be set based on pre-established guidelines.

Arrest records during this process are shared with the Dubois County Court system and law enforcement agencies at various levels. These records also contribute to public criminal history files managed by the Indiana State Police and FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Are Arrest Records Public in Dubois County?

Per Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (Indiana Code § 5-14-3), most arrest records are considered public records and are accessible by the general public. However, certain information is exempt from disclosure, including:

• Juvenile Records: Protected under Indiana Code § 31-39-3-4.
• Sealed Records: Expunged or sealed records as per Indiana Code § 35-38-9-2.
• Ongoing investigations: Sensitive information that could compromise investigations or endanger public safety.

To request access to arrest records, individuals may contact the Dubois County Sheriff's Office:

Dubois County Sheriff's Office
257 Brucke Strasse
Jasper, IN 47546
Phone: (812) 482-3522

Dubois County Arrest Statistics

Dubois County, Indiana, has an average daily jail population of 87 people, which represents four people per 1000 residents. Of the total number in jail, 46% have yet to be convicted. Moreover, 141 arrests were made, of which 84% were for low-level, nonviolent offenses. These statistics are necessary for planning and budgeting in the county.

Find Dubois County Arrest Records

Individuals may access Dubois County arrest records through multiple channels, including:

1. Dubois County Sheriff's Office: Request records in person or via written application.
2. Indiana State Police: The Indiana Limited Criminal History Search provides statewide arrest information for a fee.
3. Federal Resources: Platforms like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the FBI database provide comprehensive records for authorized users.

When searching for arrest records, details such as the full name of the individual and the date of arrest may be required.

Dubois County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Dubois County arrest records document instances of detainment. While the include charges filed at the time of arrest, they do not confirm guilt or result in automatic criminal convictions. Arrest records are a subset of the criminal record and contain details that relate to only an arrest.

In comparison, Dubois County criminal records contain comprehensive histories, including convictions, sentences, and any legal proceedings that followed the arrest. They typically document an individual's interaction with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. For example, someone may have an arrest record for being detained but no criminal record if the charges were dropped or they were acquitted.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Indiana, arrest records remain indefinitely unless expunged under the Second Chance Law (Indiana Code § 35-38-9-2). Individuals may seek expungement if:

• They were acquitted, or the charges were dismissed.
• The statute of limitations has expired.
• They meet eligibility requirements, including a waiting period of one year for misdemeanors or five years for non-violent felonies.

Expungement involves filing a petition with the appropriate court and demonstrating eligibility under state law. Once granted, the records are sealed, removing them from public access while retaining limited law enforcement visibility.

Dubois County Arrest Warrants

Arrest Warrants in Dubois County authorize law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of criminal activity. These warrants are issued under Indiana Code § 35-33-2-1 and require:

• Probable Cause: Established through sworn affidavits or evidence presented to a judge.
• Judicial Approval: A judge or magistrate must sign the warrant before it becomes valid.

Arrest Warrants typically contain:

• The suspect's full name and physical description.
• A description of the alleged offense, citing relevant Indiana Code sections.
• Instructions for execution, including jurisdiction and timeframe.

Warrants are issued for various reasons, including failure to appear in court, suspected felonies, and ongoing criminal investigations.

Do Dubois County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Generally, arrest warrants in Dubois County do not expire and remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court. However, the enforceability of a warrant may depend on factors such as:

• Statute of Limitations: Indiana Code § 35-41-4-2 established limits for prosecuting certain offenses, which may indirectly impact warrant validity. For example, murder has no statute of limitations, while misdemeanors have a two-year limit.
• County Policies: Local procedures may affect the prioritization or recall of warrants over time.