Franklin County Arrest Records

The Indiana Code § 35-33-1-1 authorizes law enforcement officers to make arrests with or without warrants if there is probable cause to believe that an individual has committed, is committing, or attempts to commit a felony, misdemeanor, or battery resulting in bodily injury. An arrest may also become necessary if an individual flouts court orders or violates probation or parole terms.

In Franklin County, IN, adult arrestees and offenders awaiting trials or serving short-term sentences are detained at the Franklin County Jail in Brookville. Inmates serving longer sentences are transferred to state or federal correctional facilities. Additionally, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police (ISP), Brookville Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies generate arrest records when they arrest and take individuals into custody. If the arrests result in criminal prosecutions, they may become part of Franklin County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Franklin County. Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3 establishes the public's right to inspect and copy records in the custody of government agencies, including law enforcement entities. However, state and federal privacy laws restrict access to some Franklin County arrest records relating to minors, sealed or expunged documents, active law enforcement investigations, and victim or witness information.

Persons eligible to access Franklin County's exempt arrest records are the record owners, their legal representatives, and authorized government entities. Franklin County arrest records are accessible through the Franklin County Sheriff's Department at:

371 Main Street
Brookville
IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-4138
Fax: (765) 647-6991
Email: sheriff@franklincounty.in.gov

Franklin County Arrest Statistics

FBI arrest data shows that the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Brookville Police Department arrested 318 persons for various offenses between January 2022 and January 2025 within Franklin County. This figure indicates that 244 males and 74 females were arrested. Within the period under review, 100 persons were taken into custody for drug/narcotics violations, 68 for simple assaults, 41 for DUI, and 27 for disorderly conduct. Other offenses accounted for 79 arrests.

Find Franklin County Arrest Records

Interested individuals seeking to access Franklin County public arrest records should log in to the Franklin County Sheriff's Department Inmate Roster page to access current inmates' offense lists.
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), requesters can submit a written request to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office detailing a clear description of the record.

Record seekers may also visit the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Request Service Portal, create an account, and log in to search for Franklin County public arrest records. Alternatively, inquirers may use names or DOC numbers to search for information relating to Franklin County arrest records through the Indiana Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search Page.

Franklin County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

There are legal distinctions between Franklin County arrests and criminal records. These differences vary in their creation, contents, and legal implications.

Franklin County arrest records

Franklin County arrest records are law enforcement documents detailing the arrests and detention of suspects. These documents encompass the personal details of the arrestees, booking information, reasons for arrest, and conditions for their release.
An arrest does not prove guilt until a person is convicted by the court.

Franklin County criminal records

Franklin County criminal records are court-generated documents indicating legal proof of guilt for criminal offenses. These documents contain Franklin County arrest records and other files on criminal case prosecutions within Franklin County. If the court does not expunge a criminal record, it will be publicly accessible, especially for employers, licensing boards, or housing agencies.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

An arrest may remain on a record permanently unless the owner petitions the court for sealing or expungement. Per Indiana Code § 35-38-9, individuals may qualify for expungement of their arrest records if:

• The arrest did not result in convictions.
• The record owners were minors at the time of the arrests and have completed juvenile adjudication programs.
• The convictions are for misdemeanors and Class D or Level 6 felonies.

In addition, the record owners must have no pending charges, pay all court fines, and complete the sentence for the crime, including diversion programs.

Franklin County Arrest Warrants

Franklin County arrest warrants are official documents issued by a judge/ magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take specific individuals into custody. The Franklin County Circuit or Superior Courts may issue arrest warrants if law enforcement provides sufficient evidence indicating that a person has committed a felony or misdemeanor.

A valid arrest warrant includes, but is not limited to:

• Identifying information about the suspect
• Statement of probable cause
• Name and signature of the issuing judge/magistrate
• Charges against the subject
• Date and time of issuance
• Name and jurisdiction of issuing court
• Instructions to law enforcement on how to execute the warrant.

Do Franklin County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Franklin County and other parts of the United States. Once issued by the Franklin County Circuit or Superior Courts, they remain active until law enforcement apprehends the subject or the court revokes them. However, a warrant can be invalid if it is based on insufficient probable cause or if the court issues it after the statute of limitations expires.

Expunge Franklin County Arrest Records

Expunging Franklin County arrest information depends on the severity of the crime that resulted in the arrest. Under Indiana law, individuals must adhere to the specific waiting period before filing for expungement or sealing of their arrest records:

• Non-conviction – one year after dismissal or acquittal if automatic expungement was not affected
• Five years after the completion of the sentence for non-violent and non-sexual misdemeanors
• Class D convictions – eight years after completion of the sentence.

It is important to note that expungement for conviction records is available once in a lifetime. To expunge conviction records in Franklin County, a petitioner must follow the procedures outlined in Indiana Code § 35-38-9:

• Determine eligibility for expungement.
• Prepare a verified petition that must include the following information:
  • The petitioner's identifying information, such as name, aliases, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, and case numbers
  • The petitioner's addresses from the date of the offense to the date of the petition
  • The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
  • Date of arrest, charges, or juvenile delinquency allegation
• File the petition with the Franklin County Circuit Court.
• The court will serve a copy of the petition to the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office.
• The court will grant the petition if the petitioner meets the eligibility requirements.