Jefferson County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Jefferson County, Indiana, are official documents law enforcement agencies generate when an individual is arrested. These records provide detailed accounts of the arrest, including the circumstances surrounding the incident, the arrestee's personal information, and other relevant details. Arrests typically occur when individuals are suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office handles arrests and manages the county jail, where individuals are detained following their arrest. Jefferson County arrest records may also become part of broader criminal history records and are frequently included in Jefferson County court records when relevant to judicial proceedings.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County?

Yes, arrest records in Jefferson County are generally accessible to the public under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3. The APRA permits members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of arrest records during designated times. However, some arrest records are exempt from public disclosure under Indiana law. These include:

• Sensitive personal information about the arrestee, such as Social Security numbers
• Juvenile records, which are typically confidential
• Medical information and records protected under privacy laws
• Sealed or expunged arrest records as ordered by the court.
• Crime victim information is kept confidential unless the victim or their legal guardian (if the victim is a minor) chooses to disclose it.

Arrest records in Indiana that are restricted for any of the above reasons become public after 75 years unless expunged or otherwise exempted by law.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Jefferson County typically include the following details:

• The full name, race, sex, and date of birth of the arrestee
• The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
• Details of the alleged crime, including the specific violation of Indiana law.
• Booking number, mugshots, and the date and time of booking.
• Bail amount, if applicable, and conditions of release.
• Scheduled hearing dates and any updates regarding the case

Find Jefferson County Arrest Records

Residents and inquirers seeking arrest records in Jefferson County may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency involved in the arrest. Depending on the agency's policies, these records can typically be requested in person, by mail, or online. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the primary point of contact for arrest records involving individuals currently in custody at the local jail. To request records, visit:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
317 Walnut Street
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-2648

The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) maintains information on individuals incarcerated in state correctional facilities for state-level records. The IDOC's online Incarcerated Search portal allows the public to search for inmate records by entering their last name, first name, or DOC number. Note that individuals sentenced but not currently held in a state facility will not appear in this database.

If an individual has been imprisoned in a federal facility, their records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP's Inmate Locator provides access to federal inmate records, searchable by name or identification number (e.g., BOP, FBI, DCDC, or INS numbers).

Free Arrest Record Search in Jefferson County

Individuals may access Jefferson County arrest records through third-party databases offering online search tools. While initial searches are often free, full access to detailed records may require a fee. It's important to remember that third-party records are not official and may contain inaccuracies.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, arrest records in Jefferson County are retained indefinitely unless expunged by court order. Automatic expungements occur in specific cases, such as:

• Dismissed charges or not-guilty verdicts: The court orders automatic expungement after the final judgment without requiring the individual to file a petition.
• Juvenile cases: If no prosecution or disposition occurs within one year, the records are automatically expunged.

Automatic expungements generally take effect 60 days after the court order. For arrests that do not qualify for automatic expungement, individuals must file a petition for expungement in court. The court will evaluate the petition based on eligibility requirements outlined in Indiana Code § 35-38-9.

Expunge Jefferson County Arrest Records

Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to petition the court to seal or remove certain arrest records, restoring privacy and limiting public access. Eligibility criteria for expungement vary depending on the type of offense and the time elapsed since the conviction or sentence completion:

• Misdemeanors (Including Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors):
  • Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or a Class D/Level 6 felony that was later reduced to a misdemeanor may petition for expungement.
  • A minimum of five years must have passed since the date of conviction before filing the petition.
• Class D or Level 6 Felonies:
  • Individuals convicted of a Class D or Level 6 felony are eligible to petition the court for expungement eight years after the date of conviction or three years after completing the sentence, whichever is later.
• Serious Felonies:
  • For serious felonies resulting in bodily injury or death, individuals may petition for expungement 10 years after the conviction date or five years after completing the sentence. Written consent from the prosecuting attorney is required for these cases.
• Exceptions:
  • Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement under Indiana law, including:
    • Sex or violent offenses
    • Homicide or human trafficking convictions
    • Crimes committed by elected officials while in office or as candidates
    • Multiple felonies involving the unlawful use of a deadly weapon

The court has discretion to deny expungement if it finds that granting the request is not in the best interest of public safety.

To file for expungement in Jefferson County:

• Submit a petition to the court in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred.
• Provide documentation demonstrating eligibility
• Pay the required filing fee unless waived due to financial hardship.
• Await the court's decision after a hearing or written review.

Jefferson County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate in Jefferson County authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual. Warrants are issued based on probable cause and typically contain

• The defendant's name, or if unknown, a description by which they can be identified
• The offense or charge leading to the warrant
• The issuing county and the date
• A command for law enforcement to arrest the individual
• The signature and title of the issuing judge or court clerk

Warrants are typically issued after a prosecutor files a complaint, or a grand jury delivers an indictment. Judges review complaints to confirm probable cause, ensuring fairness and legality.

Do Jefferson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Misdemeanor warrants expire 180 days after issuance if not executed. However, the court may issue a new warrant on the exact charges if necessary. Felony and rearrest warrants do not expire until executed or quashed by the court.