Johnson County Arrest Records

In Johnson County, Indiana, an arrest occurs when an individual is taken into custody on suspicion of a criminal offense. According to the provisions of Indiana's Criminal Law and Procedure Act, arrests can be made by local or state law enforcement agencies. However, citizen arrests can be performed if justified per the state's self-defense statutes or if a criminal offense is committed on private property. Following an arrest in Johnson County, the detainee is booked and processed, leading to the assembly and collation of their personal information and details of their alleged offense. The information gathered during the booking process comprises Johnson County Arrest Records.

Johnson County arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and the Indiana State Police Department. The court clerk's offices may also manage them as part of Johnson County court records, especially where they are relevant to a criminal proceeding.

Are Arrest Records Public in Johnson County?

Yes. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), the public is entitled to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including law enforcement records in Johnson County (IC 5-14-3). This law applies to arrest records maintained by local law enforcement and courts, making them available to the public unless specifically exempt by law.

Johnson County law enforcement is required to maintain daily arrest logs accessible for public inspection (IC 5-14-3-5). Public access is provided through various means, including physical inspection at police stations or online databases if available.

However, the right to access arrest records is not unrestricted. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or exempted from public view in line with Indiana Code IC 5-14-3-4, such as:

• Records that would jeopardize an investigation.
• Confidential personal or financial information.
• Juvenile records.
• Information that endangers an individual's safety.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

In Johnson County, as per IC 5-14-3-5, the following information is generally available after an arrest:

• Personal details (name, age, address).
• Physical description (height, weight, distinguishing marks).
• Arrest details (date, time, location, charges).
• Arresting officers' names and agency.
• Bail or bond information.
• Reports related to the incident.

Johnson County Crime Rate

Johnson County, Indiana, experiences crime trends consistent with other counties in the state, with violent and property crimes being the primary index categories tracked by law enforcement. According to the most recent data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Johnson County recorded the following statistics:

• Violent crimes: These include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2022, Johnson County reported 12 violent crimes. Of these, 7 were rapes, and 5 were aggravated assaults.
• Property crimes: Johnson County reported 225 property crimes in 2022. This category includes burglary, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Of the total property crimes, 15 were burglaries, 182 were larceny-theft incidents, 27 were motor vehicle thefts, and 6 were arson.

Find Johnson County Arrest Records

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows the public to search for current inmates held at the Johnson County Jail. This online jail roster provides details such as the inmate's name, arrest information (including date and arresting officer), charges, bond details, and court dates. To access this information, individuals need to provide the inmate's full name.

Alternatively, inquirers may send mail-in queries to the Sheriff's Records Division at:

Johnson County Sheriff's Office
1091 Hospital Road
Franklin IN 46131
Phone: (317) 736-9155
Fax: (317) 736-2200

For individuals seeking broader records that include statewide arrest information, the Indiana State Police offer a Criminal History Limited Check that can be requested online. The Indiana State Police Criminal History Check provides a background check covering arrests for Class A misdemeanors and felonies, available to the public for a $15.00 fee.

For records held in federal custody, individuals can use the Federal Inmate Locator maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which allows searches by name or case number. This is useful in cases where Johnson County residents have been arrested by federal agents and are in federal custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Johnson County

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office offers free online searches for basic inmate information through its online jail roster. For more detailed information, such as arrest reports or criminal background checks, a fee may apply. Additionally, many third-party websites offer arrest record searches, but these may also require a fee for comprehensive reports. While these services may offer free searches, the information is often limited to basic arrest details.

Get Johnson County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Johnson County document the arrest history and court outcomes of individuals involved in criminal activities. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is the primary repository of these records. Criminal records generally include information about arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing.

To obtain criminal records in Johnson County, individuals may contact the Johnson County Sheriff's Office Records Division at:

Johnson County Sheriff's Office
1091 Hospital Rd,
Franklin, IN 46131
Phone: (317) 736-9155

Alternatively, requests for criminal records can be made by mail. Requesters should provide their name, Social Security number, a copy of a photo ID, and the appropriate fee via money order or cashier's check. Criminal record searches can also be conducted through the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Records website, which provides information for a $15.00 fee.

Johnson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

While arrest records and criminal records are often used interchangeably, they represent different aspects of a person's interaction with law enforcement in Johnson County. Arrest records document the event of an arrest, whereas criminal records provide a more comprehensive history, including court outcomes, convictions, and sentencing.

Arrest records document the charges and events leading to a single arrest and are maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. However, criminal records encompass a broader history, including multiple arrests, court proceedings, and sentencing, and are typically managed by several agencies, including courts and correctional facilities.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Johnson County arrest records remain part of public records indefinitely unless sealed or expunged by court order. Under Indiana's expungement laws (IC 35-38-9), individuals can petition to have their arrest records sealed or expunged if they meet the legal requirements. If successful, the record is no longer accessible to the public, but it is not destroyed—it remains in state databases.

Expunge Johnson County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking to expunge arrest records in Johnson County must file a petition with the Johnson County Circuit or Superior Court. Expungement is available under IC 35-38-9-1 for cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted. A petition can also be filed one year after the arrest if no charges were filed.

Petitioners are typically required to include the following information in their application:

• The date of arrest.
• The arresting agency.
• Court information (if applicable).
• Identifying information (name, DOB, etc.).

If the petition is approved, records may be removed from public access. However, law enforcement may retain access for limited purposes. Ultimately, this process only allows eligible persons to restrict their arrest records from public scrutiny while allowing law enforcement to retain necessary data for internal use.

Johnson County Arrest Warrants

In Johnson County, Indiana, arrest warrants are legal orders issued by a judge or magistrate that allow law enforcement officers to apprehend and detain individuals suspected of committing a crime. These warrants are based on probable cause, meaning there is sufficient evidence to believe that the individual named in the warrant has committed a specific offense. The Warrants Division of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for processing and serving these warrants within the county.

Under Indiana Code § 35-33-2-1, arrest warrants must be issued by a neutral magistrate after reviewing the sworn affidavit or testimony of law enforcement officers that establishes probable cause. Law enforcement officers will need to present this evidence in writing or orally, and the judge must be convinced that the crime has been committed and the named suspect is likely responsible.

A valid arrest warrant in Johnson County typically includes the following information:

• Issuing authority details: The name, signature, and official stamp of the judge or magistrate who issued the warrant.
• Suspect information: The full name, address, and any known aliases of the suspect.
• Physical descriptions: Specific details about the suspect, such as height, weight, tattoos, scars, or other identifying marks, to help law enforcement correctly identify the individual.
• Arrest clause: A clear directive to law enforcement officers to apprehend the individual named in the warrant.
• Bail information: If applicable, the bail amount and any associated conditions.
• Charges: The criminal offense(s) for which the warrant has been issued, as specified in the affidavit.

Johnson County Arrest Warrant Search

According to Rule 9 of the Indiana Supreme Court rules, arrest warrants remain confidential in Indiana until they are served. This confidentiality ensures that individuals cannot prematurely evade arrest by becoming aware of outstanding warrants. However, once an arrest warrant has been served, the information is accessible through public records.

For residents of Johnson County, check for outstanding or served warrants using any of these options:

• Johnson County Sheriff's Office: The sheriff maintains records of all outstanding warrants and can assist with warrant searches. To perform a warrant search, inquirers must know the full name of the individual involved.
• Johnson County Courts: Since members of the judiciary issue warrants, individuals may also request a search at the court's records division. In some cases, warrants issued by the court are available for review.
• Indiana State Police: For a statewide search, the Indiana State Police provide access to arrest and criminal records, which may include information on outstanding warrants.

Do Johnson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Like the rest of Indiana, arrest warrants in Johnson County do not expire. Under Indiana Code § 35-33-2-4, there is no statute of limitations on arrest warrants. They remain valid indefinitely; the only circumstances under which a warrant becomes void are:

• Arrest or surrender: The warrant is fulfilled once the suspect is arrested or voluntarily turns themselves in.
• Death of the individual: If the person named in the warrant dies, the warrant is effectively void.
• Recalling the warrant: A judge may recall or quash a warrant if there are valid legal reasons, such as errors in the issuance or insufficient evidence.