Madison County Arrest Records

In Madison County, Indiana, law enforcement officers are authorized to make arrests within the county's judicial district. Arrests may be made with or without a warrant. A warrant is typically required when the officer has not witnessed the crime or lacks sufficient probable cause to believe that the individual committed the offense. However, exceptions include arresting individuals who are fugitives from other jurisdictions or those involved in certain traffic violations, which do not require a warrant.

Once an arrest is made, the suspect must be processed through a booking procedure, which takes place at either the police station or county jail, depending on the arresting agency. During this process, the officer collects important information, such as the individual's name, date of birth, and a list of any items in their possession at the time of arrest. Additionally, the details of the arrest—such as the date, time, location, and charges—are documented.

The arresting agency is responsible for creating and maintaining these arrest records. However, these records may be shared across various entities within the criminal justice system, including courts and the corrections department. Arrest records are often linked with Madison County court records, as they are integral to the legal proceedings that follow when charges are brought against the detained individual.

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County?

Yes, in Madison County, arrest records are generally accessible to the public under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA). This law mandates that public agencies create, maintain, or file records that are open for public inspection and copying unless exempted by specific statutes.

However, certain information is withheld to protect individual privacy and the integrity of law enforcement operations. Exemptions include:

• Personal identifiers like Social Security numbers.
• Information that could reveal the identity of minors.
• Details that might compromise ongoing investigations or legal proceedings.
• Data that could endanger the safety of witnesses or other individuals.
• Information that might infringe upon a defendant's right to a fair trial.
• Law enforcement techniques, strategies, or analysis methods.

Access to these restricted details is typically reserved for authorized personnel, the individuals named in the records, and their legal representatives.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Madison County may contain:

• Full name and any known aliases of the arrested person.
• Date of birth or age.
• Occupation and residential address.
• Names of the arresting officers and agency.
• Date, time, and location of the arrest.
• Specific charges or offenses leading to the arrest.
• Scheduled court dates.
• Information on active parole or probation status.

Madison County Crime Rate

According to the latest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Crime Data Explorer, Madison County, Indiana, saw 285 reported criminal offenses in 2022. Property crimes were the most prevalent, making up 90% (261) of the reported offenses. Among the property crimes, larceny/theft was the most common offense, with 192 reported incidents, followed by 28 incidents of motor vehicle theft and 41 burglaries.

Find Madison County Arrest Records

The Madison County Sheriff's Office operates an online inmate database where users can search for individuals who are currently incarcerated or awaiting trial. Searches can be conducted by entering the inmate's name or booking number. The information provided includes the inmate's name, date of birth, booking and release dates, charges, bond information, and subsequent court appearance.

For those seeking arrest records in person, requests can be made at the following address:

Madison County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records Division
720 Central Ave, Anderson, IN 46016
Records: (765) 646-9290

Written requests for arrest records should include the requester's name, contact information, and a description of the record sought. You can also mail the request to the above address and include payment for any applicable fees related to copying the records.

Free Arrest Record Search in Madison County

Madison County, like other Indiana counties, allows the public to inspect arrest records for free. However, if the requester requires copies of the records, the Sheriff's Office may charge a fee as permitted under Indiana law (Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8). Online search portals provided by the Madison County Sheriff's Office allow free access to inmate and arrest information, though fees apply for printed copies. Third-party websites also offer access to arrest records but typically require a fee or subscription service for complete access.

Get Madison County Criminal Records

Unlike arrest records, criminal records provide a more comprehensive history of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system, including convictions. Madison County criminal records can be accessed through the Madison County Clerk's Office or the Indiana State Police (ISP) Limited Criminal History Search. The ISP provides a paid service where registered users can request limited criminal history reports at a fee ranging from $15 to $15.70 per search.

Madison County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records in Madison County document the details of an individual's apprehension by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. An arrest merely signifies that law enforcement has probable cause to believe the individual committed a crime. Under Indiana law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On the other hand, criminal records represent a formal history of an individual's interactions with the legal system after conviction. These records include criminal charges for which the individual was found guilty. If someone is convicted of a crime in Madison County, their conviction would appear on their criminal record, which is different from an arrest record, where the case's outcome is not yet determined.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records remain on public record indefinitely in Indiana. Consequently, Madison County arrest records may be removed following a petition for expungement. Without expungement, these records persist regardless of the outcome of the case or the time elapsed since the arrest.

Expunge Madison County Arrest Records

Under Indiana Code 35-38-9, otherwise known as the "Second Chance Law," individuals can petition to expunge their arrest records. Expungement seals the records from public view, although they remain accessible to criminal justice agencies.

To be eligible for expungement, the petitioner must meet specific criteria, such as:

• No pending criminal charges.
• The arrest did not result in a conviction, or the conviction was for a qualifying offense.
• Compliance with waiting periods specified by law.

It is worth noting that selected offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:

• Sex offenses or violent crimes.
• Homicide-related offenses.
• Human or sexual trafficking.
• Felonies resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
• Official misconduct or related offenses.

To file for expungement in Madison County, the petitioner must submit a petition to the court where the charges were filed. If no charges were filed, the petition can be submitted to any court with criminal jurisdiction in the county. The petition should include:

• The date and location of the arrest.
• Name of the arresting law enforcement agency and any available identifying details (e.g., officer names, case numbers).
• Petitioner's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• The county where the arrest occurred.

The court will review the petition to determine eligibility. If approved, the records will be sealed from public access. If denied, the petitioner may have to wait a specified period before reapplying, depending on the reason for denial.

Madison County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Madison County, Indiana, is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate granting law enforcement the authority to arrest an individual. The warrant must be in writing and signed by the judge and contain the suspect's name or description, the crime alleged, the probable cause for the arrest, the date of issuance, the judge's signature, and the jurisdiction. The issuance of arrest warrants in Indiana is governed by Indiana Code § 35-33-2-2.

Law enforcement officers typically collaborate with the Madison County Prosecutor's Office to obtain an arrest warrant. They must prepare an affidavit, which includes a statement of probable cause backed by sufficient evidence that connects the individual to the crime. The prosecutor then files the affidavit and complaint in court. If the judge finds probable cause, an arrest warrant will be issued.

Madison County Arrest Warrant Search

Madison County residents or interested parties may seek information regarding outstanding arrest warrants by contacting the Madison County Sheriff's Office. While the county does not currently offer an online platform for checking active warrants, the Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement can provide this information upon request. Additionally, arrest warrant information may be accessible through the Madison County Clerk's Office or by visiting the county courthouse.

For court-related records, including arrest warrants, individuals may contact or visit the courthouse at the following address:

Madison County Clerk's Office
16 E 9th St, Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9443

Court records can also be reviewed via the state's case management system, mycase.IN.gov, where public access to certain court records, including warrant information, may be available.

Do Madison County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Whether an arrest warrant in Madison County expires depends on the type of offense. According to Indiana Code § 35-33-2-4, warrants issued for misdemeanor offenses expire 180 days (roughly six months) after being issued if not executed. However, arrest warrants for felony charges do not have an expiration date and remain active indefinitely until the subject is apprehended and brought before the court.

Similarly, rearrest warrants, issued for reasons such as failure to appear in court, violation of probation, or the discovery of new evidence, do not expire, regardless of the underlying offense. These warrants, once issued, remain enforceable until the individual is taken into custody and appears before the court.