Steuben County Arrest Records

A person's arrest record originates from their apprehension by a law enforcement officer. This record includes identifying information, fingerprints, and booking sheets. In Steuben County, arrests occur when an officer has probable cause to believe a crime was committed or when a judge issues an arrest warrant based on sufficient evidence. After an arrest, the officer transports the suspect to the Steuben County Jail, which houses individuals serving short-term sentences for minor offenses.

Arrest records are created and maintained by law enforcement agencies and are closely linked to other public records, such as Steuben County court records. They are critical in the judicial process, as they serve as evidence in legal proceedings and contribute to an individual's criminal history.

Are Arrest Records Public in Steuben County?

Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), arrest records are public in Steuben County. This law allows citizens to inspect or copy these records—maintained by local law enforcement agencies—both online and in person during business hours. However, the APRA excludes the disclosure of records deemed confidential. For instance, no law enforcement agency in Steuben County will release juvenile arrest records, criminal intelligence information, or investigatory records to the public.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A Steuben County arrest record typically includes the following:

• The arrested person's full name and mugshot
• Booking date and time
• The offender's race, age, height, weight, and eye and hair color
• Inmate ID, the arresting agency's name, and the individual's judicial status
• Charges (statute code, description, crime classification, offense code, disposition, bond, and offense type)

Steuben County Arrest Statistics

The Steuben County Jail was initially built to accommodate 130 inmates but has since been modified to house up to 178 arrested persons. The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) provides monthly statistics of all state offenders through its Incarcerated Population Statistical Reports. Between January and November 2024, approximately 40 individuals were incarcerated in the Steuben County Jail. Of these, around 34 were male, while only six (6) were female.

Find Steuben County Arrest Records

Record seekers can obtain Steuben County arrest records online or in person through the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). The IDOC has multiple facilities statewide where individuals can make in-person requests during business hours. To submit online requests, use the IDOC's Incarcerated Search Tool, which allows searches by name or DOC number.

If an arrest record is unavailable through the IDOC, it may be accessed through federal law enforcement agencies. Organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), United States Capitol Police (USCP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offer free online public access to federal arrest records and permit obtaining copies by mail or in person. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) restricts access to its arrest records; only the record holder can request them online, by mail, or through approved channelers for a fee of $18.

Free Arrest Record Search in Steuben County

The Steuben County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) offers an Inmate Search feature through its mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Residents can use it to view offender arrest information at no cost. Users can enter specific criteria to narrow their searches.

Several third-party platforms also provide free access to Steuben County arrest records. However, these free services may offer limited details, which may not be sufficient for official legal purposes. Individuals requiring more comprehensive records can pay a small fee, usually by credit card.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Unless they are expunged, arrest records remain permanently listed in criminal history databases. Nevertheless, certain unexpunged arrest records have set retention periods per Indiana Archives and Records Administration (IARA) guidelines. For example, offender x-ray records may be destroyed after five years, while custody logs may be destroyed after two years.

Expunge Steuben County Arrest Records

Indiana Code § 35-38-9-1 allows the expungement of arrest records in cases where there was no conviction, the conviction was vacated on appeal, or the arrestee is not currently involved in a pretrial diversion program. Individuals must wait at least one year from the arrest date before petitioning the court for expungement.

To begin the process, eligible persons can visit the Steuben County Circuit or Superior Court to obtain an expungement form. After completing the form, they must file it in the same court where the arrest case was handled. The prosecuting attorney will receive a copy of the filed request; if they do not object and all requirements are met, the court will grant the expungement. Once granted, no information about the arrest will be accessible in state or local criminal history repositories.

Steuben County Arrest Warrants

A Steuben County court issues an arrest warrant when an indictment demonstrates that a defendant may be guilty of a crime (IC § 35-33-2-1). The warrant must be in writing and specify the defendant's name. Any identifying name or description may be used if the defendant's name is unknown. Under IC § 35-33-2-2, an arrest warrant must include the date and county of issuance, the nature of the alleged offense, and be signed by either the court clerk or judge, including their official title. The warrant is directed to the Steuben County Sheriff, ordering the defendant's immediate arrest and appearance before the issuing court and specifying the bail amount. An officer can execute a Steuben County arrest warrant at any time (IC § 35-33-2-3).

Do Steuben County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Steuben County, arrest warrants for misdemeanor offenses expire 180 days after the issuance date (IC § 35-33-2-4). By contrast, warrants issued for felony offenses do not have an expiration date. Once a warrant expires, law enforcement officers must return it to the issuing court. The court records the expired warrant, and the Steuben County prosecuting attorney is notified. Upon the attorney's request, a new warrant may be issued.