Wabash County Arrest Records

Wabash County arrest records include facts about all arrest-related incidents. Inquirers often receive such records from the county's local law enforcement authorities or other public documents, such as criminal records. For example, Wabash County court records may include arrest information.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wabash County?

Yes, The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3, guarantees the public's right to view, inspect, or copy non-confidential government records, including arrest records, stored and maintained by custodial law enforcement agencies while performing their statutory duties, unless otherwise stated by law.

Nonetheless, the APRA restricts or exempts the public's access to certain arrest records.
Some of these restrictions include:

• Records deemed confidential by state or federal law.
• Details concerning ongoing investigations.
• Arrest records that did not result in formal charges or where charges were dismissed or acquitted.
• Juvenile records.
• Records expunged or sealed by court order.
• Social Security numbers, medical records, or details jeopardizing witness or offender safety.
• Trade secrets or confidential financial information.
• Class A Misdemeanors/Class D Felonies: Non-violent offenses without injury may be restricted after 8 years if the offender meets eligibility criteria.
• Autopsy photographs, videos, or audio recordings.

Wabash County Arrest Statistics

According to a 5-year crime data report by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), the Wabash County Sheriff's Office made 15 arrests between 2020 and 2024. The gender split of the arrest data revealed that males accounted for 86.67% (13) of all arrests during the period, while females made up 13.33% (2).

An examination of the type of offenses law enforcement officers apprehended suspects for between 2020 and 2024 revealed that all other offenses aside from traffic were the most prevalent, accounting for 23.81% (5). Unspecified drug abuse violations and unspecified drug possession constituted 14.29% (3) each. Driving under the influence, and possession of opium or cocaine and their derivatives accounted for 9.52% (2) each.

Find Wabash County Arrest Records

At the state level, individuals seeking records of Indiana inmates may use the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) Offender Locator. This search engine allows users to find inmates by their first and last name or DOC number. Searches on the portal typically provide information such as inmates' names, birth dates, gender, race, incarceration location, sentencing details, and potential release dates.

Those seeking inmates in federal custody may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator tool. The platform permits searches for inmates by name or BOP register number.

Wabash County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest Records

Law enforcement agencies typically create arrest records after apprehending an individual. These records often comprise the arrestee's physical description, the booking photograph, the name of the arresting officer, any witnesses, and the circumstances of the incident. Typically, requesters may access arrest information from the sheriff's office and other local police departments and precincts.

Criminal Records

Criminal records are extensive documents that detail an individual's criminal history. These documents include arrest and conviction reports, as well as details on arrest warrants, arrests, third-party complaints, convictions, and even non-prosecuted cases. In essence, a criminal record provides a comprehensive account of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, from the time of arrest to the final disposition of the case.

Criminal records are useful to employers, landlords, and licensing agencies who routinely perform background investigations.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Unless someone with an arrest record applies to the court to expunge or seal such documents, the arrest information remains on the records. The expungement process ensures that only qualified persons are able to access these records.

Expungement Waiting Period

• Applicants seeking the expungement of their records may be eligible if one year has passed since their arrest, which did not result in a conviction.
• Those seeking expungement of misdemeanor records may be eligible five years after the conviction date, provided they have fulfilled all conditions.
• Applicants with Level 6 felonies may qualify for expungement eight years after the conviction, provided they have not committed any further crimes.

Eligibility Requirements for Expungement

• Prospective applicants must not commit any additional offense during the waiting period.
• Interested persons must complete all terms of their sentences, including probation, parole, and payment of fines or restitution.
• Individuals convicted of serious crimes involving bodily injury or official misconduct are not eligible for expungement.

Expungement Process

• Individuals eligible under the above conditions must submit a petition to the Wabash County Circuit Court or the Superior Court, depending on the nature of their case. The petition must include all records that are eligible for expungement.
• The court reviews the petition, ensuring all requirements (e.g., no new offenses, completion of sentence) are fulfilled. Victims of such offenses may provide input during the process.
• If the court grants the petition, the records will be sealed from public access but remain available to law enforcement and the courts.

Wabash County Arrest Warrants

In Indiana, an arrest warrant is an official order issued by a court that empowers law enforcement to take someone into custody.

When a judge receives a complaint alleging specific conduct within their jurisdiction and has reasonable grounds to believe that a particular person committed the act, they issue an arrest warrant. The warrant orders any law enforcement officer in the state to arrest the subject.

The court usually issues arrest warrants when an individual is alleged to have committed a crime (felony or misdemeanor), the accused person has not voluntarily submitted to law enforcement, or the court's jurisdiction, or probable cause exists to believe the person committed the offense.

A Wabash County arrest warrant must be written, endorsed by a judge and contain information such as:

• The name of the crime and the specific section of the law violated.
• The county where the warrant was issued.
• The name or description of the individual being arrested.
• The date of issuance and the judge's name and title.
• A directive to apprehend and present the accused before the issuing judge or another judge in the same county.
• The bail amount, if any

Do Wabash County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Arrest warrants issued by Wabash County are not subject to an expiration date. The arrest warrant will only expire if the individual in question appears in court, passes away, or the magistrate decides to revoke it.

The revocation of an arrest warrant may result from the following scenarios:

• An arrest warrant may be nullified by a judge or magistrate if it was initially issued in error or if the individual named on the warrant appears in court voluntarily.
• An arrest warrant may be voided if the prosecutor's office or law enforcement agencies elect to modify the direction or objectives of a prosecution.
• Arrest warrant allegations may be subject to the statute of limitations, despite the fact that they typically do not have an expiration date.