>Adams County Arrest Records Online

Adams County, Indiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County, Indiana?

Arrest records are public documents in Adams County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for public inspection and duplication unless specifically exempted by statute. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to documentation of law enforcement activities within the county.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4. The Adams County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations governing record retention and public accessibility.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Adams County?

Adams County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Adams County Sheriff's Department provides electronic access to certain arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Correction maintains a searchable database of individuals currently incarcerated within the state system.

Online accessibility is subject to the following provisions:

Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
Historical records may require additional search procedures
System maintenance may temporarily affect availability

The Indiana Judicial Branch also provides access to court records related to arrests through their case management system. Users should be aware that online records are subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, and certain information may be unavailable due to statutory exemptions.

How to Look Up Adams County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Adams County as of 2025. Interested parties may utilize the following procedures to access these public documents:

Submit a formal records request to the Adams County Sheriff's Department:

Adams County Sheriff's Department
313 S. 1st Street
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5345
Adams County Sheriff's Department Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit the Adams County Clerk's Office to review court records associated with arrests:

Adams County Clerk's Office
112 S. 2nd Street, Room 106
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5309
Adams County Clerk's Office Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Access the Indiana Department of Correction online offender database for information on individuals currently incarcerated following arrest and conviction.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Adams County Courthouse to search court records related to arrests.
Submit a written request pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3 specifying the records sought with reasonable particularity.

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other pertinent details to facilitate record location. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8.

Contents of an Adams County Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Adams County Sheriff's Department contain specific information as required by Indiana state law. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Indiana Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
Custody status information
Case numbers assigned by the Adams County Superior Court or Circuit Court
Preliminary hearing dates if applicable

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6, the record may also contain information regarding the probable cause determination made by a judicial officer. Records pertaining to juveniles may be subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Indiana Code § 31-39-3.

Law enforcement agencies in Adams County maintain these records in accordance with state-mandated retention schedules. The completeness of individual records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and subsequent case processing.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Adams County

Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which establishes multiple categories of expungement based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent case disposition.

Individuals seeking expungement in Adams County must file a petition with the court that handled the original case. The petition must comply with statutory requirements including:

Verification that all court-ordered obligations have been fulfilled
Payment of all fines, fees, court costs, and restitution
Completion of any required waiting period as specified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9
Absence of pending criminal charges
Inclusion of all required information as specified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9-8

The Adams County Superior Court or Circuit Court reviews petitions for expungement and determines eligibility based on statutory criteria. If granted, an expungement order requires the sealing or redaction of arrest records from public access. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.

Individuals with arrests in multiple Indiana counties may need to file separate petitions in each jurisdiction. The expungement process typically requires adherence to strict procedural requirements, and outcomes depend on individual case circumstances and statutory eligibility criteria.