Daviess County, Indiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Daviess County, Indiana?
Arrest records in Daviess County, Indiana are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection and copying by any person. The public nature of these records serves the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.
The Indiana Public Access Law specifically designates arrest records as public information, though certain restrictions may apply in accordance with state statutes. These restrictions typically pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is generally accessible, specific elements may be redacted in compliance with privacy protections established under Indiana law.
Records maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office and the Daviess County Courthouse are subject to this public access framework. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are overseen by county officials in accordance with Indiana Judicial Branch guidelines for public records management.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Daviess County?
Digital access to Daviess County arrest records is available through several official and third-party platforms. The Daviess County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and inmate status. This digital resource is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of the information presented to the public.
The Indiana Department of Correction also maintains a searchable online database where members of the public may locate information about individuals currently incarcerated or under department supervision. This resource includes information about individuals who have been transferred from county facilities to state custody following conviction.
It should be noted that online records may not contain complete arrest history information. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, certain records may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. Additionally, the Daviess Circuit and Superior Courts maintain electronic case management systems that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
How to Look Up Daviess County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Daviess County. The appropriate method depends on the specific information sought and the intended use of the records. Available options include:
In-person requests at the Daviess County Sheriff's Office located at 101 NE 4th Street, Washington, IN 47501. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (812) 254-1060.
Visiting the Daviess County Clerk's Office at the Daviess County Courthouse, 200 E Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (812) 254-8664.
Utilizing the Indiana Courts Online Portal to access case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Submitting a formal public records request in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, which requires public agencies to respond to requests within specified timeframes.
Accessing the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Database for information regarding individuals who have been transferred to state custody.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth when available. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction.
Contents of a Daviess County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Daviess County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest.
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses.
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s).
Booking information, including unique identification numbers assigned during processing.
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking.
Custody status information, including bond amounts if applicable.
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearance information.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office adhere to standards established by the Indiana Judicial Branch and state record-keeping requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Daviess 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 eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement in Daviess County must file a petition with the court that handled the original case. Eligibility requirements vary based on several factors:
Cases resulting in no charges being filed may be eligible for expungement after one year from the date of arrest.
Cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal may be eligible for immediate expungement.
Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement five years after completion of the sentence.
Some non-violent felony convictions may be eligible for expungement eight years after completion of the sentence.
Violent felonies and sex offenses have more restrictive eligibility requirements or may be ineligible for expungement.
The expungement process requires strict adherence to procedural requirements outlined in the Daviess Circuit and Superior Courts Local Rules. Upon successful expungement, records are either sealed from public view or, in some cases, physically destroyed in accordance with court orders.
Petitioners should be aware that even after expungement, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain limited access to expunged records for official purposes as permitted under Indiana Code § 35-38-9-6.
Search Arrest Records in Daviess County
Daviess County Sheriff's Office
101 NE 4th Street
Washington, IN 47501
(812) 254-1060
Daviess County Sheriff
