Delaware County, Indiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Delaware County, Indiana?
Arrest records are public information in Delaware County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This comprehensive legislation establishes that all public records maintained by state and local government agencies, including the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement entities, must be made available for inspection and copying by members of the public upon request. The law specifically includes arrest records among those documents considered public, unless they fall under specific exemptions outlined in state or federal statutes.
Under APRA, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile information as specified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4. However, the basic arrest information, including the name of the arrestee, charges filed, and booking details, remains accessible to the public. This transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and the judicial system's operations within Delaware County.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Delaware County?
Delaware County arrest records can be accessed online through several official government portals and authorized third-party platforms. The Delaware County court records are searchable through Doxpop, which provides access to court case data dating back to January 1989. Additionally, the Indiana Courts Case Search system (MyCase) offers a centralized database for accessing court records, including those related to arrests in Delaware County.
It is important to note that while many records are digitized, the completeness of online records varies. Some older records may not be fully digitized, and certain case details may only be available through in-person requests. Furthermore, pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, agencies may establish reasonable fees for searching, copying, and providing access to public records, which may apply to online searches as well as in-person requests.
For the most comprehensive and current arrest information, members of the public may need to contact or visit:
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
100 W. Washington Street
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-7885
Official Website
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
How to Look Up Delaware County Arrest Records in 2025
To access Delaware County arrest records in 2025, individuals have multiple options available through official channels. Each method offers varying levels of detail and convenience, as prescribed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3 regarding public record requests.
In-person requests remain the most comprehensive method for obtaining arrest records. Requestors may visit the Delaware County Sheriff's Office or the Delaware County Clerk's Office to submit a formal public records request. When making an in-person request, individuals should:
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Complete the official public records request form
- Specify the exact records being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for document search and reproduction
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
100 W. Main Street, Room 209
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-7726
Official Website
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM daily)
For remote access, individuals may submit a public records request through the Delaware County government website. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, the county must respond to such requests within specified timeframes, typically seven business days for standard requests.
Digital access to Delaware County court records is also available through the state's judicial system. These records often include arrest information as it relates to court proceedings and case dispositions.
Contents of a Delaware County Arrest Record
Delaware County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Indiana law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These comprehensive documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address
- Gender and race
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Incident report number and booking reference
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken from front and side views
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Property inventory collected during booking
- Medical screening results (non-confidential portions)
- Detention facility assignment
Judicial processing:
- Court case numbers and assigned jurisdiction
- Bail or bond determination and amount
- Initial hearing date and preliminary findings
- Plea information when available
- Case disposition and sentencing details if concluded
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5(d), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information protected by HIPAA, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Delaware County
The expungement process in Delaware County allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing or erasure of arrest records from public access. Indiana's expungement statutes, codified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9, establish a comprehensive framework for record expungement based on specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Eligibility for expungement in Delaware County is determined by several factors:
- Cases resulting in no charges being filed may be eligible for expungement after one year from the date of arrest
- Arrests resulting in dismissed charges may qualify for expungement after one year from the date of dismissal
- Misdemeanor convictions generally require a five-year waiting period from the date of conviction
- Lower-level felony convictions typically require an eight-year waiting period
- Certain serious felonies may require a ten-year waiting period or may be ineligible for expungement
- Violent offenses and sex crimes as defined in Indiana Code § 35-38-9-5 have significant restrictions on expungement eligibility
The expungement petition must be filed in the Delaware County court where the original case was adjudicated or, in cases where no charges were filed, in the court with criminal jurisdiction in the county of arrest. Petitioners must use the standardized forms provided by the Indiana Courts Administration and must certify that all required information is accurate and complete.
Delaware County Circuit Court
100 W. Washington Street
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-7734
Official Website
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-10, the individual may legally state on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights that they have not been arrested for or convicted of the expunged offense. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement entities may still access expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.
Search Arrest Records in Delaware County
