Arrest records are public in Hamilton County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible for inspection and copying by any person. The statute specifically designates that records of arrests, including the name, age, and address of the person arrested, the time and location of the arrest, and the factual circumstances surrounding the offense, are to be disclosed as public information.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through established procedures, subject to applicable fees as authorized under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8. While most arrest record information is publicly available, certain details may be redacted if they fall under statutory exemptions, such as information that would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger an individual's safety.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office 18100 Cumberland Road Noblesville, IN 46060 317-773-1282 Hamilton County Sheriff
Hamilton County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(d), which permits public agencies to provide enhanced access to public records, Hamilton County has implemented digital systems for public record retrieval. The county maintains a current inmate lookup system that provides real-time information on individuals currently in custody.
The online accessibility of these records is subject to the provisions of Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3.5, which governs enhanced access to public records. Users of these online systems should be aware that while basic arrest information is available, certain details may be restricted in accordance with state law. The county's online systems are regularly updated to ensure compliance with evolving legal standards regarding public information disclosure.
Digital access to arrest records is provided as a public service and is intended to promote transparency in local government operations. Users should note that online records are subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, and certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with applicable exemptions under Indiana law.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Hamilton County arrest records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 18100 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Online Access: The Hamilton County Current Inmates database provides information on individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated regularly and includes booking information and charges.
Court Records: The Hamilton County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests at One Hamilton County Square, Suite 106, Noblesville, IN 46060. Court records may be accessed through the Indiana Public Records Search system (MyCase).
Written Requests: Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(a), written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include the requestor's name and contact information.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8. Standard copying fees are $0.10 per page for black and white copies and $0.25 per page for color copies. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches.
Hamilton County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses charged, including Indiana Code citations and classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, inmate identification number, court case number, and initial hearing date.
Photographic and Biometric Data: Booking photograph (mugshot), fingerprints, and other biometric identifiers collected during the booking process.
Custody Status: Current detention status, bond information, and scheduled release date if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case.
These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Administrative Code Title 210, which establishes standards for law enforcement record-keeping. While comprehensive, certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure if it falls under statutory exemptions outlined in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4.
Indiana's expungement statutes (Indiana Code § 35-38-9) provide mechanisms for the sealing or restriction of arrest records under specific circumstances. Hamilton County residents may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements, which vary based on case disposition and offense severity.
Expungement eligibility categories include:
Arrests without Charges: Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-1, individuals arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed, may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9-2, persons convicted of misdemeanors may petition five years after the date of conviction, provided all terms of the sentence have been completed and no subsequent crimes have been committed.
Non-Violent Felonies: Indiana Code § 35-38-9-3 and § 35-38-9-4 establish waiting periods of 8-10 years for expungement of certain felony convictions, subject to specific conditions.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Hamilton County Courts located at One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, IN 46060. Filing fees apply unless waived by the court upon demonstration of indigency. Petitioners are advised that expungement is a complex legal process, and outcomes are determined on a case-by-case basis by judicial review.
When granted, expungement orders require agencies to seal or restrict access to arrest records. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as authorized by statute.