Knox County, Indiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County, Indiana?
Arrest records in Knox County, Indiana are public documents pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). These records are maintained as part of the official documentation of law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings within the county. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Knox County Sheriff's Department and other local law enforcement agencies are required by law to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Providing information about potential public safety concerns
- Supporting the constitutional right to public trials
- Enabling background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of criminal justice trends
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain confidential information as defined under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, such as information that would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger an individual's safety.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Knox County?
Knox County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Indiana's public records laws. The Knox County Sheriff's Department maintains digital records of arrests that occur within their jurisdiction. These records are systematically uploaded to county databases and may be accessed through official government portals.
The digitization of arrest records in Knox County is part of a statewide initiative to improve public access to government information. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(d), public agencies are encouraged to develop electronic access to public records where feasible. The following online resources provide access to Knox County arrest information:
- The Knox County Sheriff's Department's official website
- The Knox County Clerk's Office online portal for court records
- The Indiana MyCase system for court case information
- The Indiana Department of Correction offender database for incarceration information
Users should be advised that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete arrest records with detailed documentation may require in-person requests at the appropriate government office. Online records are updated according to established protocols, but may not reflect real-time information in all cases.
How to Look Up Knox County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Knox County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized methods established by Indiana statutes and local ordinances. The following procedures have been implemented to facilitate public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols:
Submit a formal request to the Knox County Sheriff's Department
Knox County Sheriff's Department
2375 South Old Decker Road
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-7660
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMAccess the Knox County Courts for case information related to arrests
Knox County Courthouse
111 North 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2502
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUtilize the public access terminals located in the Knox County Courthouse lobby for self-service searches of court records associated with arrests
Submit a written request to the Knox County Clerk's Office for certified copies of court documents related to arrests
Access the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History database, which includes Knox County arrest information (fees apply pursuant to Indiana Code § 10-13-3-30)
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and date of birth if available. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and certification of records.
Contents of a Knox County Arrest Record
Knox County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Indiana law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These official documents typically include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Gender and race as observed by arresting officer
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and specific location of arrest
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
- Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
Criminal charges:
- Specific Indiana Code violations alleged
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Brief narrative of the alleged criminal activity
- Presence of any aggravating factors
Processing information:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results if applicable
Case disposition information:
- Court case number
- Initial hearing date
- Bond amount and conditions
- Preliminary plea information
These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-15-6 regarding public records retention schedules and may be stored in both physical and electronic formats by the Knox County Recorder's Office and law enforcement agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Knox County
The expungement process in Knox County operates under the provisions of Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which establishes specific criteria and procedures for the removal of arrest records from public access. Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Knox County Courts demonstrating eligibility under state law.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Knox County include:
- For arrests without charges: at least one year must have elapsed since the date of arrest
- For misdemeanor convictions: at least five years must have elapsed since the completion of the sentence
- For certain felony convictions: at least eight years must have elapsed since the completion of the sentence
- All court costs, fines, and restitution must be paid in full
- The petitioner must not have any pending criminal charges
- The petitioner must not have been convicted of any other crime during the waiting period
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a verified petition with the Knox County Circuit or Superior Court
- Payment of the filing fee (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
- Service of the petition on the Knox County Prosecutor's Office
- Attendance at a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Issuance of an expungement order if the petition is granted
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-6, agencies maintaining arrest records must either seal or physically destroy the records as specified in the court order. The Knox County Sheriff's Department, Clerk's Office, and other relevant agencies are required to comply with expungement orders within a reasonable timeframe.
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