Lake County, Indiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lake County, Indiana?
Arrest records are public documents in Lake County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, must be accessible for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in the criminal justice system and upholds the constitutional right of citizens to access information regarding governmental proceedings.
The Lake County Sheriff's Department, in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, maintains these records and makes them available through various channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through designated governmental offices or authorized online platforms. The Indiana Public Access Counselor oversees compliance with public records laws throughout the state, including Lake County.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lake County?
Lake County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms in compliance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which governs electronic access to public records. The Lake County Clerk's Office maintains digital records of court proceedings related to arrests, while the Lake County Sheriff's Department provides online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data.
The state of Indiana has implemented the MyCase portal, a centralized system that allows public access to court records, including those related to arrests in Lake County. This system operates under the authority of the Indiana Supreme Court and provides case information from courts across the state. Users should note that pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while maintaining public access to essential information.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following provisions:
- Records may be accessed 24 hours per day, subject to system maintenance requirements
- Certain identifying information may be redacted in accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G)
- Electronic access may require the creation of a user account and acceptance of terms of service
- Some detailed information may only be available through in-person requests
How to Look Up Lake County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Lake County arrest records, as authorized under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3. Members of the public seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Lake County Clerk's Office
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 755-3465
Official Website
The Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of court records, including those related to arrests. Requestors may submit written applications for records in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, a reasonable fee may be charged for copying services.
Lake County Sheriff's Department
2755 W. 93rd Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 755-3400
Official Website
The Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records and booking information. Records requests may be submitted in person or by mail using the department's standard request form. Identification is required for all in-person requests, and fees are assessed according to the department's established fee schedule.
Online Access Through MyCase
The Indiana Courts Case Search system provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests in Lake County. Users must create an account and may search by name, case number, or other identifiers. The system operates under the authority of the Indiana Supreme Court and provides case information from courts across the state.
Contents of a Lake County Arrest Record
Lake County arrest records, maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6, contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Photograph ("mugshot") taken during booking process
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory authority for the arrest
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
Criminal Charges:
- Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable Indiana Code sections
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor, with class designation)
- Factual basis for charges as documented by arresting officers
- Prosecutor's formal charging decisions
Case Processing Information:
- Court assignment and case number
- Initial hearing date and outcomes
- Bail or bond determination
- Detention status
- Subsequent court appearances and dispositions
Additional Documentation:
- Probable cause affidavits
- Witness statements (with potential redactions)
- Evidence inventory
- Property receipts
These records are maintained by the Lake County Courts and the Sheriff's Department in both physical and electronic formats, with retention schedules determined by Indiana's public records laws and court administrative rules.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lake County
Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances, as codified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9. The expungement process in Lake County is administered through the Lake County Courts and follows statutory guidelines that determine eligibility and procedures.
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-1, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal or not guilty verdicts
- Convictions that have been vacated on appeal
- Arrests for which the conviction is eligible for expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court that exercised jurisdiction over the original case. The petition must include:
- Complete identifying information of the petitioner
- Case number and court of record
- Date of arrest and law enforcement agency involved
- Specific charges for which expungement is sought
- Certified disposition of the case
- Verification that all requirements for expungement have been satisfied
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor's office, which has the right to object to the expungement. If the court grants the petition, records of the arrest will be sealed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances as specified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9-6.
The Lake County Clerk's Office processes expungement petitions at:
Lake County Clerk's Office
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 755-3465
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Lake County
