Arrest records are public documents in Marion County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency between law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Marion County, thereby promoting accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Under Indiana law, certain information contained within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate personal privacy in specific circumstances, or endanger public safety. However, basic arrest information remains accessible to the public.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and potentially paying nominal fees as permitted under IC § 5-14-3-8.
Marion County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Indiana Judicial Branch has established digital repositories that allow public access to court records, including those related to arrests. These public records databases are maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, which mandates that public agencies shall make reasonable efforts to provide electronic access to public records.
The online systems typically allow searches using various identifiers including:
The Marion County Courts maintain electronic records that can be accessed remotely. Additionally, the Inmate Lookup Tool provides current information about individuals currently in custody. This system is updated regularly to reflect current detention status and is searchable by name or identification number.
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete records may require contacting the appropriate agency directly, as certain documents may not be digitized or may require verification of identity before release.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Marion County. Individuals seeking these records may utilize any of the following methods:
Marion County Clerk's Office
200 E. Washington Street, Suite W122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4740
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Marion County Sheriff's Office
40 S. Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-1700
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency with the following information:
Pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and certification of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office or website.
Marion County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:
The Marion County Court Records system maintains these documents in accordance with state retention schedules. Records are preserved in both electronic and physical formats depending on the age of the record and statutory requirements.
Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. This process allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal or restrict access to records of arrests, charges, or convictions. The Marion County Superior Court has jurisdiction over expungement petitions for arrests that occurred within the county.
Eligibility criteria for expungement vary based on several factors:
The expungement process requires filing a verified petition with the court where the case was handled. Pursuant to IC § 35-38-9-8, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The prosecutor's office receives notification of the petition and may object within 30 days.
If granted, an expungement order may:
The Marion County Clerk's Office processes expungement petitions at:
Marion County Clerk's Office - Criminal Division
200 E. Washington Street, Suite W122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4740
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves strict statutory requirements and timelines. The court may charge filing fees for certain categories of expungement petitions, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.