LaPorte County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in LaPorte County
Arrest records in LaPorte County are considered public information under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This statute establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Indiana Access to Public Records Act operates under the principle that government records should be available for public inspection and copying. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
- Conviction records document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt.
Under current Indiana law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible, though certain limitations apply. The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available pursuant to state public records laws.
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions provided in IC § 5-14-3-4, which protects investigatory records, juvenile records, and certain personal information.
What's in LaPorte County Arrest Records
LaPorte County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Address of residence
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprints
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical screening information (though access may be restricted)
- Property inventory from booking
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative exemptions.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in LaPorte County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in LaPorte County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street, Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
-
Complete a public records request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (optional but may expedite processing)
-
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
-
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (typically $5-15 per record).
-
Records staff will process the request in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, which requires a response within a reasonable time.
Written Requests:
-
Submit a written request via mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above.
-
Include all relevant identifying information about the subject and the specific records sought.
-
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
-
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
Electronic Requests:
-
Visit the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office website.
-
Navigate to the Records Request section.
-
Complete the online request form with all required information.
-
Submit payment through the secure online payment system.
-
Receive electronic copies of available records via email or access through a secure portal.
For limited criminal history information, the Indiana State Police maintains a centralized database that includes LaPorte County arrest data. This service requires separate registration and fees.
How To Find LaPorte County Arrest Records Online
LaPorte County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:
-
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- Navigate to the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department website
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" option
- Search by name to view current custody status and basic arrest information
- This resource typically only shows individuals currently in custody
-
Indiana MyCase Portal
- Visit the Indiana Courts Case Search website
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Select LaPorte County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Note that this system shows court cases, not necessarily all arrests
-
Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History
- Access the Limited Criminal History Search portal
- Register for an account and log in
- Pay the required fee ($16.32 per search)
- Enter the subject's full name and date of birth
- Receive a report of Indiana felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests
- Results include LaPorte County arrests reported to the state system
-
Indiana Department of Corrections Offender Database
- Visit the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search website
- Enter the individual's name
- Review results for current and former state inmates from LaPorte County
- Access information on conviction, sentence, and custody status
When using online systems, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records may be available electronically
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Information may be limited compared to complete arrest records
- Some systems may have a delay in updating recent arrests
- Fees may apply for comprehensive searches
How To Search LaPorte County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing LaPorte County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information, though they may offer less detail than paid services:
-
LaPorte County Jail Inmate Roster
- The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible roster of current inmates
- This information is updated daily and includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Primary charges
- Bond information
- This resource only shows individuals currently in custody
-
Public Access Computer Terminals
- Visit the LaPorte County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Use the public access terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Search court cases related to arrests without paying fees
- Print fees may apply if you need physical copies
LaPorte County Courthouse
555 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
-
Indiana MyCase - Guest Access
- The Indiana Courts Case Search portal offers limited free access
- Select "Guest Access" instead of creating an account
- Search by name to view basic case information
- Results include court cases stemming from arrests in LaPorte County
-
Local Newspaper Police Blotters
- Local publications often publish recent arrest information
- These reports typically include name, age, and charges
- Archives may be available online or at the public library
-
Public Records Inspection
- Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, citizens have the right to inspect public records
- Visit the Sheriff's Office during business hours
- Request to view (not copy) specific arrest records
- Take notes on the information (copying fees would apply)
When using free resources, requestors should be aware of these limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid searches
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Some systems only update periodically
- Verification of identity may still be required for viewing certain records
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in any search
How To Delete Arrest Records in LaPorte County
Indiana law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies are governed by the Indiana Code § 35-38-9, known as the Second Chance Law. The following information outlines the distinction between these processes and the steps required:
Expungement vs. Sealing:
-
Expungement involves the legal erasure of arrest and conviction records from public view. While records are not physically destroyed, they are removed from public access and can only be viewed by court order or in limited circumstances by law enforcement.
-
Record Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for certain official purposes. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies but are not visible in public background checks.
Eligibility Requirements:
Individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of LaPorte County arrest records under these circumstances:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Charges that were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal
- Minor convictions after waiting periods (typically 5-8 years)
- Certain felonies after longer waiting periods (8-10 years)
- Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
Expungement Process in LaPorte County:
-
Determine Eligibility
- Review arrest and conviction history
- Calculate waiting periods from completion of sentence
- Ensure all fines, fees, and restitution are paid in full
- Verify no pending charges exist
-
Prepare Petition
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form
- Gather supporting documentation:
- Certified disposition records
- Proof of completed sentence
- Evidence of rehabilitation (if applicable)
-
File Petition
- Submit petition to the LaPorte County Clerk's Office
- Pay filing fee (approximately $157, though fee waivers may be available)
- Serve copies to the Prosecutor's Office and relevant law enforcement agencies
LaPorte County Clerk
555 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
-
Court Hearing
- Attend scheduled hearing if required
- Present evidence supporting expungement
- Address any objections from the prosecutor
-
Order Implementation
- If granted, the court issues an expungement order
- Order is distributed to all agencies holding records
- Agencies must comply within 30 days
It is important to note that expungement is not automatic and requires affirmative legal action by the individual. The process can be complex, and many petitioners choose to seek legal assistance. The LaPorte County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement law.
What Happens After Arrest in LaPorte County?
Following an arrest in LaPorte County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Indiana law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
- Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the LaPorte County Jail
- Booking procedures include:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial detention period may last 24-72 hours
2. Initial Hearing/Arraignment
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the defendant of:
- Formal charges
- Constitutional rights
- Right to counsel
- Bail determination is made based on:
- Nature of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
3. Pretrial Release or Detention
- If bail is posted, defendant is released pending trial
- Release may include conditions such as:
- Regular check-ins with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Electronic monitoring
- If bail cannot be posted, defendant remains in LaPorte County Jail
4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Court determines if probable cause exists to proceed
- Typically occurs within 10-14 days of arrest
- May be waived by defendant
5. Formal Charging
- Prosecutor files formal charges through:
- Information (most cases)
- Grand jury indictment (rare in LaPorte County)
- Charges may differ from initial arrest charges
6. Discovery Phase
- Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
- May include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence
- Expert reports
- Video/audio recordings
7. Pretrial Conferences
- Status hearings to discuss:
- Plea negotiations
- Evidence issues
- Trial preparation
- Multiple conferences may occur over weeks or months
8. Plea Bargaining
- Negotiations between prosecutor and defense
- May result in:
- Reduced charges
- Sentencing recommendations
- Dismissal of some charges
9. Trial
- Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution presents evidence beyond reasonable doubt
- Defense presents counter-evidence and arguments
- Jury or judge renders verdict
10. Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Separate hearing to determine punishment
- Factors considered include:
- Criminal history
- Nature of offense
- Victim impact
- Mitigating circumstances
- Sentences may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Community service
- Fines
- Restitution
11. Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation supervision or incarceration begins
Throughout this process, arrest records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office and the courts. These records become part of the individual's criminal history unless later expunged or sealed.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in LaPorte County?
Arrest records in LaPorte County are maintained according to Indiana's records retention requirements, primarily governed by Indiana Code § 5-15-5.1 and the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedules. These regulations establish standardized timeframes for preserving law enforcement records.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
- Fingerprint Cards: Retained for 75 years from date of collection
- Arrest Photographs (Mugshots): Kept for a minimum of 75 years
- Incident Reports Related to Arrests: Preserved for 10 years after case closure
- Investigative Files: Maintained for 10 years after case closure for misdemeanors; 25 years for felonies
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention schedules and access restrictions under Indiana Code § 31-39
It is important to note that different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
-
Law Enforcement Records
- The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to state retention schedules
- Physical records may be archived after a certain period but remain retrievable
- Electronic records systems have largely replaced paper files for recent arrests
-
Court Records
- The LaPorte County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests
- Case files for felonies are permanently retained
- Misdemeanor case files are typically kept for 10 years after case disposition
-
State Repository Records
- The Indiana State Police maintains a central repository of all arrest fingerprint records
- These records are retained for 75 years unless expunged by court order
- The central repository serves as the official criminal history record system
-
Corrections Records
- The Indiana Department of Correction maintains records of individuals who served time in state facilities
- These records are typically maintained for 10 years after release from supervision
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or pattern crimes
- Provides accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables accurate background checks for employment and licensing
- Assists in risk assessment for pretrial release and sentencing decisions
It should be noted that expungement or sealing of records through court order supersedes standard retention schedules. When a court grants an expungement petition, agencies must remove or restrict access to the specified records regardless of the standard retention period.
How to Find Mugshots in LaPorte County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the LaPorte County criminal justice system. Typically, mugshots include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In LaPorte County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office as part of their jail booking records
- The Indiana State Police central records repository
- Local police departments that conducted the arrest (Michigan City Police, etc.)
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in LaPorte County have several options:
- Submit a Public Records Request:
- File a formal request with the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the required public records request form
- Provide specific information about the subject (full name, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Records Division
809 State Street, Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office in Person:
- Request to view booking records during regular business hours
- Present identification and complete necessary request forms
- Specify the individual whose mugshot you are seeking
-
Check the Inmate Roster:
- For recently arrested individuals, limited booking information may be available on the current inmate roster
- This information typically includes basic identifying details but may not include the actual mugshot
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The availability of LaPorte County mugshots online is limited by current policies:
- The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing online database of all booking photos
- The current inmate roster on the Sheriff's website may include basic information but typically does not display mugshots
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may have some LaPorte County records, but these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To ensure accuracy and legality, individuals seeking mugshots should:
- Submit requests through official channels only
- Be prepared to provide specific information about the subject
- Understand that fees may apply (typically $5-15 per record)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
- Be aware that electronic delivery options may be limited
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in LaPorte County is subject to several important restrictions:
- Juvenile booking photos are confidential under Indiana law and not available to the public
- Mugshots associated with expunged or sealed records are not accessible
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Indiana's Access to Public Records Act allows agencies to exercise discretion in releasing certain records
- Commercial use of mugshots (particularly for "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees) is subject to increasing regulation
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware of the potential privacy implications and ensure they have a legitimate purpose for requesting these records.
Lookup Arrest Records in LaPorte County
Sheriff's Office - LaPorte County, Indiana
Indiana State Police - Limited Criminal History Search
Indiana Incarcerated Database Search