LaPorte County Criminal Records

What Is LaPorte County Criminal Records

Criminal records in LaPorte County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of criminal activity, legal proceedings, and judicial determinations as maintained by various law enforcement and judicial entities throughout LaPorte County, Indiana.

Criminal records typically differentiate between several categories of documentation:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or convictions obtained. Conviction records, conversely, document instances where individuals were found guilty of criminal offenses through court proceedings or guilty pleas.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors constitute less severe infractions typically punishable by incarceration of less than one year, fines, or both. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-50-2, felonies in Indiana are classified into six levels (Level 1-6), with Level 1 representing the most serious offenses.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to offenders 18 years or older are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed and subject to restricted access under Indiana Code § 31-39-8-1, which provides for confidentiality of juvenile court records.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current judicial orders for an individual's arrest, while historical records document past criminal proceedings that have been resolved.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in LaPorte County:

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street, Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-326-7700
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-326-6808
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Clerk's Office maintains court case records, dispositions, and final judgments.

Indiana State Police
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-8241
Indiana State Police

The State Police maintain statewide criminal history information.

LaPorte County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The LaPorte County Courts oversee the judicial proceedings that generate these records.

Are Criminal Records Public In LaPorte County

Criminal records in LaPorte County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Indiana Access to Public Records Act states: "A public agency may not deny or interfere with the exercise of the right stated in subsection (a). The public agency shall either provide the requested copies to the person making the request or allow the person to make copies on the public agency's equipment or on the person's own equipment."

While the law establishes a general right of access, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public disclosure:

• Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes, as specified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(1).

• Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public. This includes records expunged under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which provides for the expungement of certain criminal records.

• Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are generally confidential and not available for public inspection, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses as outlined in Indiana Code § 31-39-3.

• Grand Jury Proceedings: Information presented to grand juries remains confidential under Indiana law.

• Intelligence Information: Law enforcement intelligence information that would compromise public safety if disclosed.

Records that are typically available for public inspection include:

• Adult arrest records
• Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
• Conviction records
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information

The LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains court records that are accessible to the public during regular business hours. Additionally, certain records may be available through online portals maintained by the county and state judicial systems.

Requesters seeking criminal records should note that while the records themselves may be public, certain personal identifying information contained within those records (such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and certain medical information) may be redacted prior to disclosure in accordance with privacy protections under Indiana law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In LaPorte County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to access criminal records in LaPorte County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, including both in-person and online options.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-326-6808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
LaPorte County Clerk's Office

The procedure for in-person criminal record searches includes:

1. Complete a public records request form, available at the Clerk's Office
2. Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record searches and $1.00 per page for copies)
5. Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records

For mail requests, individuals should:

1. Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office address listed above
2. Include the subject's full name and date of birth if known
3. Specify the type of records sought (e.g., felony convictions, misdemeanor cases)
4. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
5. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order made payable to "LaPorte County Clerk")

For more comprehensive criminal history information, requesters may contact:

Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Access Section
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-8266
Indiana State Police Criminal History

The State Police provide official criminal history reports that include statewide arrest and conviction data. Requesters must:

1. Complete the Limited Criminal History Request Form
2. Provide subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
3. Submit the required fee ($16.32 per search)
4. Include a signed release from the subject (if the request is not for oneself)

For active warrant information, contact:

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street, Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-326-7700
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office

Individuals seeking records related to current inmates in state facilities should contact:

Indiana Department of Correction
302 W. Washington Street, Room E334
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-5715
Indiana Department of Correction

How To Find Criminal Records in LaPorte County Online?

LaPorte County residents and interested parties may access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The primary online resources for criminal record searches in LaPorte County include:

myCase - Indiana Courts Online Portal
This comprehensive system provides access to court cases throughout Indiana, including LaPorte County criminal proceedings. Users can search by:

• Name (first and last required)
• Case number
• Citation number

The portal is accessible at mycase.in.gov and provides case summaries, chronological case summaries, and some court documents. Registration is not required for basic searches, though certain document access may require user registration. The system contains records from LaPorte Circuit and Superior Courts dating back to approximately 2005, with ongoing digitization of older records.

LaPorte County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster showing current inmates housed in the LaPorte County Jail. This database includes:

• Inmate name and booking photo
• Booking date
• Charges
• Bond information
• Next court date

No registration is required to access this public information.

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search
For information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or under state supervision, the Indiana Offender Database Search provides:

• Current location and status
• Physical description
• Conviction information
• Projected release dates
• Parole information

Users can search by name or Department of Correction number without registration.

Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History
For official statewide criminal history reports, the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History portal allows users to:

• Request official criminal history reports
• Pay the required fee online ($16.32)
• Receive results electronically

This service requires registration and payment for each search conducted.

Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry
This database provides information on registered sex and violent offenders residing in LaPorte County and throughout Indiana. The registry allows searches by:

• Name
• County
• Zip code
• Geographic radius

When utilizing these online resources, users should note that:

• Not all criminal records are available online
• Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
• Some sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online systems
• Official certified copies typically require in-person requests

Can You Search LaPorte County Criminal Records for Free?

LaPorte County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. This statute establishes that public agencies may provide the first 50 pages of standard documents at no cost, though fees may apply for additional pages or specialized records.

Free inspection of criminal records is available at:

LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-326-6808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals may examine public court records on-site without charge during regular business hours. Computer terminals are available for public use to search the county's case management system. While inspection is free, printing or copying documents incurs a fee of $1.00 per page.

Several online resources also provide free access to criminal record information:

• myCase - The Indiana Courts Online Portal (mycase.in.gov) offers free searches of court cases, including criminal proceedings in LaPorte County. Basic case information, chronological case summaries, and some court documents are available at no cost. The system includes LaPorte Circuit and Superior Court records.

• LaPorte County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - The current jail roster is available online at no charge, providing information on individuals currently incarcerated in the county jail.

• Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry - This statewide database (www.icrimewatch.net/indiana.php) provides free access to information on registered sex and violent offenders residing in LaPorte County.

• Indiana MyLocal - This portal provides free access to local government information, including some criminal justice data.

While these resources are available without charge, certain limitations apply:

• Free online searches typically provide basic information rather than comprehensive records
• Certified copies of court documents require payment of statutory fees
• Official criminal history reports from the Indiana State Police incur a fee of $16.32 per search
• Records requiring extensive redaction or special processing may incur reasonable fees
• Commercial background check services that aggregate criminal record information typically charge subscription or per-search fees

Individuals seeking the most comprehensive free access should utilize the public terminals at the Clerk's Office, where staff can provide guidance on navigating the available systems.

What's Included in a LaPorte County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by LaPorte County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to include several key categories of information:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
• Mugshot/booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification (SID) number
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest (including Indiana Code citations)
• Bail/bond amount and status
• Detention facility information
• Arresting circumstances (as documented in police reports)

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (LaPorte Circuit or Superior Courts)
• Judge assigned to the case
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor (including statute citations)
• Classification of charges (felony levels 1-6 or misdemeanor classes A-C)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Hearing dates and proceedings
• Motions filed and rulings

Disposition Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms and location
  • Probation conditions and duration
  • Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment or program mandates
• Appeals filed and outcomes
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants (if applicable)
• Protective orders or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Habitual offender status
• DUI/OWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case. Court records maintained by the LaPorte County Clerk typically contain the most detailed information regarding case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus more on arrest circumstances and initial charges.

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 10-13-3, criminal history data is maintained by both local agencies and the Indiana State Police. The state central repository contains fingerprint-supported criminal history information that links arrests to final dispositions.

How Long Does LaPorte County Keep Criminal Records?

LaPorte County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Indiana Records Retention Schedule established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. This schedule prescribes specific retention periods for various categories of criminal justice documents, ensuring proper preservation of these important public records.

The retention periods for criminal records in LaPorte County vary based on document type and offense severity:

• Felony Case Files: Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Code Title 210, Rule 3-1, felony case records are retained permanently by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. This includes all documentation related to proceedings for Level 1-6 felonies.

• Misdemeanor Case Files: Records for Class A, B, and C misdemeanors are retained for a minimum of 10 years following case disposition or completion of sentence, whichever is later.

• Traffic Violations: Records for minor traffic infractions are typically maintained for 5 years after disposition.

• Arrest Records: The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records for a minimum of 10 years, with records involving felony arrests kept for 25 years or longer.

• Jail Records: Inmate booking and incarceration records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years after release from custody.

• Probation Records: Documentation of probation supervision is retained for 10 years following the completion of the probationary period.

• Court Recordings and Transcripts: Audio recordings of court proceedings are preserved for a minimum of 10 years, while written transcripts in felony cases are maintained permanently.

• Search Warrants and Related Documents: Records of executed search warrants are retained for 10 years after execution.

It is important to note that while physical documents may be destroyed after their retention period expires, many records are now maintained in electronic format indefinitely. Additionally, index information about criminal cases is typically preserved permanently, even when the full case file may be eligible for destruction.

The Indiana State Police maintain criminal history information in their central repository indefinitely, unless the records are expunged pursuant to a court order under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. Expungement orders require the removal or sealing of records from public access, though certain law enforcement and judicial officials may retain limited access to expunged information.

LaPorte County agencies follow the state-mandated retention schedule while also considering practical storage limitations and the public interest in maintaining historical criminal justice records.

Lookup Criminal Records in LaPorte County

LaPorte County Sheriff's Department

LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Indiana Judicial Branch: LaPorte County

Indiana State Police - Limited Criminal History Search

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search