DeKalb County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in DeKalb County, Indiana, may access publicly available information through a combination of official government portals, county court offices, and law enforcement agencies. DeKalbINRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may relate to criminal history, arrest activity, and court proceedings originating in DeKalb County. The information accessible through such resources may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Inmate and jail roster data
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration records
- Traffic and DUI/DWI violations
Records may be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online government tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain criminal records in DeKalb County.
1. County Court Records
The DeKalb Circuit Court and DeKalb Superior Court maintain case files for all criminal proceedings originating within the county. Members of the public may visit the courthouse in person to inspect records at the clerk's public access terminal. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Court staff are available to assist with locating case files by name, case number, or date of filing.
DeKalb County Clerk's Office
100 S Main St
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-0912
DeKalb County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
2. Sheriff's Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail roster information. Members of the public may submit records requests for incident reports, crash reports, and other law enforcement documents. Requests may be submitted in person or through the Sheriff's Office records request portal. Applicable fees vary by record type and are posted on the agency's website.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 E 9th St
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3060
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Indiana Office of Judicial Administration operates MyCase, the statewide online court case search platform. Members of the public may search by full name, case number, or date of birth. The portal returns case status, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions for cases filed in DeKalb County courts. Note that certain case types, including sealed and expunged records, do not appear in MyCase search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Indiana State Police maintains the state's criminal history repository and provides Limited Criminal History searches to the public. A Limited Criminal History contains felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests within Indiana. Requests may be submitted online through the ISP portal. The standard processing fee is $16.32 per search. Fingerprint-based background checks are available for employment and licensing purposes and require submission through an authorized LiveScan provider.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the DeKalb County Clerk's Office or the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days for most record types.
What Is DeKalb County Criminal Records
A criminal record is a documented history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. Under Indiana law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public conducting searches:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification under Indiana law and carry potential sentences exceeding one year. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both categories are reflected in criminal history records.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Juvenile records are confidential under Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current outstanding orders for arrest. Historical records document past arrests and case outcomes regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in DeKalb County include the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the DeKalb Circuit and Superior Courts (case files and dispositions), the Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository (statewide conviction data), and local municipal police departments within the county. Records are created at the point of booking, updated as cases progress through the court system, and finalized upon sentencing or dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In DeKalb County
Criminal records in DeKalb County are subject to public disclosure under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1 et seq. The Act establishes a presumption of openness for public agency records, including those maintained by law enforcement and the courts. As stated in the Act, "any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency."
Adult conviction records, court case filings, arrest logs, and booking information are accessible to members of the public under current Indiana law. Court proceedings are presumptively open, and case records filed with the DeKalb Circuit and Superior Courts are available for inspection at the courthouse or through the MyCase court search portal.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed by operation of Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2
- Expunged records, which are restricted from public access following a court order under Indiana's expungement statutes
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure could jeopardize law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain case types
- Pardoned offenses, where applicable
Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Indiana's public records law. The Indiana Public Access Counselor provides guidance on the scope of the Access to Public Records Act and may be consulted regarding disputed access determinations.
How To Find Criminal Records in DeKalb County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resources for DeKalb County criminal records are as follows:
- MyCase – Indiana Courts Case Search: The Indiana Courts case search portal provides public access to court case information statewide, including DeKalb County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal returns case type, filing date, charges, hearing schedules, and dispositions. Registration is not required for basic searches.
- DeKalb County Inmate Search: The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides current booking information for individuals held at the DeKalb County Jail, including charges and bond details.
- Sheriff's Office Records Requests: The records request portal maintained by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office allows members of the public to submit requests for incident reports, crash reports, and related law enforcement documents online.
State-Level Resources
- Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History: The ISP Limited Criminal History search provides statewide felony and Class A misdemeanor arrest data. This resource is available online and returns results for Indiana arrests only.
- Indiana Judicial Branch – DeKalb County Courts: The Indiana Judicial Branch local court page provides contact information, court schedules, and procedural guidance for DeKalb County courts.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations.
- Case number searches return the most precise results and eliminate ambiguity caused by common names.
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as not all agencies share data in real time.
- Understand that sealed and expunged records will not appear in public online searches.
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of 24 to 72 hours following a booking or court event. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may not be available online and require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute official background checks for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search DeKalb County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Indiana law mandates that members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, agencies must allow inspection of public records during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply for physical reproductions. Public access terminals are available at the DeKalb County Clerk's Office and the DeKalb County Courthouse.
2. Free Online Databases: The following resources are available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| MyCase – Indiana Courts | Case search, docket, dispositions | mycase.in.gov |
| DeKalb County Inmate Search | Current jail roster, booking info | Inmate Search |
| Indiana Judicial Branch | Court contact info, local rules | DeKalb County Courts |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection at no charge.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court documents: fees set by the clerk's office (contact the DeKalb County Clerk at (260) 925-0912 for current rates)
- Official state background checks through the Indiana State Police: $16.32 per search
- Staff-assisted record searches requiring extended research time
- Fingerprint-based background checks: fees vary by LiveScan provider
- Expedited processing requests
What's Included in a DeKalb County Criminal Record
A criminal record maintained by DeKalb County agencies and the Indiana State Police may contain the following categories of information:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number (where applicable)
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and jail facility
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount and conditions
Court Case Information
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Charges and applicable statutes (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Plea entered
- Attorney of record
Disposition
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision
- Probation or parole status
- Appeals filed or pending
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or no-contact orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under Indiana law)
- Expunged or sealed records following a court order
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed pretrial diversion programs (where expungement has been granted)
- Ongoing investigation materials exempt from disclosure
Members of the public who identify errors in their criminal record may petition the originating court or agency for correction. Accuracy in criminal records is significant for employment, housing, and licensing determinations.
How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Indiana courts and law enforcement agencies are subject to records retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Retention periods vary by record type and agency.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 5 years; varies by agency |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted; permanent in court system |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18 or upon petition; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Juvenile records are governed by Indiana Code § 31-39-8-3, which provides for the destruction of certain juvenile records after a specified period following the subject's 18th birthday, subject to the nature of the offense.
Agency Differences
- County courts: Case records are retained permanently in the court's electronic case management system.
- Sheriff's Office and jail: Booking and arrest records are retained according to the agency's adopted retention schedule, with felony-related records retained longer than minor offense records.
- Indiana State Police repository: Conviction records are retained permanently. The ISP Limited Criminal History database reflects all qualifying arrests reported to the state.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, but the electronic record remains accessible in the court or agency database.
Expungement
Indiana's expungement statute permits eligible individuals to petition for the restriction of certain criminal records from public access. Upon the granting of an expungement order, the record is sealed from public view but may remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing authorities. Eligibility, waiting periods, and qualifying offenses are governed by Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which was substantially amended in recent legislative sessions. Expungement does not result in the physical destruction of records held by the Indiana State Police or federal repositories.
Even if county agencies destroy physical records following the applicable retention period, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged pursuant to a valid court order.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are subject to separate retention and access rules independent of Indiana state law.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions appear on background checks indefinitely under Indiana law. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported without time limitation. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record.