Jefferson County Public Records / Jefferson County Arrest Records

Jefferson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jefferson County in 2026

JeffersonINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Jefferson County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available through public channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and criminal history summaries. This site aggregates data from official sources; completeness and currency of records may vary.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available at present.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the Sheriff's Office website.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
315 E Walnut St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-2648
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Madison Police Department serves the county seat and publishes press releases and arrest logs through its official channels. Members of the public may contact the department directly for arrest information related to incidents within city limits.

Madison Police Department
101 W Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-2525
Madison Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests may be searched through the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal, which provides access to case filings, charge information, and hearing schedules. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal court cases.

Jefferson County Clerk of Courts
300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police maintains the Indiana criminal history records database, which includes arrest and conviction information from jurisdictions statewide. A name-based search is available to the public for a fee of $16.32 per request. Certified criminal history reports are available for an additional fee. The database includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Indiana.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 315 E Walnut St, Madison, IN 47250
Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Phone: (812) 265-2648
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo ID and specific information about the arrest
Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Madison Police Department, 101 W Main St, Madison, IN 47250, (812) 265-2525
Records requests are processed during regular business hours, Monday–Friday
Fees: $0.10 per page for copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Criminal records division is located on the main floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Case file inspection is available during business hours at public access terminals
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.10 per page for standard copies

By Mail:

Sheriff's Office mailing address: 315 E Walnut St, Madison, IN 47250
Written requests must include:
- Arrestee's full legal name
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Include a check or money order payable to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for applicable copy fees
Processing time: 5–10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (812) 265-2648
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Limited information is available by phone; callers may be referred to the online system or directed to submit an in-person or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
Discovery in active legal proceedings is governed by the Indiana Rules of Criminal Procedure

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction within Jefferson County)

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County

Arrest records in Jefferson County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency and accountability.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several reasons:

Government transparency: Public access to arrest records ensures that law enforcement actions are subject to public scrutiny.
Public safety: Communities benefit from awareness of criminal activity and law enforcement responses.
Journalism and research: Members of the press and academic researchers rely on arrest records to document crime trends and government conduct.
Background screening: Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use arrest information as part of lawful screening processes.
Legal proceedings: Attorneys and parties in litigation access arrest records as part of case preparation and discovery.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access pursuant to court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12, guarantees open courts and access to justice. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-4, which enumerates categories of records that agencies may withhold. As the Indiana Public Access Counselor has stated, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects Indiana's commitment to open government and the public's right to know how its government functions."

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record does not establish guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Jefferson County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Indiana State Police, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information (if applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Indiana statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)
Gang-related designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information (if applicable)
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment (if available)

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Not always included in the current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Detailed home address or phone number
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jefferson County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Jefferson County varies by record type and the office from which the request is made. Under Indiana law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.10
Certified copy (per page)	$1.00
Indiana State Police criminal history (name-based)	$16.32
Indiana State Police criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$16.32 + fingerprint processing
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Jefferson County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order. The Indiana State Police accepts payment by credit card for online requests. Agencies may not charge fees for the time spent locating records unless the request requires an extraordinary amount of staff time, as addressed under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or members of the news media in certain circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency. Court case information is available at no cost through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Jefferson County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the restriction of records from public view and, in some cases, the physical destruction or notation of records. Sealing restricts access to records without necessarily destroying them. Under Indiana's Second Chance Law, codified at Ind. Code § 35-38-9, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, criminal charges, and conviction records.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not result in a conviction: Eligible for expungement one year after the date of arrest, or upon the date charges are dropped or dismissed, whichever is later
Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible five years after the date of conviction, provided no criminal charges are pending
Class D/Level 6 felony convictions: Eligible eight years after the date of conviction
Higher-level felony convictions: Eligible after varying waiting periods, subject to additional restrictions
Certain serious violent offenses and sex offenses are not eligible for expungement

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a complete copy of the arrest record and any associated court case from the Jefferson County Clerk of Courts
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and waiting period under Ind. Code § 35-38-9
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Jefferson County Circuit or Superior Court
Pay the filing fee (currently $157 for most petitions; fee waiver may be available for indigent petitioners)
Serve the petition on the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the prosecutor objects
If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to all relevant agencies, including the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement

Jefferson County Circuit Court
300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Courts

Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office
300 E Main St, Suite 202, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8900
Jefferson County Prosecutor

The Indiana Legal Services organization provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals seeking expungement. The Indiana Courts expungement resources page provides self-help forms and procedural guidance for pro se petitioners.

What Happens After Arrest in Jefferson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Jefferson County Jail, located at 315 E Walnut St, Madison, IN 47250. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Jefferson County Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously administered)
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Indiana State Police
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening administered
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest for a warrantless arrest. At the initial hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The Jefferson County Public Defender's Office provides representation to qualifying defendants.

Jefferson County Public Defender's Office
300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Courts

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by Information
Request additional investigation before filing
Decline to prosecute
File different or additional charges from those listed at booking

Grand Jury:

For serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present and result in an Indictment if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings.

Pretrial Motions: Either party may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial Conferences: Attorneys and the judge meet to discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. The verdict is guilty or not guilty. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Indiana's constitutional right to a speedy trial is addressed under Article 1, Section 12 of the Indiana Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
315 E Walnut St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-2648
Inmate information: (812) 265-2648
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Jefferson County Clerk of Courts
300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Clerk

Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office
300 E Main St, Suite 202, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8900
Jefferson County Prosecutor

Jefferson County Public Defender's Office
300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Courts

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jefferson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Jefferson County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana records retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Under current law, agencies must retain records for at least the periods specified in the applicable schedule and may not destroy records prematurely.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and Indiana State Police
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of 10 years

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless sealed or expunged

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum 3 years
Local arrest logs: Minimum 3 years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum 3 years
Often eligible for expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable schedule (minimum 5–10 years)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals
Photographs: Retained per agency policy

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Vary by agency policy
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated when expungement is granted
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum 5 years
Arrest reports: Minimum 5 years
Investigative files: Minimum 10 years for felony cases
Contact: (812) 265-2648

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum 5 years
Incident reports: Minimum 5 years
Retention periods may vary by department

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
Traffic cases: Minimum 5 years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository
Retention policy: Permanent for convictions; records for non-convictions retained unless expunged
The Indiana State Police criminal history portal provides access to state-level records

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention: Typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federal screening purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.

Expungement: Local records are sealed or restricted from public access. The Indiana State Police updates its repository upon receipt of the court order. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period applies. Records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon successful expungement petition.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search
Updated regularly

Older Arrests (More Than 10 Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time may apply

Very Old Arrests (More Than 20 Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 265-2648 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the Indiana records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention — including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals — may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts, and employers subject to federal fair chance requirements must follow applicable guidelines.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 265-2648
Submit a public records request specifying the arrest date and subject's name
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request