Adams County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Adams County in 2026
AdamsINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Adams County, Indiana. Members of the public seeking criminal record data may find information such as arrest records, court case filings, booking records, conviction histories, and related court dispositions. The categories of records that may be accessible through official and supplementary sources include:
- Felony and misdemeanor arrest records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Jail booking and inmate records
- Sex offender registration data
- Active and historical warrants
- Probation and sentencing records
Records may be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain criminal record information in Adams County.
1. County Court Records: The Adams County Circuit Court maintains criminal case files for the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the clerk's office during business hours. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Public access terminals are available on-site for case lookups.
Adams County Circuit Court Clerk
112 S. 2nd St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
2. Sheriff's Office: The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail inmate information. Requests for records may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of documents.
Adams County Sheriff's Office
313 N. 2nd St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5353
Adams County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search: The MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal allows members of the public to search court records statewide, including Adams County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal provides case status, hearing dates, and filed documents. Note that some records may be restricted from public online view per court order.
4. State Criminal History Repository: The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a Limited Criminal History Search through the Indiana State Police online portal. Fingerprint-based searches are available for more comprehensive results. Processing times and fees vary by request type; at present, the standard fee for a name-based search is $16.32.
Indiana State Police – Criminal History
Indiana Government Center North
100 N. Senate Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8266
Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History
5. Written/Mail Requests: Written requests for criminal records may be submitted to the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk at 112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733. Requests must include the subject's full 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.
What Is Adams County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Adams County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system within the county and state of Indiana. Under Indiana law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public seeking accurate information:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification of criminal offense under Indiana law, while misdemeanors represent lesser offenses. Both categories are documented in the criminal record system.
- 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, while historical records document past criminal justice involvement.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Adams County include:
- Adams County Sheriff's Office – arrest records, jail booking records, inmate records
- Adams County Circuit Court – court case files, dispositions, sentencing records
- Indiana State Police – statewide criminal history repository
- Decatur Police Department – local arrest and incident records
Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as a case progresses through arraignment, plea proceedings, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or supervision. The Adams County Courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch provides direct contact information for the local court system. Records may include charges filed, arraignment dates, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Adams County
Criminal records in Adams County are subject to public disclosure under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This statute establishes that public records are presumed open for inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific exception applies.
As the Indiana Public Access Counselor has stated, "Indiana's Access to Public Records Act reflects the policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."
Records that are currently accessible to the public include adult conviction records, court case filings, sentencing information, and court proceedings. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page provides guidance on accessing court records statewide.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed by statute
- Expunged records, which are treated as if they do not exist following a court order
- Records related to ongoing investigations where disclosure would harm the investigation
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by court order
Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Indiana's public records law. Pardoned offenses may remain in the record system but are noted as pardoned. Members of the public seeking guidance on what records are accessible may consult the Indiana Public Access Counselor's office.
How To Find Criminal Records in Adams County Online
Official County Resources: The primary online resource for Adams County court records is the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal, maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court. Users may search by the subject's full name or case number. The portal returns case type, filing date, charges, hearing dates, and case status. Some documents may be available for download; others require in-person retrieval from the clerk's office. No registration is required for basic public searches.
State-Level Resources: The Indiana State Police operates the Limited Criminal History Search portal, which provides name-based searches of felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests statewide. The Indiana Department of Correction operates the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows searches of individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities by last name or full name.
Search Tips:
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Be aware that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations: Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating the digitization of court files may not be available online and require in-person requests. As the Indiana Supreme Court notes, "Official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record." Online results do not constitute official certified records for employment or legal purposes.
Can You Search Adams County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options:
1. In-Person Inspection: Indiana law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may not charge a fee for the inspection of records, only for copies. In-person inspection is available at the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Adams County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following portals are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | What It Contains | Link |
|---|---|---|
| MyCase Indiana | Court case filings, dispositions | mycase.in.gov |
| Indiana Incarcerated Database | State prison inmate records | offenderlocator.idoc.in.gov |
| Indiana Judicial Branch | Court public records guidance | in.gov/courts/public-records |
3. Sheriff's Logs: The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains daily arrest and booking logs, which may be inspected in person at no charge.
What Costs Money:
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the court clerk
- Official state criminal history background checks: $16.32 (name-based) through Indiana State Police
- Fingerprint-based background checks: additional fees apply
- Staff-assisted record searches: fees may apply per agency policy
- Expedited processing: additional fees may apply
State Fee Law: Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8 governs the fees agencies may charge for copies of public records. Agencies may charge only the actual cost of copying, not to exceed a reasonable rate. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the agency.
What's Included in an Adams County Criminal Record
Identifying Information: A criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number if applicable.
Arrest Information: Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information: Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition: Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date if applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution orders, conditions of probation or parole, and any appeals filed.
Additional Record Elements: A complete criminal record may also include active or recalled warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status, DUI or DWI records, traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court, and pending charges.
NOT Included in Public Records:
- Juvenile records (sealed under Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where charges were dismissed
- Ongoing investigation materials exempt from disclosure
Accuracy Note: Criminal records may contain errors resulting from data entry, name similarities, or incomplete updates. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their records may petition the maintaining agency or court for correction. The Indiana State Police provides a process for challenging the accuracy of criminal history information through its criminal history repository.
How Long Does Adams County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements: Indiana's record retention requirements for criminal records are governed by state statute and the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Courts and law enforcement agencies are required to follow established retention schedules.
Retention by Record Type:
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; subject to expungement eligibility |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted in record) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences:
- County courts: Court records are retained permanently under Indiana court rules, with electronic records maintained indefinitely.
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking and arrest records are retained per the agency's records retention schedule, which follows state guidelines.
- Indiana State Police repository: Conviction records are maintained permanently; the Limited Criminal History portal reflects current repository data.
Physical vs. Electronic Records: Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, but the electronic version remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement: Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, results in the record being treated as if it does not exist for most purposes, though law enforcement retains access. Individuals may petition for expungement after meeting eligibility requirements based on the offense type and time elapsed since conviction or arrest.
Old Records Access: Records predating digital systems may require special in-person requests at the Adams County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Indiana State Archives. Some older records may be available only in paper format.
Federal Records: Criminal records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state records. Different retention and access rules apply.
Practical Implications: Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain in the criminal record system permanently unless expunged. Standard employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically report convictions for seven to ten years, though Indiana law does not impose a time limit on reporting convictions. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9.