Vanderburgh County Criminal Records
What Is Vanderburgh County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Vanderburgh County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, these records constitute public information documenting arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
Criminal records in Vanderburgh County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes an individual into custody on suspicion of criminal activity
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas
- Court Records: Comprehensive case files including charges, hearings, motions, and judgments
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding jail or prison terms served
The classification of offenses significantly impacts how records are maintained and accessed:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Infractions: Minor violations usually resulting in fines rather than incarceration
Adult criminal records in Vanderburgh County are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records receive special protection under Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2, which restricts their disclosure except in specific circumstances.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Vanderburgh County:
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
3500 N. Harlan Avenue
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 421-6200
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
Vanderburgh County Courts
Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Vanderburgh County Courts
Vanderburgh County Clerk
Civic Center Complex
1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Vanderburgh County Clerk
These records typically document the entire criminal justice process, including arrests, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Vanderburgh County
Criminal records in Vanderburgh County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, the law states: "Any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during the regular business hours of the agency, except as provided in section 4 of this chapter." This provision forms the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Vanderburgh County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole records
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access under state law. According to exemptions outlined in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, the following records have limited accessibility:
- Active criminal investigation records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records where disclosure would compromise security or interfere with law enforcement
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Records sealed by court order
The Vanderburgh County Courts maintain public access terminals where members of the public may search and view publicly available court records during regular business hours. Additionally, certain records may be accessed through online portals maintained by the county and state judicial system.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, their use is regulated by various state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state employment laws place restrictions on how criminal record information can be used for employment, housing, and other purposes.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Vanderburgh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Vanderburgh County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person searches at the courthouse:
- Visit the Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office located at the Civic Center Complex, 1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN 47708
- Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record searches and $1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow staff to process the request, which may take 1-7 business days depending on complexity
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office
Civic Center Complex
1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47708 - Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate timeframe of case activity
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check/money order for applicable fees
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For criminal case information:
- Contact the Vanderburgh County Courts at (812) 435-5160
- Provide the case number if available, or the defendant's name and approximate case date
- Specify which documents are needed (e.g., charging documents, sentencing information)
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies if required
For arrest and booking information:
- Contact the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (812) 421-6200
- Submit a completed request form with subject's name and date of birth
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying records. These fees are established by county ordinance and are subject to change. Currently, standard search fees range from $5-$20 depending on the complexity of the search.
How To Find Criminal Records in Vanderburgh County Online?
Vanderburgh County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person searches at county offices.
The primary online resource for court records is the Indiana Courts MyCase portal, which includes Vanderburgh County case information. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the MyCase website
- Select "Vanderburgh" from the county dropdown menu
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Review search results showing case summaries
- Access detailed case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions
- Note that certain documents may require in-person requests at the courthouse
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current jail population information
- Booking photos
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
For comprehensive background checks, the Indiana State Police offers a Limited Criminal History search for a fee of $15.00. This search provides:
- Arrest information
- Criminal charges
- Disposition of charges
- Custody information
Additional online resources include:
- Vanderburgh County Document Center - Provides access to various county records
- Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry - Searchable database of registered offenders
- Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search - Information on current and former state inmates
Users should note that online systems may have limitations:
- Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Certain confidential or sealed records are excluded
- Document images may require in-person requests
- Some systems require registration or fees for full access
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County government website provides links to these resources and additional information about accessing public records online.
Can You Search Vanderburgh County Criminal Records for Free?
Vanderburgh County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. Indiana law, specifically Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c), permits agencies to provide free inspection of records during regular business hours.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office
Civic Center Complex
1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vanderburgh County Clerk
Vanderburgh County Courts
Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vanderburgh County Courts
Free online resources include:
-
MyCase Public Portal - The Indiana Courts provide free basic case information through their MyCase system, including:
- Case summaries
- Charge information
- Hearing dates
- Party information
- Case status
-
Vanderburgh County Jail Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online roster of current inmates including:
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court dates
-
Sex Offender Registry - The Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry provides free public access to information about registered offenders in Vanderburgh County.
While inspection is free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Background checks ($15.00 for limited criminal history)
- Research services for complex or historical searches ($20.00 per hour after first hour)
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(d), agencies may waive fees when the request is in the public interest and made by a qualifying non-profit organization. Additionally, certain government agencies and law enforcement entities may access records without fees through interagency agreements.
What's Included in a Vanderburgh County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Vanderburgh County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- 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
- Probable cause affidavit
- Bail/bond information
- Pre-trial detention status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, Superior, or City Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Indiana statute citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Plea information
- Trial dates and continuances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
- Appeals filed and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender status
- Specialized court participation (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
- DUI/OWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Vanderburgh County Courts maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats. The completeness of records may vary based on the age of the case and the specific agencies involved in processing the individual through the criminal justice system.
How Long Does Vanderburgh County Keep Criminal Records?
Vanderburgh County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records under Indiana Administrative Code Title 60. These schedules dictate how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
The retention periods for key criminal record documents in Vanderburgh County are as follows:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic infraction records: 10 years after final disposition
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Probable cause affidavits: Retained with corresponding case file
- Court orders and judgments: Permanent retention
Sheriff's Office Records:
- Arrest records: 10 years from date of arrest
- Booking records: 10 years from date of booking
- Jail records: 10 years after release from custody
- Investigation reports (felonies): 50 years from case closure
- Investigation reports (misdemeanors): 5 years from case closure
- Sex offender registration records: 75 years from initial registration
Prosecutor's Office Records:
- Felony prosecution files: 10 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor prosecution files: 5 years after final disposition
- Declined prosecutions: 3 years from decision not to prosecute
Probation Department Records:
- Adult probation files: 7 years after discharge from probation
- Pre-sentence investigation reports: 75 years from creation
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic records or indices may be maintained indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9 are removed from public access regardless of retention schedules.
The Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of court records and implements these retention policies in coordination with the courts and other county agencies.
Lookup Criminal Records in Vanderburgh County
Vanderburgh County Court Records
Vanderburgh County Document Center
Evansville-Vanderburgh County Official Website