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St. Joseph Public Records / St. Joseph County Arrest Records

St. Joseph County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in St. Joseph County

Arrest records in St. Joseph County are considered public information under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3, citizens have the legal right to inspect and copy most government records, including arrest records. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by law.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Indiana law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records for the county in accordance with state regulations. These records document arrests made by county law enforcement agencies, including the St. Joseph County Police Department and municipal police departments within the county.

While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted or restricted pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which outlines specific exceptions to public disclosure. These exceptions may include juvenile records, ongoing investigation information, and certain personal identifying information.

What's in St. Joseph County Arrest Records

St. Joseph County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Home address
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Circumstances leading to arrest
  • Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute numbers of alleged violations
  • Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity
  • Incident report number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
  • Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing officer information
  • Property inventory
  • Medical screening results

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted or not)
  • Bond conditions
  • Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court case number
  • Assigned court
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned to case
  • Prosecutor information

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility where detained
  • Housing unit information
  • Projected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Known aliases
  • Vehicle information
  • Emergency contact information
  • Immigration status
  • Probation/parole status

These records are maintained by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department and may be accessed through various methods as permitted by Indiana public records laws.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Joseph County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in St. Joseph County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:

  1. Visit the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Records Division in person:

St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department Records Division
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9321
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

When requesting records in person, individuals must:

  • Complete a public records request form
  • Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
  • Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible
  • Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page)
  1. Submit a written request by mail:

Written requests must include:

  • Requestor's full name and contact information
  • Detailed description of records being sought
  • Date range of records requested
  • Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
  • Signature and date
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
  1. Request records through the Indiana Judicial Branch:

Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:

  • mycase.in.gov - Indiana's online court records portal
  • The St. Joseph County Clerk's Office located in the courthouse

St. Joseph County Clerk's Office
101 S. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9635
St. Joseph County Clerk

  1. Submit a request under the Access to Public Records Act:

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, individuals may submit a formal APRA request to the designated public records officer. The county must respond to requests within specified timeframes:

  • 24 hours for in-person or telephone requests
  • 7 days for mailed, faxed, or emailed requests

Fees for records may apply in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and labor costs.

How To Find St. Joseph County Arrest Records Online

St. Joseph County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

  1. Indiana Jail Management System:

The Indiana Jail Public Portal provides real-time information about individuals currently incarcerated in county jails throughout Indiana, including St. Joseph County. Users can search by:

  • Last name
  • First name
  • Date of birth

This system displays:

  • Current custody status
  • Booking date
  • Charges
  • Bond information
  • Court dates
  1. mycase.in.gov Court Case Search:

The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains a comprehensive online court records system. To access arrest-related court records:

  • Visit mycase.in.gov
  • Select "St. Joseph County" from the dropdown menu
  • Search by name, case number, or citation number
  • Review case information, including charges, hearings, and dispositions
  1. St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department Website:

The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department website provides:

  • Recent booking information
  • Inmate lookup tools
  • Daily arrest logs
  • Most wanted lists
  1. South Bend Police Department Records:

For arrests made by the South Bend Police Department, their website offers:

  • Police reports
  • Incident summaries
  • Crime statistics
  • Arrest information for cases within city limits

When using online systems, users should note that:

  • Some records may require registration or account creation
  • Certain sensitive information may be redacted
  • Not all historical records are digitized
  • Information is provided as a public service and should be verified for accuracy

How To Search St. Joseph County Arrest Records for Free?

St. Joseph County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several free resources. The following no-cost options are available to the public:

  1. Public Access Computer Terminals:

Free computer terminals are available at:

St. Joseph County Courthouse
101 S. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9635
St. Joseph County Courts

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

These terminals provide access to:

  • Court case information
  • Docket entries
  • Hearing schedules
  • Case dispositions
  1. Online Inmate Lookup:

The Indiana Jail Public Portal offers free searches for current inmates in St. Joseph County facilities. This resource provides:

  • Current custody status
  • Booking information
  • Charges
  • Bond amounts
  • Expected release dates
  1. Public Library Resources:

The St. Joseph County Public Library system offers free access to public records databases:

St. Joseph County Public Library - Main Branch
304 S. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-282-4600
St. Joseph County Public Library

Library resources include:

  • Public computers with internet access
  • Assistance from reference librarians
  • Access to legal research databases
  • Microfilm archives of historical records
  1. Daily Jail Logs:

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5(c), jail booking information is published daily and available for free inspection. These logs include:

  • Names of individuals booked into custody
  • Charges
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking date and time
  1. Media Reports:

Local news outlets regularly publish arrest information from St. Joseph County law enforcement agencies, providing a free, though unofficial, source of arrest data.

When utilizing free resources, individuals should be aware that:

  • Some detailed information may not be available without formal requests
  • Records may not be comprehensive or complete
  • Historical records may require formal requests and associated fees
  • Information should be verified through official channels

How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Joseph County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in St. Joseph County follows Indiana state law, which provides specific mechanisms for record restriction. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of records.

Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest and conviction records under certain circumstances. The following provisions apply:

Expungement Eligibility:

  1. Arrests without charges or dismissed cases:

    • Individuals may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest or dismissal
    • No charges were filed, or charges were dropped due to mistaken identity, no offense was committed, or lack of probable cause

  2. Misdemeanor convictions:

    • Eligible five years after the date of conviction
    • All court costs, fines, and restitution must be paid
    • No pending criminal charges
    • No convictions within the five-year waiting period

  3. Non-violent felony convictions:

    • Eligible eight years after completion of sentence
    • All court costs, fines, and restitution must be paid
    • No pending criminal charges
    • No convictions within the waiting period

  4. Violent felony convictions:

    • May be eligible ten years after completion of sentence
    • Requires prosecutor's consent
    • All court costs, fines, and restitution must be paid
    • No pending criminal charges
    • No convictions within the waiting period

Expungement Process:

To initiate the expungement process in St. Joseph County, individuals must:

  1. File a petition with the St. Joseph County Courts where the case was handled
  2. Pay the filing fee (currently $157, though fee waivers may be available)
  3. Provide all required documentation, including:
    • Criminal history report
    • Case information
    • Proof of completed sentence
    • Proof of paid obligations

Effect of Expungement:

When records are expunged:

  • Arrest records are sealed from public view
  • Court records are marked as expunged
  • The individual may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense
  • Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access the records for limited purposes

It is strongly recommended that individuals seeking expungement consult with a qualified attorney, as the process is complex and technical errors can result in denial of the petition. The St. Joseph County Bar Association or Indiana Legal Services may provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in St. Joseph County?

Following an arrest in St. Joseph County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Indiana state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

  1. Arrest and Booking:

    • Arrestees are transported to the St. Joseph County Jail at 401 W. Sample Street, South Bend
    • Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and medical screening
    • Initial charge information is recorded
    • Arrestee is placed in holding cell or general population depending on classification

  2. Initial Hearing:

    • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
    • Judge informs defendant of charges and constitutional rights
    • Bail determination is made
    • Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
    • Preliminary plea is entered (not guilty plea is standard at this stage)

  3. Bail/Bond Determination:

    • Judge sets bail based on:
      • Nature and severity of charges
      • Criminal history
      • Flight risk
      • Community ties
      • Public safety considerations
    • Bond options include:
      • Cash bond
      • Surety bond
      • Personal recognizance

  4. Pretrial Proceedings:

    • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
    • Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
    • Motion hearings (suppression of evidence, dismissal requests)
    • Plea negotiations

  5. Charging Decision:

    • For misdemeanors, charges are typically filed by the prosecutor at or before initial hearing
    • For felonies, formal charges must be filed within 72 hours or:
      • Prosecutor may file an information directly
      • Case may be presented to grand jury for indictment
      • If no charges are filed, defendant must be released

  6. Trial Proceedings:

    • Defendants have the right to:
      • Speedy trial (within 70 days for in-custody defendants)
      • Jury trial for most offenses
      • Confront witnesses
      • Present evidence
    • Burden of proof is on prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt

  7. Sentencing (if convicted):

    • Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
    • Sentencing hearing scheduled
    • Judge imposes sentence based on:
      • Indiana sentencing guidelines
      • Aggravating and mitigating factors
      • Victim impact statements
      • Defendant's criminal history

  8. Post-Conviction:

    • Right to appeal within 30 days
    • Possible placement in:
      • St. Joseph County Jail
      • Indiana Department of Correction
      • Community corrections
      • Probation supervision

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record and is maintained by the St. Joseph County Clerk's Office and accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch case management system.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Joseph County?

Arrest records in St. Joseph County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Indiana state law. The primary governing statute is Indiana Code § 5-15-6, which establishes the Commission on Public Records and authorizes the creation of records retention schedules for law enforcement agencies.

The Indiana Archives and Records Administration (IARA) oversees these retention schedules, which mandate specific timeframes for maintaining different categories of records. For arrest records in St. Joseph County, the following retention periods currently apply:

Arrest Records Retention Periods:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information:

    • Felony arrests: 10 years after final disposition of case
    • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after final disposition of case
    • Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest

  • Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records:

    • Permanent retention for convicted felons
    • 10 years for misdemeanor convictions
    • 3 years for arrests without conviction (unless expunged)

  • Mugshot Photographs:

    • Felony arrests: 10 years after final disposition
    • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after final disposition
    • May be retained longer if subject has multiple arrests

  • Incident Reports Related to Arrests:

    • Felony cases: 10 years after case closure
    • Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
    • Cases of significant public interest: permanent retention

  • Jail Records:

    • Booking logs: 10 years
    • Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
    • Visitor logs: 3 years

Different agencies within St. Joseph County may maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:

Records retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
  • Maintains documentation for background checks and law enforcement investigations
  • Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
  • Provides historical data for crime analysis and policy development

It is important to note that expunged records follow different retention rules. When a court orders expungement pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9, the physical destruction or sealing of records occurs according to the specific expungement order, overriding standard retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in St. Joseph County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in St. Joseph County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are:

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

  • A front-facing (portrait) photograph
  • A profile (side-view) photograph

These photographs document:

  • Physical appearance at time of booking
  • Identifying features such as scars, tattoos, or other marks
  • Height reference markers
  • Booking identification information

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

In St. Joseph County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department Records Division
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9321
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Finding Mugshots:

To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:

  1. Submit a public records request in person:

    • Complete the standard public records request form
    • Provide specific information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
    • Present identification
    • Pay applicable fees (currently $5 per photograph)

  2. Submit a written request by mail:

    • Include requestor's contact information
    • Provide specific information about the subject
    • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
    • Include payment for applicable fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online:

Some booking photographs may be available through:

Obtaining Mugshots Officially:

For certified or official copies of booking photographs, requests must be submitted directly to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department Records Division. These official copies may be required for:

  • Legal proceedings
  • Immigration matters
  • Employment verification
  • Identity theft resolution

Restrictions on Mugshot Access:

Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrest records (under age 18) are generally not public
  • Expunged arrest records and associated photographs are sealed from public view
  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
  • Certain victim information may be redacted

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(8), law enforcement agencies have discretion to withhold certain investigatory records, which may include booking photographs in some circumstances.

Lookup Arrest Records in St. Joseph County

Indiana Judicial Branch: St. Joseph County

St. Joseph County Official Website

St. Joseph County Departments

St. Joseph County Frequently Asked Questions

South Bend Police Department

Indiana Judicial Branch Public Records

Indiana Judiciary Home

Indiana Jail Public Portal

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