Hendricks County Criminal Records
What Is Hendricks County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hendricks County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, which governs public records in the state.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Charging Documents: Formal accusations filed by the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings in the Hendricks County Courts
- Disposition Records: Final outcomes of criminal cases, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding confinement in the Hendricks County Jail or state correctional facilities
It is important to distinguish between different types of criminal records:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies are more serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in jail.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Indiana Code § 31-39-8-1 to protect minors.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Hendricks County include:
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office
925 E Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-6269
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office
Hendricks County Clerk's Office
51 W Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9231
Hendricks County Clerk
Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office
51 W Main Street, Suite 208
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9283
Hendricks County Prosecutor
Criminal records typically document the entire criminal justice process, including arrests, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Hendricks County
Criminal records in Hendricks County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1, the legislature has declared that "it is the public 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." This provision underscores the state's commitment to transparency in government operations, including the criminal justice system.
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Criminal charges filed in court
- Court proceedings and schedules
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration status
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access under state law. These exceptions include:
- Records of ongoing criminal investigations (until formally closed)
- Grand jury proceedings and testimony
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain victim information in sensitive cases
- Information that would compromise public safety if released
The Indiana Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through Administrative Rule 9, which balances transparency with privacy and security concerns. This rule governs what court records are accessible and the procedures for obtaining them.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the methods of access and associated fees may vary depending on the specific record sought and the maintaining agency. Additionally, commercial use of criminal record information may be subject to additional restrictions under state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hendricks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hendricks 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 requests, individuals may visit:
Hendricks County Clerk's Office
51 W Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9231
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hendricks County Clerk
When requesting criminal records in person, requestors should:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete the appropriate request form (available at the office)
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (full name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Pay applicable fees (typically $1.00 per page for copies)
For mail requests, individuals should send a written request to the Clerk's Office that includes:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office also maintains certain criminal records:
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office
925 E Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-6269
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Indiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history data statewide. Limited Criminal History (LCH) reports can be requested through their website for a fee of $15.00.
When searching for criminal records, it is advisable to have the following information available:
- Full legal name of the subject (including any aliases or maiden names)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or court proceeding
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies must respond to record requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days for in-person requests or seven days from receipt for mailed requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in Hendricks County Online?
Hendricks County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information may vary by system.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Hendricks County include:
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myCase - Indiana's statewide court case management system provides access to court records from Hendricks County courts. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. The system displays case summaries, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information. Access is available through the Indiana Courts Portal.
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Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup - This database allows users to search for current and recently released inmates from the Hendricks County Jail. Information typically includes booking date, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The inmate lookup system is updated regularly.
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Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search - For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Indiana DOC Offender Locator provides information on current location, projected release date, and offense information.
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Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry - This statewide database contains information on registered sex offenders and certain violent offenders residing in Hendricks County. The registry is accessible through the Hendricks County Prosecutor's helpful links page.
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Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History - For official criminal history reports, the Indiana State Police LCH portal allows users to request records for a fee of $15.00 per search.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some systems require registration or account creation
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Not all criminal records are available electronically
- Records may have varying update schedules
- Older records may not be digitized
For optimal search results, users should:
- Use the exact spelling of the individual's name
- Include middle names or initials when available
- Try variations of names if initial searches yield no results
- Use date of birth as an additional identifier when permitted
- Note case numbers from one system to cross-reference in others
Online access to criminal records is governed by the same legal framework as physical records, including the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and applicable privacy protections.
Can You Search Hendricks County Criminal Records for Free?
Hendricks County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though certain limitations apply. Indiana law, specifically Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c), establishes that "the right to inspect and copy public records under this chapter does not include the right to inspect and copy public records without payment of a fee."
Free access options include:
- In-Person Inspection: The public may inspect criminal records at no cost during regular business hours at:
Hendricks County Clerk's Office
51 W Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9231
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($1.00 per page for standard documents).
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myCase Public Portal: The Indiana Courts offer free basic case information through their public access portal. This system provides:
- Case summaries
- Charge information
- Hearing dates
- Party information
- Case status
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Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup: Current inmate information is available at no cost through the Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup system.
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Sex and Violent Offender Registry: Information about registered sex offenders in Hendricks County is freely accessible through the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry linked from the Prosecutor's Office website.
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Public Court Hearings: Criminal court proceedings in Hendricks County are generally open to the public at no cost, allowing citizens to observe cases in progress at:
Hendricks County Courts
51 W Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9231
Hendricks County Courts
It is important to note that while basic information may be available without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports from the Indiana State Police require payment of a $15.00 fee per search. Additionally, certified copies of court documents incur statutory fees regardless of the purpose of the request.
What's Included in a Hendricks County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Hendricks County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Indiana Code § 10-13-3 governing criminal history information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or Superior Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed with statutory citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-F or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned to the case
- Pre-trial hearing dates and outcomes
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and conditions
- Completion or violation of sentence terms
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender status
- DUI/OWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary depending on the source and purpose of the record. Court records accessed through the Indiana Courts Public Portal may contain different details than records obtained from law enforcement agencies or the state central repository.
How Long Does Hendricks County Keep Criminal Records?
Hendricks County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records under Indiana Code § 5-15-5.1-5. These schedules dictate the minimum period records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or transferred to archives.
Criminal records retention periods vary by document type:
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: Minimum 10 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention by the Indiana State Police
- Mugshot photographs: Minimum 10 years
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: Minimum 10 years after case disposition
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Grand jury proceedings: Permanent retention
Prosecutor Records:
- Felony prosecution files: Minimum 10 years after case disposition
- Misdemeanor prosecution files: Minimum 5 years after case disposition
- Declined prosecutions: Minimum 3 years
Correctional Records:
- County jail inmate files: Minimum 10 years after release
- Probation records: Minimum 10 years after completion
It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after the minimum retention period, many criminal records in Hendricks County are maintained indefinitely, particularly those related to serious offenses. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained longer than their physical counterparts.
The Indiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information and generally retains these records permanently, unless a court orders expungement pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9.
Expungement of criminal records may occur under specific circumstances outlined in state law. When records are expunged, they are either sealed from public view or physically destroyed, depending on the offense category and the specific expungement order issued by the court.
The Hendricks County Clerk's Office follows the retention schedule established by the Indiana Supreme Court for court records, which generally provides for longer retention periods than the minimum standards set by the Commission on Public Records.
Lookup Criminal Records in Hendricks County
Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup
Hendricks County Prosecutor's Helpful Links