Clinton County Public Records / Clinton County Arrest Records

Clinton County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clinton County in 2026

ClintonINRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Clinton County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Inmate custody status
Bond and release information

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The sections below outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Clinton County.

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster for individuals held at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access the online inmate roster through the Clinton County Sheriff's Office website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Frankfort Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Clinton County. Press releases and arrest logs may be published periodically through the department's official channels.

Frankfort Police Department 301 E. Clinton St. Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 654-4431 Frankfort Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Members of the public may search criminal court cases linked to arrests through the Indiana Courts' public access portal. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated case filings, charge information, and hearing dates.

Clinton County Clerk of Courts 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Courts Public Access Portal

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police maintains a statewide criminal history database. Members of the public may request a limited criminal history check through the Indiana State Police criminal history records portal. A fee of $16.32 currently applies to public requests for name-based criminal history searches. The database includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office 301 E. Clinton St., Suite 130 Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6312 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Indiana law.

Clerk of Court:

Clinton County Clerk of Courts 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Clinton County Courts

Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office at 301 E. Clinton St., Suite 130, Frankfort, IN 46041. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume.

By Phone:

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (765) 659-6312 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may direct callers to the online roster or an in-person visit for detailed records. The requestor should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases are governed by the Indiana Rules of Trial 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)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Frankfort Police, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Clinton County

Arrest records in Clinton County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created by public agencies, including law enforcement. As the Indiana Public Access Counselor has stated, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects a fundamental philosophy that the public is entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government."

Arrest records are made public to serve several recognized interests:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Community notification
Journalism and academic research
Employment and housing background screening
Legal proceedings and due process

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 (restricted or sealed under Indiana law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12, affirms the right of access to justice and open government proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-4, which enumerates categories of records that agencies may or must withhold. First Amendment protections further support press access to arrest information as a matter of public record.

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. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Clinton 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, Frankfort 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 level A through Level 6, or misdemeanor Class A through C)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence 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, bonded out)
Bond amount set by court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Clinton Circuit Court or Clinton Superior Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment (if available)

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges

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
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial 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 initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Clinton County is governed by Indiana's public records fee structure. Under Indiana law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$1.00 (varies by agency)
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Indiana State Police name-based criminal history	$16.32
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order. Electronic payment options may be available for online requests through the Indiana Courts portal.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. The Indiana State Police charges a separate fee for statewide criminal history searches, payable through the online portal.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrable public interest, at the discretion of the agency. Journalists and researchers should inquire directly with the relevant agency regarding waiver eligibility.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clinton 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 without necessarily destroying the underlying record.

Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

Arrest with no charges filed: Eligible immediately after the prosecutor declines to file charges
Arrest with charges dismissed: Eligible after dismissal is entered
Acquittal at trial: Eligible after the not-guilty verdict is entered
Conviction of certain misdemeanors: Eligible after five years from the date of conviction, provided no subsequent convictions
Conviction of certain felonies: Eligible after eight or more years, depending on the level of offense, with no subsequent convictions

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Clinton County Clerk of Courts.
Confirm eligibility under Ind. Code § 35-38-9 based on the type of arrest and disposition.
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the court where the case was filed (Clinton Circuit Court or Clinton Superior Court).
Pay the filing fee (currently $157 for most petitions; fee waiver may be requested for indigent petitioners).
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office.
Attend the hearing if scheduled by the court.
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or restrict the records.

Clinton County Prosecutor's Office 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6330 Clinton County Prosecutor

Clinton Circuit Court / Clinton Superior Court 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Courts

The Indiana Legal Services organization provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals seeking expungement. The Indiana State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist those seeking private counsel for expungement proceedings.

What Happens After Arrest in Clinton County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Clinton County, the arrested individual is transported to the Clinton County Jail for booking.

Clinton County Jail 301 E. Clinton St. Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6312 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume and circumstances. Steps include:

Personal information recorded
Miranda rights read (if not already administered)
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Indiana State Police
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours of arrest for an initial hearing. At this hearing:

Formal notification of charges is provided
The right to appointed counsel is addressed (public defender assigned if indigent)
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advised

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Clerk of Courts. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The Indiana Department of Insurance maintains a list of licensed bail agents.

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, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order detention without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and has personal property returned. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Clinton County Public Defender's Office 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Public Defender Council

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage; attorneys are permitted confidential consultations at the jail facility.

Charging Decision:

The Clinton County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine probable cause, resulting in an indictment if the matter proceeds.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no-contest plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied.

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: May extend one year or longer
Indiana's right to speedy trial: Governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4

Rights Throughout the Process:

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

Important Contacts:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 301 E. Clinton St. Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6312 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Clinton County Clerk of Courts 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Courts Public Access

Clinton County Prosecutor's Office 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6330 Clinton County Prosecutor

Clinton County Public Defender 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Public Defender Council

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent (politely invoke this right)
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clinton County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Clinton 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 Indiana administrative rules, agencies must follow approved schedules and may not destroy records before the applicable retention period expires.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement: Permanent or a minimum of ten years
Court records: Permanent
State repository: Permanent

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Often permanent unless expunged
State repository: Retained unless expungement order received

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Often permanent
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of three to five years
Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement immediately upon prosecutor's declination

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Indiana Records Retention Schedule. Digital records in records management systems and court electronic databases are often maintained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Indiana retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office 301 E. Clinton St. Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6312 Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Indiana law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.

Clinton County Clerk of Courts 265 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Phone: (765) 659-6335 Indiana Courts

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Electronic court records are maintained permanently in the Indiana Courts system.

Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrests reported by all law enforcement agencies in Indiana. Records are retained permanently unless an expungement order is received. Members of the public may access limited criminal history information through the Indiana State Police criminal history records portal.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and for firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; part of the permanent criminal history record
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Local records restricted or destroyed per court order; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; eligible for expungement in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records following expungement unless subject to FCRA obligations. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement is the responsibility of the Federal Trade Commission.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and Indiana Courts portal
Older arrests (five or more years): May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
Very old arrests (twenty or more years): May not be digitized; paper records may be in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the retention schedule

Impact on Background Checks:

Most employment background checks conducted through consumer reporting agencies cover a seven-year period under the FCRA, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA's requirements. Employers and landlords are advised to consult legal counsel regarding permissible use of arrest records in decision-making.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Clinton County Sheriff's Records Division at (765) 659-6312 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.