Shelby County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Shelby County in 2026
ShelbyCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Shelby County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include felony arrests, misdemeanor bookings, bond information, and associated court filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Shelby County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center. The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis and may include the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access this information directly through the Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the records division.
2. Local Police Departments
The Shelbyville Police Department, which operates out of the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center alongside the Sheriff's Department, maintains arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal jurisdiction within Shelby County should contact the relevant department directly to inquire about available records and request procedures.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Shelby County Courts. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest by name through the clerk's office or through the Indiana Courts' online platform. The MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal, operated by the Office of Judicial Administration, allows public users to search case records by party name, case number, or other identifiers at no cost.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Indiana State Police maintains the Indiana Data and Communication System (IDACS), which serves as the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a limited criminal history check through the Indiana State Police, which includes arrest and conviction data reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee applies for certified criminal history requests.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
25 W. Polk Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6440
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with Indiana law.
Police Departments:
Shelbyville Police Department
25 W. Polk Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 398-8261
Shelbyville Police Department
Records requests at the Shelbyville Police Department are processed through the records division. Requestors should present valid identification and provide as much identifying information about the subject as possible. Copy fees apply per page.
Clerk of Court:
Shelby County Clerk of Courts
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6320
Shelby County Courts
The Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed in Shelby County. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours and request certified or uncertified copies. Copy fees are assessed per page.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 25 W. Polk Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Each written request should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (317) 392-6440
- Shelbyville Police Department: (317) 398-8261
- Phone inquiries may yield limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court orders and protective orders.
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, Shelbyville PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Shelby County
Arrest records in Shelby 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 and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available in the interest of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening.
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
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is not disclosed
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Indiana Constitution and the Access to Public Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. At the same time, due process considerations and statutory protections limit disclosure of certain categories of information, particularly those involving juveniles, victims, and sealed proceedings.
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 made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services 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 certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Shelby 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 such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
- 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 degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related 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, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the 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
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed in Shelby County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges associated with prior bookings
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 or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- 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: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Shelby County?
Indiana law governs the fees that public agencies may charge for access to public records. Under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records but may not charge for the time spent locating or reviewing records unless the request is for a voluminous number of records. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Varies by office |
| Electronic records | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Indiana law for standard requests |
- Inspection of records at the agency is available at no charge
- Certified copies from the Clerk of Courts carry a separate certification fee
- Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and money order; individual offices may accept credit or debit cards
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
- Online access through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search is available at no cost for basic case information
How To Delete Arrest Records in Shelby County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the restriction or deletion of arrest and conviction records from public view, while sealing limits access without necessarily destroying the underlying record. Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, eligible individuals may petition the court to have arrest records, charges, and in some cases convictions restricted from public access.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests where no charges were filed: Eligible immediately or after one year
- Arrests where charges were filed but dismissed: Eligible after one year from the date of arrest
- Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible five years after the date of conviction
- Class D or Level 6 felony convictions (with no prior felonies): Eligible eight years after the date of conviction
- More serious felony convictions: Subject to longer waiting periods and additional restrictions
- Certain offenses, including sex offenses and crimes resulting in serious bodily injury, are not eligible for expungement
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Shelby County Clerk of Courts
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and waiting period under Ind. Code § 35-38-9
- File a Petition for Expungement in the Shelby County Circuit or Superior Court
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend any scheduled hearing
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to restrict or expunge the record
- Provide certified copies of the expungement order to each agency holding the record
Relevant Contacts:
Shelby County Clerk of Courts
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6320
Shelby County Courts
Shelby County Prosecutor's Office
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6460
Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council
Indiana Legal Services and the Indiana State Bar Association provide referral services for individuals seeking legal assistance with expungement petitions. Following a granted expungement, third-party commercial databases may not immediately reflect the change, and individuals may need to contact those services separately.
What Happens After Arrest in Shelby County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, which houses the Shelby County Jail. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of law enforcement personnel. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
Shelby County Criminal Justice Center
25 W. Polk Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6440
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Criminal Justice Center, the individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Miranda rights read, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening conducted
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Indiana law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, sets bond or bail, and advises the individual of their rights. Initial hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules and case information are accessible through the Shelby County Courts page.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- Amount refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- Individual held without bond pending further proceedings
- Applicable 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:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours after bond is posted
- Personal property is returned
- Written court date and conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Not Posted:
- Individual remains in custody pending case resolution
- Housing assignment made within the facility
- Inmate orientation conducted
- Commissary account established
- Phone and visitation privileges explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Shelby County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the court.
Shelby County Public Defender's Office
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6320
Indiana Public Defender Council
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Shelby County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest, depending on the complexity of the case and the nature of the charges.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The court may impose a sentence that includes incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24 to 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- Indiana's constitutional speedy trial provisions apply throughout
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Shelby County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
25 W. Polk Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6440
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
Shelby County Clerk of Courts
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6320
Shelby County Courts
Shelby County Prosecutor's Office
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6460
Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council
Shelby County Public Defender's Office
407 S. Harrison Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: (317) 392-6320
Indiana Public Defender Council
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Shelby County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Shelby County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Administrative Code and agency-specific retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Members of the public may reference the Indiana Archives and Records Administration for applicable retention schedules.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Accessible on background checks indefinitely
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts and state repository
- Local law enforcement records retained according to agency retention schedules, which may vary
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period per agency schedule
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository retains the record unless an expungement order is received
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Court records are retained and may be permanent
- Local law enforcement records retained per agency schedule
- May be eligible for expungement under Indiana law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum period
- May be eligible for expungement immediately or after one year under Ind. Code § 35-38-9
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records retained per agency schedule
- Often eligible for expungement petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards retained per Indiana retention schedules
- Photographs retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Physical evidence retention varies by case outcome
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records retained per agency schedule
- Records management system entries are often retained permanently
- Court electronic records through the MyCase system are retained permanently
- Mugshot databases may vary in retention policy
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Shelby County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records and arrest reports retained per Indiana retention schedules
- Investigative files retained based on case type and disposition
- Contact: (317) 392-6440
Shelbyville Police Department:
- Arrest records and incident reports retained per agency and state schedules
- Contact: (317) 398-8261
Shelby County Clerk of Courts:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Indiana retention schedules
- Electronic records through the MyCase system: Permanent
- Contact: (317) 392-6320
Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository:
- Maintains arrest and conviction records reported by all Indiana law enforcement agencies
- Retention policy governed by Indiana Administrative Code
- Accessible through the Indiana State Police background check services
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is typically permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and used in employment and firearms background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Following a court-ordered expungement, local agencies are directed to restrict or destroy records. The state repository updates its records upon receipt of the order. The FBI database may retain a notation. Removal from third-party commercial databases requires separate action by the individual.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Immediate expungement may be available in some cases.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests:
- Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search
- Updated on a rolling or daily basis
Older Arrests:
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Longer processing time may apply
Very Old Arrests:
- Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
- Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (317) 392-6440 for availability
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the agency's records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report records from the preceding seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction records. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts. Individuals should consult applicable state and federal law for guidance specific to their circumstances.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (317) 392-6440 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.