Criminal records in Hamilton County, Indiana, can be accessed through several channels. HamiltonCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that, the Indiana state court system, local law enforcement agencies, and the Hamilton County Clerk's office each provide access to different types of criminal records — from court case details and jail rosters to certified background checks and open warrant lookups.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hamilton County
There are multiple ways to search for criminal records in Hamilton County, depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- HamiltonCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Hamilton County.
- MyCase (Indiana Courts Case Search) — Indiana's statewide public access portal lets you look up case records by name, case number, or date range. Results include case type, charges, hearings, and dispositions for Hamilton County courts.
- Hamilton County Current Inmates — Search the county jail roster by name, subject number, or booking number to see who is currently in custody.
- Hamilton County Open Warrants — The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable list of open warrants. You can search by name or warrant number.
- Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History — This free tool returns felony and Class A misdemeanor arrest records statewide. It does not include lower-level misdemeanors or infractions.
- Indiana Department of Correction Incarcerated Search — Search by name for individuals currently held in state prison facilities.
For federal criminal cases originating in Hamilton County, search through PACER for the Southern District of Indiana.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number (if known)
- Booking number or subject number (for jail roster searches)
In Person
Visit the Hamilton County Clerk's office at the courthouse to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to request copies of records.
By Mail or Written Request
Written requests for court records can be sent to the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. For statewide criminal history checks, submit a request to the Indiana State Police Criminal History Services, which handles fingerprint-based background checks. The Indiana Judicial Branch also provides guidance on how to request public records from any court in the state.
Search Hamilton County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Indiana uses a standardized case number format across all courts. Understanding the structure helps you search more efficiently on MyCase or at the clerk's office.
A typical Indiana case number looks like this: 29D01-2401-F6-000123
| Segment | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | County code (Hamilton County is 29) | 29 |
| D01 | Court and division (D = Superior Court, 01 = Division 1) | D01 |
| 2401 | Year and month of filing (January 2024) | 2401 |
| F6 | Case type (F6 = Level 6 Felony) | F6 |
| 000123 | Sequential case number | 000123 |
Common criminal case type codes include:
- CM — Misdemeanor
- F1–F6 — Felony (Level 1 through Level 6)
- FA, FB, FC, FD — Older felony class designations (Class A through D, used before 2014)
- IF — Infraction
- MC — Miscellaneous Criminal
- MR — Murder
Enter the full case number into MyCase for the most direct results. Partial numbers may return multiple matches.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hamilton County
Charges
- Statute codes — Each charge references an Indiana Code section (e.g., IC 35-42-4-1 for rape). The statute identifies the specific offense.
- Severity — Charges are classified as murder, Level 1–6 felonies, Class A–C misdemeanors, or infractions. Level 1 is the most serious felony; Class C misdemeanor is the least serious criminal offense.
- Amended charges — Prosecutors may amend charges as a case progresses. The original charge and any amendments are typically visible in the case record.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Case has ongoing proceedings or an active sentence |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All obligations fulfilled; case is complete |
Hearing Types
- Initial hearing / Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — Court determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case status, potential plea agreements, and trial preparation
- Jury/bench trial — Case is tried before a jury or judge
- Sentencing — Court imposes sentence after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Court monitors compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Acquitted | Formal finding of not guilty |
| Diverted | Case resolved through a diversion or deferral program |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hamilton County
Certified copies of court records — stamped and signed by the clerk — are available from the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. These are often needed for employment verification, professional licensing, or legal proceedings.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk's office at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant name, and the documents needed. Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online — Some records may be available through the Hamilton County Courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch website. Contact the clerk to confirm availability for your specific request.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive Indiana criminal history check, submit a request through the Indiana State Police. A limited criminal history search is available online at no cost but only covers felonies and Class A misdemeanors. Full fingerprint-based background checks require submission through ISP Criminal History Services.
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hamilton County
Fees for criminal record copies in Indiana are governed by IC 33-37-5 and local court fee schedules. The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 and up (varies by document type) |
| ISP Limited Criminal History (online) | Free |
| ISP Full Criminal History (fingerprint-based) | $17.00–$30.00 (varies by purpose) |
| Federal court records via PACER | $0.10 per page (cap per document) |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled the same day or within 1–2 business days
- Mail requests — Typically 5–10 business days after receipt
- ISP criminal history (online limited) — Immediate results
- ISP fingerprint-based checks — Generally 5–15 business days
Fees may be paid by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Contact the clerk directly to ask about credit or debit card acceptance. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Hamilton County Clerk.