Vigo Public Records / Vigo County Arrest Records

Vigo County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Vigo County

Arrest records in Vigo County are considered public information under Indiana state law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3, government records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public. This statute establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

The Vigo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties in law enforcement. These records document the arrest and booking process of individuals taken into custody within Vigo County jurisdiction. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5(c), law enforcement agencies must maintain a daily log or record that lists suspected crimes, accidents, or complaints. This log must include:

The time, substance, and location of all complaints or requests for assistance
The time and nature of the agency's response
Names of arrested persons and the charges against them

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, maintained by the courts, document the final disposition of a case where an individual has been found guilty of a crime. The Indiana State Police administers the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including both arrest and conviction data.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted from public disclosure under exemptions provided in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, particularly if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations or compromise personal privacy beyond what the statute permits.

What's in Vigo County Arrest Records

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

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Vigo County Sheriff's Office, Terre Haute Police Department, etc.)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
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 issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Medical screening information (non-confidential)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Date and time of release if bond was posted

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location within Vigo County Jail
Projected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history in Vigo County
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Special custody requirements
Behavioral notes during booking process
Visitor log information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain sensitive information, such as medical details, social security numbers, and information related to juveniles, may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Vigo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Vigo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

Submit a written request to the Vigo County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete an official public records request form
- Include specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
Vigo County Sheriff's Office
201 Cherry Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3226
Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Visit the Vigo County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:
- Request access to public terminals for searching court cases
- Provide the name of the individual and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable copy fees for printed documents
Vigo County Clerk's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo County Clerk

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Contact the Terre Haute Police Department for arrests made within city limits:
- Submit a records request form specifying the information needed
- Provide identification when picking up records in person
Terre Haute Police Department
1211 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 238-1661
Terre Haute Police Department

Records Division Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Request a Limited Criminal History from the Indiana State Police:
- Complete the Limited Criminal History request form
- Pay the required fee ($7.00 per name-based search)
- Submit proper identification as required by Indiana Code § 10-13-3-27
Indiana State Police Central Records Division
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N302
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-8266
Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and search time. The standard fee for copies is currently $0.10 per page for black and white copies, with additional fees for certified copies or extensive searches.

How To Find Vigo County Arrest Records Online

Vigo 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 available for searching arrest records:

Vigo County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- Navigate to the Vigo County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the individual's name in the search field
- Review current inmate information, including booking date, charges, and bond information
- This resource provides information only on currently incarcerated individuals
Vigo County Court Case Search:
- Access the myCase portal maintained by the Indiana Judiciary
- Select "Vigo County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case disposition
- Court records will include information about arrests that resulted in court proceedings
Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search:
- Visit the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Locator
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- Review information about individuals currently or previously in state custody
- This database includes individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state facilities
Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History:
- Access the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History portal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Pay the required fee ($7.00 per search)
- Enter the subject's full name and date of birth
- Receive a report of Indiana arrests, charges, and dispositions

When using online resources, users should note that:

Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
Some records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
Certain details may be redacted in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4
Online searches may require payment of fees as authorized by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8
Technical limitations may affect search functionality or record availability

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records. Information protected by privacy laws or court orders will not be visible in public online searches.

How To Search Vigo County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Vigo County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest information:

Vigo County Jail Current Inmate Roster:
- The Vigo County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online roster of currently incarcerated individuals
- This resource provides basic information including name, booking date, charges, and bond amount
- Updated daily, this list includes only those currently in custody
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices:
- Visit the Vigo County Courthouse public access terminals
- These terminals provide free access to court records related to arrests
- Located at 33 South 3rd Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- While terminal access is free, printing documents may incur a fee
Daily Arrest Logs:
- Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5(c), law enforcement agencies must maintain daily logs of arrests
- These logs are available for public inspection at no cost
- Visit the Vigo County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
- Located at 201 Cherry Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Local Newspaper Crime Reports:
- The Tribune-Star and other local publications often report on significant arrests
- Many newspapers maintain searchable online archives of crime reports
- Public libraries provide free access to newspaper archives and databases
Public Records Request for Specific Information:
- Submit a targeted public records request for specific arrest information
- Narrow requests that require minimal staff time may be fulfilled without charge
- Requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate agency
- Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c), agencies may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest

When searching for free arrest records, requestors should be aware of the following limitations:

Free resources typically provide less detailed information than official records
Historical arrest records may not be available through free online systems
Some free resources may not be updated in real-time
Verification of information obtained from third-party sources is recommended

For comprehensive arrest record searches, particularly for historical records or detailed information, users may need to utilize fee-based services or submit formal records requests that may incur copying fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Vigo County

Indiana law provides specific mechanisms for the restriction of arrest record access through expungement or sealing processes. These procedures are governed by the Indiana Expungement Law, codified under Indiana Code § 35-38-9.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement in Indiana does not physically destroy records but restricts their access
Sealed records remain in existence but are not visible to the general public
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for limited purposes
Expunged records are removed from public access and treated as if they did not occur

Eligibility for Expungement in Vigo County:

Arrests without Charges or Dismissed Charges:
- Individuals arrested but not charged may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest
- Cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal may be expunged immediately
- No waiting period for arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Five-year waiting period from date of conviction
- All fines, fees, and restitution must be paid in full
- No pending charges or convictions during the waiting period
Non-Violent Felony Convictions:
- Eight-year waiting period from date of conviction
- All court obligations must be satisfied
- No subsequent convictions during the waiting period
Violent Felony Convictions:
- Ten-year waiting period from completion of sentence
- Requires prosecutor's consent
- Court has discretion to grant or deny the petition

Expungement Process in Vigo County:

File a Petition for Expungement with the Vigo County Clerk's Office
Pay the filing fee (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
Serve the petition on the prosecutor's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court
If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order
Distribute the order to relevant agencies holding records

Vigo County Circuit Court
33 South 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo County Courts

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-10, it is unlawful for employers, housing providers, or educational institutions to discriminate against individuals based on expunged arrest or conviction records. Individuals may lawfully state on applications that they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense.

Certain serious offenses, including homicide crimes, sex crimes, and official misconduct by public officers, are not eligible for expungement under Indiana law. Additionally, expungement is generally a one-time opportunity, with limited exceptions for arrests not resulting in conviction.

What Happens After Arrest in Vigo County?

Following an arrest in Vigo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:

Booking and Processing:
- Arrestees are transported to the Vigo County Jail
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial custody classification is determined
Initial Hearing:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Determination of probable cause is reviewed
- Bail or bond is set based on factors including:
  - Severity of the alleged offense
  - Prior criminal history
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Community ties
  - Public safety considerations
Pretrial Release Options:
- Cash bond (full amount paid to court)
- Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Property bond (property used as collateral)
- Personal recognizance (release without financial obligation)
- Pretrial supervision (monitoring while released)
Formal Charging:
- Prosecutor files formal charges within 72 hours for misdemeanors
- Felony charges must be filed within 20 days if defendant is in custody
- Grand jury indictment may be used for certain serious offenses
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date is scheduled if not guilty plea is entered
- Discovery process begins
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
- Motion hearings (suppression of evidence, dismissal requests)
- Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Approximately 95% of cases resolve through plea agreements
- Trials may be conducted before a judge (bench trial) or jury
- Burden of proof rests with prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Verdict is rendered by judge or jury
Sentencing:
- Occurs after guilty plea or conviction at trial
- Pre-sentence investigation report may be prepared
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge determines appropriate sentence based on:
  - Indiana sentencing guidelines
  - Aggravating and mitigating factors
  - Defendant's criminal history
  - Recommendations from prosecution and defense
Post-Conviction:
- Incarceration in Vigo County Jail or transfer to Indiana Department of Correction
- Probation supervision in the community
- Payment of fines, costs, and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs or treatment
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to confront witnesses, and right to a speedy trial. Indigent defendants may qualify for representation by the Vigo County Public Defender's Office.

The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendar, and whether the defendant is in custody or released pending trial.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Vigo County?

Arrest records in Vigo County are maintained according to the Indiana Records Retention Schedule established by the Indiana Archives and Records Administration. The retention of law enforcement records is governed by Indiana Code § 5-15-5.1, which establishes the legal framework for records management across state and local government agencies.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- May be retained longer if subject has multiple arrests
Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony incidents: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor incidents: 10 years from date of report
- Non-criminal incidents: 5 years from date of report
Jail Records:
- Inmate booking and release information: 10 years
- Jail logs and daily reports: 3 years
- Inmate medical records: 10 years from release
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure

Different agencies within Vigo County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Vigo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and jail records
Terre Haute Police Department maintains arrest reports for incidents within city limits
Vigo County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to prosecutions
Vigo County Clerk's Office maintains official court records
Indiana State Police maintains the central repository of criminal history information

Records retention serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains documentation for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Ensures accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
Facilitates background checks for employment, licensing, and security clearances

Expunged records receive special handling pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9. While these records are not physically destroyed, they are segregated from public access and may only be viewed by court order or in limited circumstances by law enforcement agencies.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the storage methods differ. As agencies transition to electronic records management systems, retention policies are applied to ensure compliance with state mandates.

How to Find Mugshots in Vigo County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Vigo County, mugshots are typically taken at the Vigo County Jail as part of the standard booking procedure. Each mugshot generally includes front and side profile views of the arrestee.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Vigo County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Vigo County Sheriff's Office - As the operator of the county jail, the Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of their arrest records
Terre Haute Police Department - Maintains mugshots for arrests made by city police officers
Indiana State Police - Maintains a central repository of identification photographs as part of the state criminal history record system

These photographs are stored in agency databases and are linked to the corresponding arrest records and booking information.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Vigo County may utilize several methods:

Submit a public records request to the Vigo County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete a formal records request form
- Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth, date of arrest if known)
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records
- Allow processing time as required by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9
Check current inmate information for recently arrested individuals:
- The Vigo County Jail roster may include booking photographs of current inmates
- This information is typically limited to individuals currently in custody
Contact the arresting agency directly:
- Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest
- Submit a records request to that specific agency
- Provide as much identifying information as possible

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The availability of mugshots online through official government sources in Vigo County is limited. Currently:

The Vigo County Sheriff's Office does not routinely publish mugshots on its official website
The Vigo County Jail inmate lookup system may not include photographs
Court records accessible through myCase do not typically include booking photographs

Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites:

May not maintain accurate or up-to-date information
Often charge fees for removal of photographs
Are not officially affiliated with Vigo County law enforcement agencies
May continue to display mugshots even after cases have been dismissed or expunged

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots from Vigo County agencies:

Vigo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
201 Cherry Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3226
Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Vigo County is subject to certain restrictions:

Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public under Indiana Code § 31-39-3
Photographs related to expunged arrests are restricted from public access
Agencies may withhold photographs if release would interfere with ongoing investigations
Privacy considerations may limit access to certain booking photographs
Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under agency policies

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these images document an arrest, not a conviction, and their publication or distribution may have significant privacy implications for the subjects.

Lookup Arrest Records in Vigo County

Jail Information / Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Agency Records and Reports / Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Terre Haute Police Department

Indiana State Police - Limited Criminal History Search

Indiana Incarcerated Database Search

Other Categories in Indiana

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records