An arrest record in Iowa is a compilation of information on the arrest or detention of a person regarding a criminal offense. It is a public document maintained by the law enforcement agencies in Iowa, as the Iowa State Patrol. After a person’s arrest, these law enforcement agencies generate these records to provide details on the apprehension and taking-in-to-custody of the person.
The presence of an arrest record is not conclusive proof that the suspect committed or was part of the commission of the alleged crime. Rather, it describes the incident, the suspect’s details, and other relevant information. Hence, an arrest record cannot be used as an alternative to an Iowa criminal record. Nonetheless, in Iowa, an arrest record is crucial in a criminal matter; it plays a vital role in the trial that may follow from the arrest.
Iowa Arrest Statistics
Under the provision of Chapter 692.15 of the Iowa Code, law enforcement officers must report crime information and arrest data to the Iowa Department of Public Safety which manages the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR). The UCR program is a central repository for arrest data in Iowa. It generates annual statistics, which it shares with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI, for inclusion in relevant national publications.
The State of Iowa is also working on a public portal to replace static reports and allow members of the public to get crime statistics through a link on the Department of Public Safety website. As a result, the Iowa UCR program may not submit 2021 crime data to the FBI until the portal is up. Once the new crime database is complete and the Iowa UCR program achieves recertification, relevant agencies will move to the new environment using a phased approach that may take weeks to complete. In the meantime, persons interested in crime statistics in Iowa may contact ibrinfo@dps.state.ia.us to request available data.
What is an Arrest Record in Iowa?
Law enforcement agencies in Iowa have the authority to arrest persons suspected of committing a crime in the state. The arresting officer then creates a report in the suspect’s name, detailing the particulars of the crime and circumstances surrounding the arrest and booking. This official report is an ‘arrest record,’ which may lead to a trial and possible criminal indictment unless there are circumstances to show that the accused did not commit the offense.
What is Contained in an Arrest Record?
As a written account of a person’s apprehension by law enforcement, an arrest record contains the following information:
- A Physical Description of the Suspect: An arrest record in Iowa details the suspect’s height, weight, hair color, and race. It also includes other distinct features of the suspect, like birthmarks, tattoos, or scars.
- Account of the Incident: A typical arrest record provides a description of the alleged crime based on first-hand witness or victim statements.
- Vital Personal Data of the Suspect: Arrest records contain the suspect’s age, name, date of birth, phone number, and address. A searcher may find other personal information in an arrest record like the suspect’s Social Security Number (SSN), alias(es), and other contact information.
- The Type of Charge: Arrest records generally specify the category or classification of crime, whether a minor violation or infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony.
- Booking Information: The date and location of the arrest, fingerprints, charges filed, photographs, and bail amount (if any). It also contains court dates, details of the police interrogation, and the type of charge filed against the suspect.
Are Arrest Records Public in Iowa?
The Iowa Open Records Law makes Iowa arrest records public information and available to interested persons. Such persons may get the arrest records from the particular arresting agency that carried out the arrest. The police department or local Sheriff’s office is the usual arresting agency at the county level. Physical copies of arrest records are also available in the archives of a state government agency or a circuit court.
Who Can Access Arrest Records?
Given that arrest records are public documents in Iowa, any person can access them upon request. Such interested persons are often employers conducting a background check, insurance companies, or even the named suspect. Other interested parties include lawyers, government agencies, and victim(s). The arresting agency in charge may, however, refuse to grant public access to arrest records in certain circumstances:
- Where releasing the document or record will affect an open criminal investigation.
- If disclosing the arrest record will put a third party at risk.
- Where the named suspect is a juvenile, the agency may refuse to release the document without a court order unless it is to the parent(s) of the suspect or some other entitled party.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) also limits a person’s right to access arrest records and other records, if any the following exceptions apply:
- The record contains classified information necessary to protect national security.
- If a federal law prohibits the release of that information, the record is exempt from public viewing.
- The record contains confidential trade secrets or financial information.
- The record contains privileged, confidential exchanges between two agencies.
- Where the release of the information may pose a danger to another person’s privacy
- If the information in the record is reserved for law enforcement purposes in a court case or an investigation or may reveal a confidential source, individuals may not access it.
How Do I Lookup Someone’s Arrest Records in Iowa?
The standard procedure for obtaining arrest records is to visit local law enforcement agencies. These agencies are often the record custodians. If the record is one that the agency can grant access to, the requester may get free access to it and only pay copying fees. The Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation, is still developing a Criminal History Record Check website. As of October 2021, the website is still offline, undergoing an upgrade process.
Alternatively, individuals may request criminal history and arrest records in-person or via mail and pay a $15 fee. To request another person’s records, the signed authorization of the person is a requirement; otherwise, the searcher will only get records of the past 18 months. Interested persons may follow the following procedures to submit a request:
Mail Requests: First, download and complete the Criminal History Request Form. After that, download and fill a Criminal History Billing Form. Even if the search involves multiple criminal histories, only one form is necessary. Next, attach the prescribed payment and mail it alongside the forms to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Support Operations Bureau 1st Floor, 215 E 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50319. Individuals may also send requests via fax to (515) 725-6080.
In-Person Requests: The required documentation to submit a criminal history information request in person is a government-issued photo ID. An interested person may take the ID to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Support Operations Bureau 1st Floor, 215 E 7th St, Des Moines IA 50319 during business hours, which are Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM - 4 PM. Immediate results only apply if the requester is the named suspect. All other interested parties may have to wait a little while.
How to Subpoena Arrest Records in Iowa
It is common practice in Iowa for the public to have access to law enforcement records. This includes information on the date, time, location, facts, and circumstances of a crime or incident. A searcher does not need to know about a crime or incident to request information about it. The need for a subpoena only arises where the relevant law enforcement agency refuses to disclose the arrest record.
A subpoena is a court order that demands the presence of a person in court or that the person provides certain documents. Chapter Two of the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure provides for subpoena requirements in Iowa. Only an adult may serve a subpoena order in any part of the state.
How to Search for an Inmate in the Iowa Prison System
The Iowa Department of Corrections manages all correctional facilities and incarcerated persons within the state. These facilities include state prisons, county detention centers, and jails. To find an inmate in the Iowa prison system, interested persons may use the Offender Search Tool on the Department of Corrections website. The searcher must fill in some necessary information in the required fields to complete the search.
These details include the offender’s first, middle, or last name, birth date, gender, location, and offense. Others are the offender number and county of commitment. After providing this information, click the ‘Find’ button. The search will display the criminal information of the inmate, like the inmate’s charges, court information, booking details, bail conditions, and possible release date.
How Do I Find Out if Someone Was in Jail in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Corrections website does not contain details of past prisoners. Instead, it provides information on currently incarcerated inmates. There is also no central database for persons who have completed a prison sentence in Iowa. Interested persons may have to visit the courthouses for court proceedings and other records that will show if a person was sentenced and convicted for an offense. Alternatively, the individual may visit the police department or local sheriff’s office to make inquiries.
How Long Do Iowa Arrest Records Stay on File?
There is no provision for how long a person’s arrest record can stay on file. As arrest records are public documents, they may remain part of a person’s public record for a long time, even for life. The only way to remove an arrest record from official reports is to expunge or seal the records.
What is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and an Arrest Warrant?
An arrest warrant in Iowa is an order from a court granting law enforcement officers to apprehend a person suspected of committing an offense. These warrants are only effective within the court’s jurisdiction that granted them, and law enforcement may only arrest the person named on the document. A typical arrest warrant details the suspect’s personal information, the date of issue, and the alleged offense.
Other information is the expiry date of the warrant, areas where the arrest may take place, and bail terms. Local law enforcement agencies sometimes post active warrant information online for interested persons to browse through. An arrest record comes up after law enforcement uses an arrest warrant to bring a suspect into custody. The arresting officer provides relevant information on the suspect with this record, like the suspect’s identity and other distinctive characteristics.
What is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Criminal Record?
In Iowa, criminal records or rap sheets contain more than just one criminal information. While a criminal record is very thorough, an arrest record is a summary of events. Unlike an arrest warrant, the criminal record details all a person’s criminal history, with information compiled from different law enforcement agencies and administrative offices spread across the State of Iowa.
These criminal records provide information on a person’s conviction history, pending dispositions, and arrest data. It also contains unique identifiers like piercings and tattoos, outstanding warrants (if any), details of court proceedings, and conviction information. The amount of information that a person can access from a public criminal record depends on the authority of the requesting person.
How to Obtain Arrest Records for Free in Iowa?
To view arrest records for free, interested persons may visit the free online portal for this service. Since the portal is not yet up, individuals may alternatively visit local law enforcement agencies or sheriff offices to request these documents. However, getting the records at these places may come at a small cost for copying fees and other authentication services. Alternatively, individuals may use third-party sites that allow free access to check arrest records in Iowa. The only catch is that these third-party sites are not affiliated with Iowa law enforcement agencies. As a result, there is no way to verify that the information a person may get off these sites is accurate.
How to Search for a Iowa Arrest Record Online Using a Third-Party Search Service
The need for third-party search services arises when tracking down physical copies of arrest records proves difficult. Going online becomes a viable option, and there is a great number of online services that allow individuals to search for Iowa arrest records and other public records. These sites scan through and source information from various government agencies in exchange for a fee the searcher must pay.
To use a third-party service, the searcher must input the preferred site into an online browser. Then, provide the necessary details to facilitate the search, like the name and physical description of the person named in the arrest record. Even though searchers may pay a fee to use these services, it is convenient to get arrest records in Iowa.
It bypasses the long processing hours and inconsistent service common with government agencies. Third-party sites like an online background system avoid these typically extended delays.
What Can I Do if My Arrest Record Has a Mistake?
Standard arrest records contain accurate information on a person’s alleged crime and arrest. However, errors may appear on a person’s arrest record, which may sometimes be in the form of inaccurate or incomplete information. To address this, the person may challenge the information by sending a written request via mail to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations. Individuals may also appear in person to submit a challenge request.
However, before choosing to challenge the information on an arrest record, it is best to confirm an actual error exists in the first place. The individual may request a copy of the arrest record to make this confirmation. Once the error is certain, such an individual needs to gather supporting documents to serve as evidence of the inaccuracy. These supporting documents may be a copy of the arrest or court records. The individual may attach the documents to the application or hold on till the Department of Criminal Investigation demands it.
How to Expunge Arrest Records in Iowa
Iowa laws ensure that many criminal records stay available for public viewing. However, this can cause problems for the person named in the record, as these records are accessible by interested parties. These parties are anyone from a landlord to a spouse, friends, or even a future employer. The only way to get criminal or arrest records away from public viewing is to have them erased.
An expungement in Iowa keeps the record separate and in a secure database, unavailable to public sources. Whether or not a person can expunge a record in Iowa depends on the class or category of the offense. If a person meets the qualification requirements and applies to the courts, the court may enter an order to expunge the records. A person may apply for an expungement order in the following circumstance:
Deferred Judgements: Under Section § 907.9 of the Iowa Code, when a person pleads guilty to an offense, the court may, in certain circumstances, allow a deferred judgment. After the person completes probation and pays all costs related to the case, the court may expunge its case records. However, an individual with an expunged record may waive its confidentiality. For instance, some job applications ask prospective employees to allow a Department of Correction check, and if permission is granted, the department will disclose the deferred judgment to the employer.
Dismissal or Acquittals: If the case resulted in a discharge or acquittal, the court under Section § 901C.2 of the Iowa Code might enter an order expunging the record. The following conditions must first be met:
- The applicant must pay all court costs and other financial obligations relating to the matter.
- About 180 days must have passed since the acquittal or dismissal, but the court may waive this requirement if there is a good cause, like identity theft or mistaken identity.
- The defendant in the matter was not competent to stand trial.
- The charge must also be for a public offense, excluding dismissed nonindictable traffic violations and other offenses charged under local traffic ordinances.
For an expungement application under this heading to succeed, all the counts in the charge must be dismissed/acquitted. If a person has multiple counts and all but one were dismissed, the case is not eligible for expungement.
Public Intoxication, Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age and Certain Prostitution Cases: A person convicted of these offenses, under Sections §§ 123.46(6), 123.47(8), 725.1 of the Iowa Code is eligible for expungement; provided that the person receives no other criminal convictions for two years after the conviction, other than minor or misdemeanor traffic offenses. The court will expunge the relevant record once the individual makes an application, and unlike other forms of expungement, the person does not need to pay fines and fees in this case.
Other Misdemeanor Convictions: As part of a broader criminal law reform package, § 901C.3 of the Iowa Code, enacted in 2019, allows the expungement of one misdemeanor conviction in a person’s lifetime. The law has some other limitations, such as:
- Eight years must have passed since the conviction.
- The applicant must have no pending criminal charges.
- A person with two previous deferred judgments is not eligible.
- The person must pay all costs and court-ordered fees, and other fees imposed by the clerk (if any)
While expungement under this law is for only one expungement in a person’s lifetime, it does not apply to other types of expungement. So, a person with two expunged records for public intoxication convictions or dismissed cases can still use section 901C.3 to expunge another record, such as an assault conviction.
To apply for an expungement, a person must first locate the criminal record from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Then, complete an ‘Application to Expunge Court Record’ form. After this, submit the form to the court that handed down the conviction. To identify the particular court, interested persons may visit the Iowa Judicial Branch website for a Court Directory listing all Iowa courts. After applying, the court will review it and either grant or deny the expungement. Most times, this will involve a hearing.
Even after the court expunges a record, it still exists, but unauthorized third parties cannot access it. The record remains on a special list available to courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. So, suppose the person gets a new charge. In that case, all relevant agencies are put on notice. The expunged record can lead to a higher level of supervision during and after trial and a tougher sentence after conviction.
If a person’s charge does not fit into any of the above requirements and there is no other way to obtain an expungement, the person may request the Governor to pardon the crime. Pardons in Iowa are rare and often apply to circumstances where the court proceedings were unfair and unjust.
However, interested persons may check the Governor’s Office website to fill an application form for a pardon. If the Governor issues a pardon, it does not remove the record of a person’s crime but shows on the online docket that the Governor granted a pardon on the charge. The pardon may improve a person’s chances of getting employment or housing, as having an active criminal record can make life difficult.
FAQs
Are arrest records public in Iowa? ›
Yes. Iowa arrest records are public information per the Iowa Open Records Law. Interested persons may obtain the arrest record from the arresting agency. At the county level, this is often the local Sheriff's office or the police department.
How do I look up my criminal record in Iowa? ›What other methods are there for requesting criminal history record information? You can submit criminal history record requests by mail or fax. You must complete a request form and the appropriate billing form. You can obtain the forms by contacting our office at 515-725-6066 or via website at: www.dps.state.ia.us.
How do I find someone's arrest record for free? ›Most states make it possible for interested parties to obtain free arrest records on the arresting agency's website or the judiciary's website. Accessing the information on these official websites is typically free.
How do I find someone's charges in Iowa? ›Individuals may check the Iowa District Court directory for information about County Courts. Alternatively, call (515) 348-4700. Requestors may also request administrative court records, and to do this, interested persons must submit a formal request to the State Court Administrator.
How do I find local arrest records? ›The best place to find California arrest records is the state's Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Attorney General. However, access to these records is restricted only to official law enforcement agencies. You can only ask for information on your personal criminal history and not on another person's history.
Are police reports public record Iowa? ›The Public Records Law allows “investigative reports” of peace officers to be confidential – but the “date, time, specific location and immediate facts and circumstances surrounding a crime or incident shall not be kept confidential,” except in limited circumstances.
How do I access public records? ›All Federal court records are available online at PACER.gov, an electronic public access service that is overseen by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. This includes all Federal civil court cases, criminal charges, as well as bankruptcies. In all, there are over 500 million documents on PACER.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Iowa? ›In Iowa, the general statute of limitations for aggravated or serious misdemeanors is three years. Simple misdemeanors typically have a one-year limitation period.
Can you check someone's criminal record? ›Answer. Yes, most (but not all) criminal court records are accessible to the public. Public access. In the United States, criminal records, like most criminal proceedings, are generally considered public.
What is the best free website for public records? ›- TruthFinder - Best Overall.
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Is StateRecords org a legitimate website? ›
StateRecords.org is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. Conducting a search on Staterecords.org is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. "Publicly available records are a fundamental guarantee of our Freedoms & Democracy."
Are court orders public record? ›Judgments and orders
Any Judgment or Order made 'in public' is a public document and automatically available to the public. The general rule is that all hearings are in public, subject to the court's discretion to order a hearing to be held in private.
Federal case files are maintained electronically and are available through the internet-based Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service. PACER allows anyone with an account to search and locate appellate, district, and bankruptcy court case and docket information. Register for a PACER account.
How do I find my court documents in Iowa? ›Parties in a court case may access records and documents in their case through the Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) at: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile/. If an attorney represents you in a case, you should contact your attorney.
Is TruthFinder free? ›Is TruthFinder free? There is no free version or TruthFinder free trial. TruthFinder needs to pay money to public records offices to access their files, so they charge users for every search.
How do you find out someone's court sentence? ›Simply visit the court clerk and request a copy of the sentencing record. Remember: These are public records. Local law enforcement agencies might have access to these records as well. If nothing else, they should be able to tell you where to locate them.
Do arrests show up on background checks? ›Yes, an arrest will show on a background check. In fact, anyone can perform a background check and obtain detailed information about your arrests, the outcome of each case, and details about the proceedings. Criminal records are public records, just like civil, bankruptcy, and traffic cases.
How do I get a police report in Iowa? ›Criminal histories must be obtained through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. They can be reached at 515-281-4776 or on the web.
How do I get a police report in Des Moines Iowa? ›If you can't locate a report through CrashDocs.org you can call the Police Records Section at 515-283-4899.
How do I get a police report from Polk County Iowa? ›Polk County Sheriff's Office, records request: (515)286-3313.
What is access to records? ›
Related Definitions
Access to records means the general right of the public to examine and copy records. In subrule 11.2(9), it also means the right of the subject of a confidential record to authorize its release, in writing, to a named third party.
You can buy a 5-day trial for a $1 background check while the monthly subscription fee after that is $44.85. The rest of their membership plans cost between $17 and $27.65. Luckily, you can get your first background screening for free.
Can anyone access the National Archives? ›Anyone can use the National Archives. You do not need to be an American citizen or to present credentials or a letter of recommendation.
Do misdemeanors go away Iowa? ›Certain Misdemeanor Convictions (Iowa Code Section §901C.3)
3 provides for the expungement of one misdemeanor conviction in a person's lifetime. This law marks the first time a person can expunge an adult conviction in Iowa, other than for public intoxication or possession of alcohol under the legal age.
- a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence.
- you have not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years.
- the sentence was corporal punishment.
The conviction will be expunged as a matter of law if: 8 or more years have passed since the date of the conviction. There are no pending criminal charges against the defendant. All court costs, fees, fines and restitution have been paid.
How can I find out about someone's past? ›Records are available online and are easily accessible to anyone with the right information. If you can obtain vital information from the person himself, conducting a background check or history is much easier. If all you have is a name, the process may take more time and skill.
Can I find out if my boyfriend has a criminal record? ›People can approach the Police proactively and ask about their new boyfriend or partner's past police record. This is known as the “right to ask”. Police also have the right to disclose information without being asked to women under certain circumstances, known as the “right to know”.
Can the police disclose information? ›The Police should not disclose the personal information they hold about you, unless there is another law which specifically allows them to, or where they can rely on an exception under principle 11 of the Privacy Act.
What is the best site to find information on someone? ›- Intelius: Best people search site overall. ...
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What is the best site for public records? ›
- Truthfinder: Best choice for background checks overall.
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Is private records legit? ›Is it Legit? Private Records is tested quarterly to maintain the highest level of security standards and reduce any risk of misuse or theft of private information. Additionally, the site uses data security systems and procedures to keep clients' personal and sensitive information safe and secure.
How reliable is Intelius? ›Is Intelius reputable? Intelius offers decent background check services and a variety of one-off reports, like People Search and reverse address lookup. Still, we don't recommend it as a service. It has mixed reviews about sneaky pricing practices and the accuracy of its reports.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Iowa? ›In Iowa, the general statute of limitations for aggravated or serious misdemeanors is three years. Simple misdemeanors typically have a one-year limitation period.
What is arrest report? ›An arrest report is a record of a law enforcement agency of an arrest and of any related detention or confinement incident together with the connected charge.
How do you know if you have a warrant in Iowa? ›...
How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Iowa?
- The personal information of the alleged suspect.
- Information regarding the issuing officer.
- The location where the warrant was issued.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Iowa? How far back a pre-employment background check in Iowa can go is governed by the FCRA and Iowa law. The FCRA includes a seven-year lookback provision for jobs that pay annual salaries of less than $75,000.