Dallas County, Iowa Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dallas County, Iowa?
Arrest records are public in Dallas County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Open Records Law. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including arrest documentation, to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies and informing community members about potential public safety concerns.
The Iowa Open Records Law specifically designates arrest records as public information unless they fall under specific statutory exemptions. These exemptions may include:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile arrest records (subject to restrictions under Iowa Code § 232.147)
- Records sealed by court order
- Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dallas County should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as determined by Iowa law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dallas County?
Dallas County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search database that allows public access to current detention information. This resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent arrests.
The online availability of arrest records is governed by Iowa Code § 22.3A, which addresses data processing services and electronic records access. Under this provision, government bodies may provide electronic access to public records when feasible, though reasonable fees may be assessed for this service.
Online access to Dallas County arrest records may include:
- Current inmate population reports
- Recent booking information
- Basic arrest details including charges
- Court appearance schedules
Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest history information, as some older records may only be available through direct request to the appropriate agency. Additionally, the Iowa Courts Online system provides electronic access to court records that may contain information about arrests that led to court proceedings.
How to Look Up Dallas County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Dallas County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:
Visit the Dallas County Sheriff's Office in person at: Dallas County Sheriff's Office 28985 Thin Blue Line Lane Adel, IA 50003 515-993-4567 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the Dallas County Jail Division for inmate information. The jail can be contacted directly at 515-993-5815 for inquiries regarding current detainees.
Submit an Open Records Request through the Dallas County website. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, the custodian of records must provide access to public records during customary office hours.
Utilize the Iowa Courts Online Search system to access court records related to arrests. This state-maintained database includes case information for individuals processed through the court system.
Visit the Dallas County Clerk of Court located at: Dallas County Courthouse 801 Court Street Adel, IA 50003 515-993-5816 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may need to contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as noted in the Dallas County FAQ regarding background checks.
Contents of a Dallas County Arrest Record
Dallas County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Iowa Administrative Code 661-8.2(690), which governs criminal history record information. A complete arrest record typically includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Specific charges filed, including Iowa Code citations
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint information collected during processing
- Case or incident number assigned by law enforcement
- Custody status information (released on bond, detained, etc.)
- Court docket number if formal charges have been filed
It should be noted that pursuant to Iowa Code § 690.2, all persons arrested for a felony, aggravated misdemeanor, or serious misdemeanor must be fingerprinted and photographed by the arresting agency. These biometric identifiers become part of the official arrest record maintained by Dallas County law enforcement agencies.
The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification procedures established by the Iowa Department of Public Safety to ensure accuracy and completeness as required by state regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dallas County
Under Iowa law, certain individuals may qualify to have their arrest records expunged from public access. The expungement process in Dallas County is governed primarily by Iowa Code § 901C.2, which provides specific criteria for record expungement. Eligible cases typically include:
- Arrests where charges were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Instances where the defendant was not prosecuted (nolle prosequi)
- Certain deferred judgments after successful completion of probation
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Dallas County District Court. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2(1)(a), petitioners must wait at least 180 days from the date of the arrest to file for expungement. Additionally, all court costs, fees, and other financial obligations related to the case must be paid in full.
Important considerations regarding Dallas County expungement include:
- Expungement does not apply to cases involving deferred judgments for operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses
- Records of arrests for public intoxication may be expunged after two years if the individual has no other criminal convictions during that period (Iowa Code § 123.46(6))
- Juvenile records may be eligible for sealing under separate provisions in Iowa Code § 232.150
Individuals seeking expungement should file their petition with: Dallas County Clerk of Court 801 Court Street Adel, IA 50003 515-993-5816 Official Website
The court will review each petition individually to determine if the statutory requirements have been met before granting an expungement order.
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