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Des Moines County, Iowa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Des Moines County, Iowa?

Arrest records in Des Moines County, Iowa are considered public information pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Iowa Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information pertaining to public safety and the administration of justice.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted or restricted if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as ongoing investigations or juvenile records as specified in Iowa Code § 232.147. Additionally, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the central repository for criminal history information in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 692.

Des Moines County Sheriff's Office
512 N. Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-8212
Des Moines County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of these records varies by source. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office maintains certain booking and inmate information that can be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Iowa Courts Online Search system provides public access to court records, including information related to criminal cases that originate from arrests.

Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 661-82.3, the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Criminal Investigation also maintains an electronic repository of criminal history information that authorized entities may access online. However, members of the public seeking comprehensive criminal history information must typically submit formal requests through established channels rather than relying solely on publicly accessible online databases.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information may be available online, complete arrest records including detailed reports and evidence may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. Online records are also subject to update delays and may not reflect the most current case status.

How to Look Up Des Moines County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Des Moines County, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and accessibility:

Des Moines County Sheriff's Office: The primary custodian of arrest records is the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office. Individuals may submit requests in person, by mail, or through designated online portals. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record location.
Iowa Courts Online: The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains court records for Des Moines County, which is part of Iowa's 8th Judicial District. Court records often contain information about arrests that led to criminal proceedings.
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may submit requests to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation located at 215 E 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50319. Requests require submission of form DCI-77 along with the statutory fee and fingerprints if requesting a national check.
Des Moines County Clerk of Court: Located at the Des Moines County Courthouse, 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, the Clerk maintains records of criminal proceedings that may contain arrest information.

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as established by Iowa Code § 22.3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees reflecting the actual costs of record production.

Contents of a Des Moines County Arrest Record

Des Moines County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Iowa law and departmental policies. These records generally include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Iowa Code for which the individual was arrested, including both the statutory citation and narrative description of the alleged offense(s).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, and photographs (mugshots) taken during processing at the Des Moines County Correctional Center.
Case Disposition: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearances, and preliminary case outcomes if available at the time of record creation.
Agency Information: Contact details for the arresting agency, booking facility, and relevant court jurisdiction.

It should be noted that pursuant to Iowa Code § 804.29, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including but not limited to Social Security numbers, information about confidential informants, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Des Moines County

The expungement process in Des Moines County allows for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided by Iowa Code Chapter 901C. Expungement eligibility generally requires that one of the following conditions be met:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction
The defendant was acquitted of all charges
All charges were dismissed
The defendant successfully completed a deferred judgment period

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.3, individuals may petition for expungement of eligible records by filing an application with the Des Moines County District Court. The petition must be filed in the county where the arrest occurred and include specific information about the case, including the date of arrest, arresting agency, and case disposition.

The court will determine if the statutory requirements have been met before granting an expungement order. If granted, the order directs all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access, though certain government agencies may retain access to the expunged records for official purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal complexities and may benefit from consultation with legal counsel. The Iowa Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, though these forms must be properly completed and filed according to court rules.

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