Fayette County, Iowa Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fayette County, Iowa?
Arrest records are public documents in Fayette County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Iowa Public Records Law operates under the fundamental principle that government transparency and accountability are best served when citizens have access to information regarding governmental operations, including law enforcement activities.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Fayette County may obtain these documents through various official channels. The Fayette County Courthouse maintains these records as part of its official duties in documenting county law enforcement activities. Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in Iowa Code § 22.7.
Fayette County Courthouse
114 N Vine Street
PO Box 267
West Union, Iowa 52175
(563) 422-3687
Fayette County Government
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Fayette County?
Arrest records for Fayette County are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Iowa Courts Online Search system provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests processed through the county judicial system. This digital accessibility is authorized under Iowa Administrative Code 22.3(1), which permits governmental bodies to provide public records in electronic format.
The online availability of these records serves multiple public interests as outlined in Iowa Code § 22.2, which states that "every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record." Digital access facilitates this statutory right by removing geographical and temporal barriers to information access. Users of online systems should note that pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3A, some fees may apply for specialized electronic access or retrieval services.
The Fayette County Clerk of Court maintains the official court records, including those related to arrests, and provides guidance on accessing these records through both electronic and traditional means.
Fayette County Clerk of Court
114 N Vine Street
West Union, Iowa 52175
(563) 422-5695
Fayette County Clerk of Court Office
How to Look Up Fayette County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Fayette County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available, as prescribed by Iowa Code § 22.3, which requires governmental bodies to provide reasonable access to public records. The following options are available to members of the public:
Iowa Courts Online Portal: The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains a comprehensive database of court records, including those related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Fayette County Sheriff's Office: Direct requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office, which maintains records of arrests conducted by county law enforcement personnel.
Fayette County Clerk of Court: As the official custodian of court records for the county, the Clerk's office processes requests for arrest documentation and related court proceedings.
Iowa Department of Public Safety: The state law enforcement agency maintains a centralized criminal history database that includes arrest records from counties throughout Iowa, including Fayette County.
Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3(1), requests may be made in person, by mail, or by electronic means where available. Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under Iowa Code § 22.3(2), not exceeding the actual cost of providing the service.
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
111 W Main Street
West Union, Iowa 52175
(563) 422-3234
Fayette County Sheriff
Contents of a Fayette County Arrest Record
Fayette County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Iowa Administrative Code 661-8.2, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and identification numbers (such as driver's license or state ID).
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the arrest; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Specific Iowa Code violations alleged, including both the statutory citation and narrative description of each offense.
Processing Information: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), fingerprint records, and property inventory taken at the time of booking.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including bail or bond information, court dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes.
Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and the jurisdiction under which the arrest was made.
These records are maintained in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.7(5), which governs the retention and accessibility of peace officers' investigative reports. While the basic arrest information is public, certain supplementary materials may be subject to confidentiality provisions if they contain information that could compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved in the case.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Fayette County
The expungement of arrest records in Fayette County is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 901C, which provides specific pathways for the removal of arrest information from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
Iowa Code § 901C.2 permits expungement when:
- The criminal charge was dismissed with prejudice
- The defendant was acquitted
- The defendant completed a deferred judgment period successfully
The expungement process requires the filing of a verified petition with the Fayette County District Court. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2(1)(a)(1), the petition must be filed no earlier than 180 days following the disposition of the criminal case. The court filing fee, as established by Iowa Code § 901C.2(1)(b), must accompany the petition unless the court grants a fee waiver based on financial hardship.
Upon granting of an expungement order, Iowa Code § 901C.2(5) mandates that all agencies possessing records related to the arrest, including the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and the county clerk of court, must remove these records from public access. However, these records remain available to law enforcement agencies and the judicial department for operational purposes as specified in Iowa Code § 901C.2(6)(a).
Fayette County District Court
114 N Vine Street
West Union, Iowa 52175
(563) 422-5695
Fayette County District Court
Search Arrest Records in Fayette County
