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Marshalltown Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Marshalltown, Iowa?

Arrest records are public in Marshalltown, Iowa, pursuant to the Iowa Public Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The City of Marshalltown adheres to this law through its Freedom of Information Act policy, which became effective January 13, 2025. This transparency measure serves to maintain governmental accountability and provide community members with information necessary for public safety and awareness.

The Iowa Public Records Law stipulates that all persons have the right to examine public records maintained by government bodies. Under Iowa Code § 22.2(1), "Every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record." This right extends to arrest records maintained by the Marshalltown Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction.

How to Look Up Marshalltown Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Marshalltown have several methods available to them. The City of Marshalltown has established multiple channels through which these records may be accessed:

Online Search Systems: The Marshalltown Police Records Division maintains an electronic database of arrest records that may be searched via the department's official website. Users must provide specific information such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Marshalltown Police Department Records Division located at 22 North Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Staff members are available to assist with record requests during these hours.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to: Marshalltown Police Department, Records Division, 22 North Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158. All mail requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the record being sought.
Electronic Requests: The City Departments portal provides electronic forms for submitting records requests. These forms must be completed in their entirety to ensure prompt processing.

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, the custodian of records may charge reasonable fees for the services rendered in providing public records. These fees are limited to the actual costs incurred in retrieving, copying, and transmitting the requested documents.

Contents of a Marshalltown Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Marshalltown Police Department typically contain the following information:

Personal identification details of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and booking photograph
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Iowa Code sections or Marshalltown Municipal Code violations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking details, including processing time, fingerprinting information, and any bail or bond amounts established
Court case number and initial appearance information, if applicable
Detention facility information, typically referencing the Marshall County Jail for adults or appropriate juvenile detention facilities for minors

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.7, which establishes specific categories of confidential records. These may include medical information, social security numbers, and information pertaining to ongoing investigations that could jeopardize law enforcement proceedings if released.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Marshalltown

The expungement of arrest records in Marshalltown is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 901C. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific conditions established by state law. The eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:

The case resulted in an acquittal or dismissal of all charges
All court costs, fees, and financial obligations have been paid in full
At least 180 days have elapsed since the date of the dismissal or acquittal
The case did not involve certain excluded offenses as specified in Iowa Code § 901C.3

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Marshall County District Court. The petition must include:

The date of arrest
The county where the arrest occurred
The case number associated with the arrest
The name of the agency that made the arrest
A statement that the petitioner has met all requirements for expungement

Upon review of the petition, the court may order the expungement of the arrest record, effectively removing it from public access. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2, when an arrest record is expunged, the record is considered to have never occurred with respect to public records. However, law enforcement agencies may retain access to expunged records for certain official purposes.

The Marshalltown City Code of Ordinances acknowledges the state's authority in matters of criminal records and defers to Iowa Code provisions regarding expungement procedures.

Search Arrest Records in Marshalltown

Marshalltown Police Department
22 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-5725
Official Website