>Story County Arrest Records Online

Story County, Iowa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Story County, Iowa?

Arrest records are public in Story County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Iowa Public Records Law operates under the principle that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy, and citizens have the right to access information about law enforcement activities.

The Story County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Iowa Code § 331.653. These records document individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within Story County jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple purposes:

Ensures transparency in the criminal justice system
Allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides information that may be relevant to public safety
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Enables background checks for employment or housing purposes

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.7, which outlines specific confidentiality provisions for certain types of information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Story County?

Story County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.2, which states that "every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record." The digital accessibility of these records represents the county's commitment to providing convenient public access to government information.

The Story County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests. This resource is updated regularly to reflect the most current information available. Additionally, the Iowa Courts Online Search system provides access to court records associated with arrests, including case dispositions and scheduled court appearances.

Users seeking arrest records online should be aware of the following considerations:

Information accuracy depends on timely updates by the respective agencies
Some records may have limited details compared to in-person requests
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
Records for juvenile offenders are typically not available online due to confidentiality protections under Iowa Code § 232.147
Historical records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests

How to Look Up Story County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Story County have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The following procedures have been established pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, which governs the supervision of public records:

In-person requests at the Story County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Story County Sheriff's Office located at 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Complete an Open Records Request form
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.15 per page for standard copies)
Online access through official county resources:
- Visit the Story County Sheriff's Office Daily News Releases for recent arrest information
- Access the Story County Jail Information page for current inmate status
- Search the Iowa Courts Online database for case information related to arrests
Written requests by mail:
- Submit a written request to: Records Division, Story County Sheriff's Office, 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
- Include specific information about the record being requested (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
Through the Story County Clerk of Court:
- Visit the Story County Clerk of Court at 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Request court records associated with arrests and subsequent legal proceedings

Contents of a Story County Arrest Record

Story County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Iowa Administrative Code 661-8.2. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including Iowa Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint information collected during booking
Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
Current custody status (released, in custody, transferred)

The Story County Attorney's Office, located at 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201, maintains records of prosecutorial actions taken following arrests. These records may include charging decisions, plea agreements, and case dispositions.

It should be noted that pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.7(5), certain investigative reports or information may be kept confidential if disclosure would jeopardize an investigation or pose a clear and present danger to an individual.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Story County

Under Iowa law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed from public view. The expungement process is governed by several statutes, including Iowa Code § 901C.2 for dismissed cases and Iowa Code § 123.46(6) for public intoxication offenses.

Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Cases where the defendant was not found guilty of any offense
Completion of deferred judgment periods with successful discharge
Specific alcohol-related offenses after prescribed waiting periods
First-time controlled substance offenses under Iowa Code § 124.401(5)
Waiting periods ranging from 180 days to 8 years depending on offense type

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Story County Clerk of Court. Necessary forms can be obtained from the Iowa Judicial Branch website. The petition must include:

Case number and date of arrest
Description of the offense charged
Agency that arrested the petitioner
Date of dismissal or acquittal
Certified copy of the dismissal order

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the expungement is granted, the court will issue an order directing all agencies to seal the records related to the arrest. However, these records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and the courts for certain purposes as specified in Iowa Code § 901C.2(4).

Individuals seeking expungement may wish to consult with legal counsel to navigate this complex process effectively.

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