Warrants are public records in Ohio County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). Under this statute, warrant records maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts are classified as public information and are accessible to members of the general public with certain limitations. The Indiana Public Access Counselor has consistently affirmed that active warrants constitute public records subject to disclosure.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple governmental and societal interests. Public access to these records enables citizens to verify their legal status, promotes accountability within the criminal justice system, and allows for appropriate oversight of law enforcement activities. The transparency afforded by public warrant records aligns with Indiana's statutory commitment to open government as articulated in IC § 5-14-3-1, which states that "it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government."
Certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger law enforcement personnel. Additionally, pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-4(b), specific identifying information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers are typically redacted from public warrant records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access the substantive information.
Warrant records maintained by the Ohio County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio County Circuit Court typically contain the following information as prescribed by Indiana Code § 35-33-1:
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible warrant records may vary based on the type of warrant (arrest, bench, search) and the stage of the criminal proceedings. Records pertaining to sealed indictments or juvenile matters are subject to additional restrictions under Indiana law.
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Ohio County through several no-cost methods established pursuant to Indiana's public access laws:
In-person inquiry at the Ohio County Sheriff's Office 413 Main Street Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-3636 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Direct contact with the Ohio County Circuit Court Clerk 413 Main Street, Room 107 Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-2610 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online search through the Indiana Courts Case Search system (MyCase), which provides free access to court records including warrant information
Telephone inquiry to the Ohio County Warrant Division at (812) 438-3636 ext. 2
Individuals seeking information about their own warrant status may be required to provide identification when making in-person inquiries. Third-party requests for warrant information are generally fulfilled without identification requirements, though certain identifying details may be redacted in accordance with IC § 5-14-3-4(b).
The Ohio County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining and executing warrants within county jurisdiction as authorized under Indiana Code § 35-33-2. Sheriff's warrants in Ohio County fall into several categories, each with distinct legal implications:
The Sheriff's Warrant Division, operating under the authority of Sheriff Tom Baxter, maintains a database of all active warrants issued within Ohio County. This division coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to execute warrants across jurisdictional boundaries through mutual aid agreements and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.
Warrant service is conducted in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-33-2-3, which establishes procedures for execution including time restrictions and notification requirements. The Sheriff's Office prioritizes warrant service based on the severity of the underlying offense and potential public safety implications.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Ohio County may utilize the following official channels:
The Ohio County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants that may be searched by authorized personnel upon request 413 Main Street Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-3636 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Ohio County Circuit Court provides access to warrant information through its clerk's office 413 Main Street, Room 107 Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-2610 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Indiana Courts Case Search system (MyCase) offers online access to court records including warrant information
The Indiana State Police maintains a statewide warrant database that includes Ohio County warrants entered into the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 232-8241
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9(c), agencies may require individuals to complete a public records request form when seeking warrant information. Response times for such requests typically range from 24 hours to seven business days depending on the complexity of the request and agency workload.
Outstanding warrants in Ohio County may be verified through multiple official channels established under Indiana's public access framework:
The Warrant Division of the Ohio County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all unserved warrants within the county 413 Main Street Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-3636 ext. 2 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Ohio County Circuit Court Clerk's Office provides access to warrant status information 413 Main Street, Room 107 Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-2610 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Indiana Courts Case Search system allows for electronic verification of warrant status
Regional law enforcement agencies may provide warrant verification through inter-agency information sharing networks
Individuals with outstanding warrants seeking to resolve their legal status may contact the Ohio County Prosecutor's Office to discuss potential resolution options: 413 Main Street, Room 106 Rising Sun, IN 47040 Phone: (812) 438-2680 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-2-4, individuals with knowledge of an outstanding warrant against them are encouraged to surrender voluntarily to the appropriate authorities. Voluntary surrender may be considered favorably by the court when determining pretrial release conditions.