Warrant records are public documents in Wells County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and copy public records maintained by governmental agencies within the state. The statute operates under the principle that transparency in government functions serves the public interest.
The Wells County Sheriff's Office and the Wells County Clerk of Courts maintain warrant information as part of their official duties. These records include active warrants, served warrants, and warrant history. Members of the public may access these records during normal business hours, subject to certain statutory limitations regarding confidential information.
Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(a) specifically states that any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during the regular business hours of the agency, except as provided in section 4 of this chapter or otherwise provided by law. Warrant information falls within this provision as records created and maintained by law enforcement agencies in their official capacity.
Warrant records maintained by Wells County authorities typically contain comprehensive information related to the issuance and status of legal directives. Standard elements included in these documents are:
The content of warrant records is standardized in accordance with Indiana judicial procedures to ensure consistency across jurisdictions within the state.
Members of the public seeking to determine the existence of warrants in Wells County may utilize several no-cost resources provided by county agencies:
Wells County Sheriff's Office maintains a public terminal for warrant searches at their administrative office located at 102 W Market Street, Suite 101, Bluffton, IN 46714. Visitors may conduct self-directed searches during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Wells County Clerk's Office provides access to court records, including warrant information, at the Wells County Courthouse, 102 W Market Street, Bluffton, IN 46714. Public terminals are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Wells County Sheriff's Office at (260) 824-3426. Basic warrant information may be provided over the phone, though written documentation requires in-person requests.
mycase.in.gov is the Indiana state court system's online portal that provides limited access to court records, including some warrant information. This resource is accessible without charge, though certain records may be restricted from public view pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9.
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(d), agencies may not charge a fee for inspection of public records or for verbal inquiries regarding the existence of records.
The Wells County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the execution of warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Wells County are classified according to their legal purpose and authority:
Arrest warrants are judicial orders directing law enforcement to take a named individual into custody. These warrants are issued upon probable cause that the subject has committed a criminal offense. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-2-1, arrest warrants must be executed by a law enforcement officer and must specify the offense charged.
Bench warrants are court orders issued directly by a judge, typically in response to failure to appear for scheduled court proceedings or non-compliance with court orders. These warrants authorize immediate arrest and detention until the subject can be brought before the court.
Search warrants authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity. In accordance with Indiana Code § 35-33-5, these warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized.
The Wells County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records at:
Wells County Sheriff's Office
102 W Market Street, Suite 101
Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 824-3426
Wells County Sheriff's Office
Execution of warrants follows strict procedural guidelines established by Indiana statute and case law to ensure constitutional protections are maintained.
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant exists in their name in Wells County may utilize several official channels for verification:
Direct inquiry at the Wells County Sheriff's Office remains the most reliable method for warrant verification. Individuals may appear in person at 102 W Market Street, Suite 101, Bluffton, IN 46714 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to request a warrant check. Photo identification is required for this service.
Wells County Clerk's Office provides access to court records that may indicate the issuance of a warrant. The office is located at 102 W Market Street, Bluffton, IN 46714 and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Electronic verification through the Indiana mycase.in.gov system allows for remote searches of court records. While not all warrant information may be available through this system, it provides a preliminary resource for identifying potential court actions.
Legal representation through a licensed attorney can facilitate confidential warrant checks. The Wells County Bar Association can provide referrals to local attorneys qualified to perform these services.
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9(c), individuals have the right to inspect and copy records concerning themselves, including warrant information, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.
Verification of outstanding warrants in Wells County requires interaction with the appropriate judicial and law enforcement agencies:
Wells County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division maintains the most current database of active warrants. Inquiries may be directed to the Warrant Division at (260) 824-3426 ext. 1404 during regular business hours.
In-person verification is available at the Sheriff's Office located at 102 W Market Street, Suite 101, Bluffton, IN 46714. Staff can conduct real-time searches of the warrant database upon request.
Wells County Prosecutor's Office may provide information regarding warrants issued in connection with pending criminal cases. The office is located at 102 W Market Street, Suite 205, Bluffton, IN 46714 and can be reached at (260) 824-6400.
Wells Circuit Court and Superior Court maintain records of judicially issued warrants. Court records may be accessed at the Wells County Courthouse, 102 W Market Street, Bluffton, IN 46714.
Individuals conducting warrant searches should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G) governs the accessibility of court records, including warrant information.