Criminal records in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, are available through several channels. VanderburghCourt.us allows you to search for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court's office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Vanderburgh
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county. Each is suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- VanderburghCourt.us — start here to find publicly accessible information on criminal cases. Enter the person's name or case number.
- MyCase.IN.gov — this is the official portal of the Indiana court system for searching court cases. The Vanderburgh County Court Document Center provides a direct link to this resource. County courts maintain nearly two decades of electronic records.
- Indiana Incarcerated Database — search for inmates through the Indiana Department of Correction to find individuals in state correctional facilities by last name.
In-Person Visit
The Vanderburgh County Clerk of Court's office accepts direct requests. You can use public access terminals in the courthouse to view records on-site. Contact the local court with questions about obtaining copies of documents in your case.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the county clerk's office or the Indiana State Police (as the state repository of criminal history). Instructions for requesting public records are available on the Indiana Judicial Branch website.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (if known) — significantly narrows results
- Case number (if available)
The county sheriff can also provide information on arrests. The sheriff's office phone number: 812-421-6200.
Search Vanderburgh Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Indiana, case numbers have a standardized format:
82D01-2301-F6-000123
- 82 — county code (Vanderburgh County has code 82)
- D01 — court designation (D = Superior Court, C = Circuit Court; the number indicates the specific division)
- 2301 — year and month the case was filed (2023, January)
- F6 — type of case (F6 = level 6 felony; CM = misdemeanor; IF = infraction)
- 000123 — sequential case number
Knowing this number, you can instantly find the case on MyCase.IN.gov without needing to filter results by name. The type of case in the number immediately shows the category of the charge.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Vanderburgh
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to Indiana Code (e.g., IC 35-42-1-1 — murder) |
| Felony | Serious crime. Indiana has levels from 1 (most severe) to 6, and a separate category for Murder |
| Misdemeanor | Less severe offense. Classes: A, B, C |
| Infraction | Minor offense with no threat of imprisonment |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change charges during proceedings — the new charge is reflected in the case record |
Case Status
- Pending — case is open, awaiting review
- Active — proceedings are ongoing
- Disposed — case is resolved (verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Hearings
- Initial Hearing / Arraignment — first court appearance, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial Conference — discussion of procedural matters between parties
- Jury Trial / Bench Trial — trial on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after being found guilty
- Review Hearing — check on compliance with probation terms
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed by prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty by court or jury |
| Deferred Judgment | Judgment deferred — charges may be dropped if conditions are met |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Vanderburgh
Certified copies of criminal records have the court's official seal and are accepted by other institutions as legally valid documents.
Where to Apply
Vanderburgh County Clerk of Court — the primary body issuing certified copies of court records.
For a complete state-level criminal history, requests are submitted to the Indiana State Police. This is a separate fingerprint-based procedure.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with a valid photo ID. Provide the full name of the person and the case number, if known.
- By Mail — send a written request with the name, date of birth, case number, and contact information. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Online — Indiana Judicial Branch provides instructions for public record requests. Some documents can be ordered through Doxpop — a commercial service linked by the County Document Center.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (for in-person visit)
- Written request with case details
- Payment for copying and certification fees
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Vanderburgh
Fees for copies of court documents in Indiana are regulated by IC 33-37-5 and local court rules.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| State criminal history check (Indiana State Police) | $16.32 (Limited Criminal History — online) |
| Fingerprint-based check (national check via ISP) | Depends on the purpose of the request; typically $18–$30+ |
Processing Time
- In Person — copies are usually issued the same day if the record is available in the electronic system.
- By Mail — processing may take 5 to 15 business days depending on the volume of the request.
- Online (ISP) — Limited Criminal History results are usually available within minutes after payment.
Older records that are not digitized may take longer. Check processing times directly with the clerk's office at 812-435-5160. For state-level inmate searches, use the Indiana Department of Correction — this tool is free and operates in real-time.