Montgomery County Public Records / Montgomery County Arrest Records

Montgomery County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montgomery County in 2026

MontgomeryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, and associated court filings in Montgomery County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking photographs, charge information, custody status, bond amounts, and case numbers through the resources listed below. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, criminal history summaries, and inmate locator data. Access and completeness vary by source, and not all records are available through every channel.

Records may be searched through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts, the Indiana Courts online portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized third-party databases.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains a live jail roster through its JailTracker system, which members of the public may access at any time. The Find an Inmate tool displays current inmates held at the Montgomery County Jail, including the individual's full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated in near real-time as new bookings are processed. Searches may be conducted by last name, first name, or booking number.

2. Local Police Departments

The Crawfordsville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Montgomery County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may appear in the Sheriff's jail roster once the individual is booked into the county facility. Press releases and public arrest logs are periodically published through the department's official communications channels.

Crawfordsville Police Department
300 E. Pike St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-3762
City of Crawfordsville

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Montgomery County are filed with the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts and are accessible through the Indiana Courts' statewide portal. Members of the public may use MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search to search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The system returns case type, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information. The Montgomery County Courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch website provides direct contact information for the local court.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

Indiana does not currently offer a free, public-facing statewide arrest database. Criminal history records maintained by the Indiana State Police are available through the Indiana State Police Background Check Portal for a fee of $16.32 per search. These records include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. The search requires the subject's full legal name and date of birth at minimum.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
600 Memorial Drive
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-3740
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copies of arrest records are subject to standard duplication fees.

Police Departments:
Crawfordsville Police Department
300 E. Pike St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-3762
City of Crawfordsville

Records requests submitted to the Crawfordsville Police Department must be made in writing. Requestors should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident. A fee of $0.10 per page applies to paper copies.

Clerk of Court:
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
100 E. Main St., Suite 203
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Montgomery County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 600 Memorial Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (765) 362-3740
Clerk of Courts: (765) 364-6430

Telephone inquiries are limited in scope. Staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide a booking number, but detailed arrest record information is not released by phone. Callers are directed to the online JailTracker system or an in-person visit for comprehensive information.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records, police reports, and associated investigative materials through the formal discovery process in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed narrative reports and evidence documentation are not part of the public arrest record and require legal process to obtain.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Crawfordsville PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County

Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, all public agencies are required to make their public records available for inspection and copying by any person. Arrest records fall within this category because they document official government action — the exercise of law enforcement authority — and their disclosure serves the principles of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Indiana law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim-identifying information in applicable cases
Information relating to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Indiana's Access to Public Records Act reflects the state's constitutional commitment to open government. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions that protect sensitive information while preserving broad public access to government records. The First Amendment's protections for press access to government proceedings further support the public availability of arrest information.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest does not establish guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Montgomery County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain circumstances)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Crawfordsville Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Indiana statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Inventory of personal property

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if applicable
Conditions of release if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned upon filing
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Some booking records include prior arrest history within the county, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. This information is not always included in the current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Montgomery County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Montgomery County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page (state agencies)
Certified court document copies	$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Indiana State Police criminal history check	$16.32 per search
In-person inspection of records	No charge
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency

Inspection of public records at the Clerk of Courts or Sheriff's Office during regular business hours is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Montgomery County Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money order for records requests.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Journalists and researchers should inquire directly with the relevant agency regarding fee waiver eligibility.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Montgomery County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, charges that did not result in conviction, and certain conviction records.

Expungement results in the destruction or notation of the record such that it no longer appears in public searches. Once an expungement order is granted, the individual may lawfully state that the arrest did not occur in most contexts. Sealing restricts public access but preserves the record for use by law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement of Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Charges were not filed following arrest
Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
A waiting period of one year from the date of arrest has elapsed (for arrests without conviction)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information through MyCase or the Clerk of Courts
Confirm eligibility under Indiana Code § 35-38-9 based on the disposition of the case
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Montgomery County Circuit or Superior Court
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one
Upon entry of the expungement order, provide certified copies to the Sheriff's Office, Indiana State Police, and any other agencies holding the record

Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office
100 E. Main St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6480

Montgomery County Circuit Court / Superior Court
100 E. Main St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Montgomery County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact Indiana Legal Services or the Indiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service for assistance with the expungement process.

What Happens After Arrest in Montgomery County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest anywhere within Montgomery County, the arrested individual is transported to the Montgomery County Jail located at 600 Memorial Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the intake. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history and outstanding warrants check is conducted
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within a reasonable time, not to exceed 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the defendant of their rights, and appoints a public defender if the defendant is financially eligible. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Clerk of Courts. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium of approximately 10% of the bond.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
100 E. Main St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6440

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor)	30–180 days
Arraignment to resolution (felony)	6–18 months
Right to speedy trial	Indiana Constitution, Article 1, § 12

Important Contacts:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
600 Memorial Drive
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-3740
Find an Inmate – Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
100 E. Main St., Suite 203
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Montgomery County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office
100 E. Main St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6480

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
100 E. Main St.
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6440

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montgomery County?

Records retention in Montgomery County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Pursuant to the Indiana Administrative Code and applicable retention schedules, law enforcement agencies and courts maintain arrest records for periods that vary based on the nature of the offense and the disposition of the case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Indiana State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history accessible to law enforcement nationwide

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of 10 years
State repository retains indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Retained until expunged by court order
State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received and processed
May remain in public databases unless expungement is obtained

Acquittals:

Court records: Retained permanently absent an expungement order
Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Eligible for expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum 3 years
Eligible for expungement one year from the date of arrest

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per applicable retention schedule
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records through MyCase: Retained permanently unless expunged
Mugshot databases maintained by third parties: Retention varies and is not controlled by law enforcement

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are required under the FCRA to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy, but they may not update records promptly following expungement. Individuals who obtain an expungement order should provide certified copies to major background check companies directly.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent retention in all databases
Dismissal	Retained unless expunged; may not appear on standard background checks
Expungement	Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation
No charges filed	Shortest retention; may be purged after minimum period

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting conviction records after a set number of years. Expunged records are not reportable on consumer background checks following entry of the expungement order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Records Division at (765) 362-3740 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3 may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.