Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinINRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin County, Indiana. Members of the public may search for booking records, jail rosters, court case information, and related criminal justice data through official government channels and third-party directories. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, charge information, bond status, and court case numbers. Information may be incomplete, subject to update, or restricted based on case disposition.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster accessible to the public. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the arrested individual, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access the Franklin County Sheriff's Office website to view current inmate information. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a daily basis.

2. Local Police Departments

The Brookville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Franklin County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public may contact the department directly for records requests related to arrests occurring within Brookville's jurisdiction.

Brookville Police Department
20 E. 6th Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-4141
Brookville Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Franklin County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case status. The Indiana Supreme Court's mycase.in.gov portal provides statewide online access to court case records, including those originating in Franklin County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police maintains the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS), which serves as the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a limited criminal history through the Indiana State Police website. A fee of $16.32 is currently assessed for a name-based limited criminal history check. Fingerprint-based checks are available for a higher fee and provide more comprehensive results.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1010 Franklin Avenue
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-4114
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Specific information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest, is required
Copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Franklin County Clerk

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Case files may be inspected at the public access terminal
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 1010 Franklin Avenue, Brookville, IN 47012. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is subject to volume and may range from several business days to several weeks.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (765) 647-4114
Inmate status inquiries may be handled by phone for individuals currently in custody
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed records are not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery in criminal cases is governed by the Indiana Rules of Criminal Procedure and provides access to records not otherwise available to the general public.

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)
Location of arrest and jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made public to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, enable background screening, and serve the needs of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Indiana Constitution and the Indiana Access to Public Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that individuals be informed of charges against them, which supports the public nature of arrest records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities may have adopted related policies. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions when making adverse decisions, as arrests without convictions do not establish guilt.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Indiana statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony level or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Franklin County varies by record type and the office from which the records are requested. Under Indiana law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00
Certified copy (per page)	$1.00 + certification fee
Name-based criminal history (Indiana State Police)	$16.32
Fingerprint-based criminal history (Indiana State Police)	Varies
Online court case search (mycase.in.gov)	Free
In-person inspection of records	No charge for inspection

Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Clerk of Courts and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance may vary. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to copies.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrable public interest, subject to agency discretion. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act, at Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, governs the fee structure applicable to public records requests statewide.

Online access to court case information through the Indiana Supreme Court's mycase.in.gov portal is available at no charge for basic case information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
A conviction was vacated or set aside
A waiting period has elapsed following completion of a sentence for certain misdemeanor or felony convictions

The steps for pursuing expungement in Franklin County are as follows:

Determine eligibility based on the nature of the arrest and its disposition
Obtain the relevant case number and arrest information from the Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Franklin County Circuit Court or Superior Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $157.00 for most petitions; fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Franklin County Circuit Court
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Franklin County Courts

Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
459 Main Street, Suite 2
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-6931
Franklin County Prosecutor

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Indiana Legal Services or the Indiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service. The Indiana Legal Services organization provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents.

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Franklin County Jail, located at 1010 Franklin Avenue, Brookville, IN 47012. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Franklin County Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within a reasonable time, and in no event later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial hearing, the court:

Formally notifies the individual of the charges
Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent and requests counsel
Determines bond or bail
Advises the individual of their rights

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Indiana Courts case management system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the judge or magistrate based on the bond schedule and individual circumstances

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual is held without bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Franklin County Public Defender
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Franklin County Courts

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. An application is completed at or shortly after the initial hearing. The public defender's office provides confidential legal representation throughout the proceedings.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Franklin County Jail during designated visitation hours.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Franklin County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by Information
Request additional investigation before filing
Decline to prosecute
File different or additional charges from those listed at arrest

Grand Jury:

For certain serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel and result in an Indictment if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and in some circumstances, no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial Conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea Negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Indiana's right to speedy trial is governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1010 Franklin Avenue
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-4114
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Franklin County Clerk

Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
459 Main Street, Suite 2
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-6931
Franklin County Prosecutor

Franklin County Public Defender
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Franklin County Courts

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 an attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Archives and Records Administration establishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records statewide. Under Ind. Code § 5-15-5.1, public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the Indiana State Police repository
Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule, which may provide for permanent retention of conviction records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period established by the applicable retention schedule, typically several years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
The individual may petition for expungement following an acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a shorter period than conviction records
Local arrest logs are retained per the applicable schedule
Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement immediately in some circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule
Often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Indiana Archives and Records Administration schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per the applicable schedule
Records management system data is often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary in retention policy
Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Third-party databases may not update records when expungement orders are issued
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting

Retention by Agency:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Indiana Archives and Records Administration schedule
Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case
Contact: (765) 647-4114

Brookville Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable schedule
Contact: (765) 647-4141

Franklin County Clerk of Courts:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained per the applicable schedule
Electronic records are often retained permanently
Contact: (765) 647-5111

Indiana State Police Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository
Records include arrests from all jurisdictions within Indiana
Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is typically permanent
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are often not reported on standard employment background checks, though they may appear in raw database searches.

Expungement: Following a court order, local agencies are directed to expunge or seal the record. The Indiana State Police updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an indication of expungement. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable period. Individuals may request removal in some circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Indiana courts case search portal and the Sheriff's Office website
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
Possible retrieval fee applies
Processing time may be longer for archived records

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (765) 647-4114 for information about specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Most employment background checks cover a seven-year period under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act for positions paying below a certain salary threshold; convictions may be reported indefinitely
Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrests for employment purposes, though federal FCRA accuracy requirements apply
Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (765) 647-4114 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.