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Search Iowa Arrest Records
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Iowa Arrest Records

Iowa Arrest Records

Law enforcement agencies recorded up to 69,632 arrests in Iowa within a year. The arrests stem from various offenses, including drug possession, gambling, theft, murder, and fraud. In Iowa, drug and narcotics violations and driving under the influence have one of the highest rates of arrests, accounting for 12.9% and 12.8% of arrests made in the state. Arrests from simple assaults, theft, and burglaries constitute 10.5%, 2.8%, and 1.3% of arrests recorded in Iowa.

The arrest rate in Iowa is about 2,318 arrests per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national arrest rate of 2,181.7 arrests per 100,000. Compared to neighboring states like Wisconsin, with an arrest rate of 3,247.5 arrests per 100,000 people, and Illinois, with 1,386 incidents per 100,000 residents, Iowa's arrest record rate is somewhat in the middle.

What Is an Arrest Under Iowa Law?

Generally, Chapter 804.5 of the Iowa Code defines arrests as the act of legally detaining a person for the sole aim of bringing the individual to court to answer for criminal charges. Iowa's arrest process involves restricting a person's freedom by restraining or taking them into custody based on the crime committed.

Type of Arrests in Iowa

Per Chapter 804 of the Iowa Code arrests are typically classified into two categories: Warrant and Warrantless Arrests.

Warrant Arrest

In Iowa, an arrest with a warrant typically occurs when law enforcement obtains a formal arrest warrant from a judge or magistrate before detaining an individual suspected of criminal activity. An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by the court when there is probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. For the magistrate or judge to issue a warrant for the arrest of an individual, there should be probable cause. Probable cause implies that there is sufficient evidence or the belief that a crime has been committed and that the person named on the warrant committed the offense.

Iowa law generally permits the magistrate or judge to issue a citation in place of an arrest warrant where the offense charged is public. A citation is a legal document directing the accused to appear before the magistrate or judge without being taken into custody.

Arrest warrants typically come in several forms, each serving a different purpose. In Iowa, arrest warrants may also be bench, search, extradition, probation, fugitive, or alias warrant.

  • Bench Warrants: A bench warrant is typically issued by a court when an individual fails to comply with a court order. Issuance of a bench warrant comes from contempt of court or procedural violations rather than criminal investigations
  • Search Warrants: It is issued to permit law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence relating to a crime. While search warrants are generally not issued with the intent of arresting an individual, the discovery of incriminating evidence may lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant
  • Extradition Warrants: Also called a Governor's warrant, an extradition warrant is issued when a person wanted in another state resides in Iowa. Extradition warrant allows for law enforcement to arrest and transfer the individual to the state where the criminal charges were filed
  • Probation Warrant: Probation warrants are generally issued when a person violates the terms of their probation. The warrant permits peace officers to arrest the person so they can be brought back to court
  • Fugitive Warrant: It is similar to an extradition warrant. It is issued when an individual is on the run from charges or convictions from another state
  • Alias Warrant: An alias warrant may be issued when a defendant fails to attend court proceedings for their first appearance after a citation or summons. Typically, it acts like a bench warrant, permitting the arrest and appearance of the person before the court

Other types of arrests in Iowa to address various legal situations typically include felony arrests, misdemeanor arrests, juvenile arrests, traffic-related arrests, domestic violence arrests, public-order arrests, and immigration-related arrests. Each arrest type is governed by specific rules to meet a particular situation.

Warrantless Arrest

Under certain situations, Iowa law permits law enforcement officers to conduct an arrest without a warrant. Generally , peace officers may arrest a person under specific circumstances without a warrant where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe or can confirm that the person committed a public offense - misdemeanor or felony. To conduct a warrantless arrest, the officer should have reasonable grounds - factual evidence or information, to believe that the specific individual is responsible for the crime.

What Are Iowa Arrest Records?

What Are Iowa Arrests Records?

Arrest records generally contain information about a person's encounter with law enforcement officers during an arrest. Arrest records detail an individual's arrests. It is created when a person is apprehended based on the suspicion of committing a crime. Arrest records typically contain comprehensive information related to the arrest, including personal information of the arrested individual, the date, time, and location of the arrest, the charges filed, mugshot and fingerprints, and court information.

Arrest and criminal records are different types of records related to a person's interaction with the state's legal system. While arrest records generally document a person's arrest by law enforcement focusing on the arrest itself, criminal records are broader. Criminal records typically contain comprehensive information about a person's entire criminal history. It includes the arrest and the outcomes of the legal process originating from such arrest. Criminal records may include convictions, sentencing information, charges filed, warrants issued or served, and parole and probation history.

How Can Arrest Records Be Accessed in Iowa?

In Iowa, arrest records are generally considered public records. Iowa's Open Records Law gives public access to government records, including arrest records. Per the law, all records, documents, and information stored by the state are available for public viewing, inspection, and copying. Under this law, all government records, including arrest records, are open to the public.

Although Iowa favors public access to arrest records, there are some exemptions to accessing the documents. Per the Open Records Law, unless otherwise ordered by a court, certain arrest records or information on the arrest records may be kept confidential. Therefore, juvenile records, expunged or sealed records, and records from ongoing investigations are generally restricted from the public. While these records are accessible to the public, certain entities may still access the records under specific conditions. Typically, law enforcement agencies such as the police department and sheriff's offices may access confidential arrest records as part of their investigation or for law enforcement purposes. The courts and court officials may access confidential court records during legal proceedings. Likewise, prosecutors and defense attorneys may access confidential arrest records while preparing for the case to establish timelines or to argue for sentences. Arrest records in Iowa may be accessible through the following ways:

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

The DCI, under the Department of Public Safety (DPS), records and maintains Iowa's Criminal History Records, including arrest records. The DCI provides an online tool where interested persons can submit requests for arrest records using the Iowa DCI Criminal History Records Check Request Form. The Department offers several options to obtain the arrest records, including mail, fax, in-person, or email. Iowa's criminal history record checks are based on name and date of birth. Generally, requesters may expect to receive the records between 1-3 days after submitting the requests.

Local Police Departments

At the local level, arrest records are generally accessible at the city police departments and county sheriff's offices. These law enforcement agencies maintain records of arrests occurring within their jurisdiction. Some police departments and county sheriff's offices provide online access to arrest logs, booking information, or inmate records. Record seekers may visit their website to search for arrest records or view information on recent arrests. In addition, most police departments and county sheriff's offices accept in-person or mail requests for arrest records.

Iowa Courts

Where an arrest results in criminal charges, the case may proceed to court. The case, when filed in court, typically contains arrest information. The Iowa Judicial Branch generally maintains an online database of all cases filed and tried in the state through the Iowa Courts Online Search. The online resource provides access to court records, including arrest information and criminal charges. Record seekers may query the database using the name or case number.

How Long Will an Arrest Report Stay on Your Iowa Records?

Iowa arrest report stays on a person's record indefinitely, unless the individual attempts to have the record expunged or sealed. In Iowa arrest records do not automatically disappear after a predetermined period. Instead, the arrest report remains part of a person's permanent criminal record and remains accessible to the public unless specific legal actions are taken to remove it.

Can You Expunge Your Arrest Records in Iowa?

Can You Expunge Your Arrest Records in Iowa?

Iowa law permits individuals to expunge their arrest records provided they fulfill certain conditions. Per Chapter 901C of the Iowa Code, persons may have their arrest records expunged if they meet the following conditions:

Non Guilty Verdicts and Criminal Charge Dismissal

  • The criminal case ended in a not guilty verdict - acquittal, or the charges were dismissed by the court
  • The dismissal was not due to the defendant being found not guilty because of insanity
  • The defendant was not found incompetent to stand trial
  • The defendant has paid all court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court
  • At least 180 days have passed since the not-guilty verdict or dismissal order

Misdemeanor - expungement

  • More than eight years have passed since the defendant's conviction
  • There are no pending charges against the defendant's name
  • The court has not granted the defeated two deferred judgments during the period
  • All the court costs, fines, fees, and financial obligations ordered by the court have been paid

While the law permits expungement of misdemeanor offenses. The following misdemeanor offense may not be expunged:

  • Public consumption or intoxication
  • Underage consumption or purchase of alcohol
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license
  • Sex offenses
  • Involuntary manslaughter
  • Assault, trespass, harassment, stalking, and obscenity
  • Misuse of public records and office misconduct
  • Interfering during judicial process and obstruction of justice

Is Citizen's Arrest Legal in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa's law provides for citizen's arrest. However, it is subject to specific conditions and limitations. Per Chater 804.9 of the Iowa code, a private citizen may take another into custody if:

  • The person has committed or attempts to commit a crime in their presence
  • There is a crime committed, and the arresting citizen has reasonable ground to believe that the person committed the crime

Law enforcement officers in Iowa may conduct a citizen's arrest. Likewise, Sectio 804.7B of the Iowa Code permits out-of-state peace officers to conduct citizen arrests provided the arrest complies with the state law. Per Section 804.7A of the state code, peace officers may conduct a citizen arrest under the following conditions:

  • The offense was committed or attempted in the presence of the peace office
  • The peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested committed the crime
  • The peace officer, without a warrant, has reasonable ground to believe that domestic abuse occurred and the person to be arrested committed it

Citizen arrest and false arrest are generally two different legal concepts. Citizen arrest is a lawful act taken by a private citizen to detain someone they believe has committed a crime. False arrest, on the converse, occurs when a private citizen or peace officer unlawfully restrains someone's freedom of movement without probable cause. In a false arrest, the individual detained did not commit a crime, and the arresting party does not have cause to believe that a crime occurred.

How to Look Up Arrest Warrants in Iowa

How to Look Up Arrest Warrants in Iowa

There are a few ways to look up arrest warrants in Iowa. Most police departments across Iowa provide online access through their websites to look up arrest warrants for free. Likewise, most county sheriff's offices allow record seekers to search arrest warrants from their websites. While some countries may not have online access to search for arrest warrants, they accept mail requests or in-person inquiries for arrest warrants.

Arrest warrants are generally available at the courts. Typically, the Clerk of Court keeps records of all legal proceedings, including warrants issued by the judge. Record seekers may visit the Clerk of Court in the country where the warrant was issued to access the record. Also, the Iowa Judicial branch generally provides online access to court records, including arrest warrants, through the Iowa Court Olie. Searchers may look up arrest warrants related to pending cases using this public database. Lastly, third-party websites may provide information on arrest warrants issued in Iowa.

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