Henry County Public Records / Henry County Arrest Records

Henry County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Henry County in 2026

HenryINRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Henry County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official government sources and third-party directories. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, criminal history summaries, and inmate custody information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Official resources for searching Henry County arrest records include the Henry County Sheriff's Office jail roster, the Indiana courts public records portal, the Indiana Department of Correction incarcerated database, and the Indiana State Police limited criminal history search. Members of the public may access these resources online, in person at county offices, by mail, or by telephone.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Henry County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate and booking information through its Jail page. Members of the public may search for individuals currently held at the Henry County Jail, view booking photographs, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. The Sheriff's Office also participates in the Indiana SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification) system, which allows users to receive automated notifications about an offender's custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The New Castle Police Department, which serves the county seat, may publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal departments within Henry County may submit public records requests directly to those agencies pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). The Henry County Sheriff's Office also accepts public records requests through its Sheriff's Office page, where a downloadable request form is available.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Henry County Clerk of Courts. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal allows members of the public to search court cases by name, case number, or party. Searching an arrestee's name through this system may reveal associated criminal case filings, charge details, hearing dates, and case dispositions. If a document is not available online, the Indiana Judicial Branch advises that individuals contact the clerk's office in the county where the case is being heard.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search provides access to felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests statewide. This resource is available to the general public and returns records maintained in the Indiana criminal history repository. A standard search fee applies; the current fee schedule is posted on the Indiana State Police website. The search returns arrest and disposition data for qualifying offenses across all Indiana jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Henry County Sheriff's Office
1215 Race Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-1670
Henry County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest or booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Police Departments:

New Castle Police Department
227 N. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 521-7290

Records requests at the New Castle Police Department follow the procedures established under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Requestors should submit written requests identifying the specific records sought. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with applicable state guidelines.

Clerk of Court:

Henry County Clerk of Courts
Henry County Courthouse, 101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6401

The Clerk's office maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed through the Henry County court system. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Copy fees are assessed per page; certification fees apply to documents requiring an official court seal.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the Henry County Sheriff's Office at 1215 Race Street, New Castle, IN 47362. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included where the fee amount is known in advance. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Henry County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (765) 529-1670 for general inquiries regarding custody status. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by telephone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through the discovery process in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through formal legal proceedings rather than standard public records requests.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Henry County

Arrest records in Henry County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, the Access to Public Records Act establishes that any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency. Arrest records fall within this category because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their public capacity. The public interest in government transparency, community safety awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings supports broad access to these records.

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:

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
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Indiana's public records framework reflects a balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest, which reflects probable cause, and a conviction, which reflects a finding of guilt. Arrest records are public; however, their use in employment and housing decisions is subject to federal and state restrictions.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and credit decisions. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Henry County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
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 or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Henry County Sheriff's Office, New Castle Police Department, Indiana State Police, or another authorized agency
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of booking
Indiana statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public copies
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks compile information from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Henry 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 for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records alone. The following fee structure reflects current standard practices:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10 per page (standard state guideline)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee per document
Electronic copies	Varies by agency; some provided at no charge
Indiana State Police criminal history search	Current fee posted at ISP website
In-person record inspection	No charge

Accepted payment methods vary by office. The Henry County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts accept cash and money orders; some offices accept checks made payable to the respective agency. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods before submitting a request.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, such as by journalists or nonprofit organizations, at the discretion of the agency. Indiana law does not mandate fee waivers but permits agencies to exercise discretion in appropriate circumstances.

Online searches through the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search and the Henry County jail roster are available at no charge. The Indiana State Police limited criminal history search carries a fee payable at the time of the online request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Henry County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of qualifying records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. These remedies are distinct. Expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9 directs that qualifying records be marked as expunged and treated as if they do not exist for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to courts and law enforcement agencies.

Arrest records without a conviction, including cases where charges were not filed, were dismissed, or resulted in acquittal, may be eligible for expungement one year after the date of arrest. Misdemeanor conviction records may be eligible for expungement five years after the date of conviction, provided the petitioner has no subsequent convictions and has satisfied all sentence requirements. Felony conviction records carry longer waiting periods and additional eligibility requirements depending on the level of the offense.

The steps to petition for expungement in Henry County are as follows:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or court case from the Henry County Clerk of Courts
Confirm eligibility based on the type of record, waiting period, and absence of subsequent convictions
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Henry County Circuit or Superior Court
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office as required by statute
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Henry County Prosecutor's Office
Henry County Courthouse, 101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6404

Henry County Clerk of Courts
Henry County Courthouse, 101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6401
Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Indiana Legal Services or the Henry County public defender's office for guidance on the expungement process.

What Happens After Arrest in Henry County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Henry County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county.

Henry County Jail
1215 Race Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-1670
Henry County Jail Information

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the arrest. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the defendant of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the defendant is found to be indigent. Initial hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

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, which is ten percent of the total bond amount in Indiana.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without a monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

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

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the release process typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Henry County Public Defender's Office
Henry County Courthouse, 101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6401

Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender may retain private counsel. The Indiana State Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Henry County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial. If the case proceeds to trial, the defendant has the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court programs, resulting in dismissal of charges upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing:

If convicted, the court 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 options. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within three to six months in many instances
Felony cases: may extend twelve months or longer depending on complexity
Indiana's constitutional speedy trial provisions require that cases proceed without unnecessary delay

Important Contacts:

Henry County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1215 Race Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-1670
Henry County Jail

Henry County Clerk of Courts
101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6401
Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records

Henry County Prosecutor's Office
101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6404

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family members or trusted individuals who may assist with bail
Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Henry County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Henry County is governed by Indiana state law and the records retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods specified in the applicable retention schedule and may not destroy records before those periods expire.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Henry County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Accessible on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for extended periods by local law enforcement and court records systems
State repository retains records in accordance with Indiana criminal history policies

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
Expungement may be sought following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest under Indiana Code § 35-38-9

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records per the applicable schedule
Expungement eligibility applies in most cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense type

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
Court electronic records are frequently maintained permanently
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain images indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when expungement orders are issued. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of update obligations varies. Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal of records.

Retention by Agency:

Henry County Sheriff's Office
1215 Race Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-1670
Henry County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office retains booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files in accordance with the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedule. Felony case files are retained permanently; other records are retained for periods specified by record type.

Henry County Clerk of Courts
101 S. Main Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 529-6401

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the Indiana court records retention schedule. Electronic court records are maintained permanently in most instances.

State Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data from all Indiana jurisdictions. The Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search reflects records maintained in this repository. Retention at the state level follows Indiana criminal history records policies.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records of arrests reported by Indiana law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

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 not reported as convictions on background checks
Expungement: Local records are marked as expunged or physically sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases requires separate action
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; eligible for expungement in most cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrest records are available online through the Henry County jail roster and the Indiana courts public records portal. Older records may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts and may be subject to retrieval fees and longer processing times. Records predating the digitization of county systems may exist only in paper form in the county archives.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions in private employment background checks. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported as convictions, but the arrest record itself may appear in background check results depending on the reporting agency's practices.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (765) 529-1670 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.