Criminal records in LaPorte County, Indiana, are available through several channels. LaPorteCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the Indiana state court system, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and law enforcement agencies, including the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Online tools, in-person visits, and written requests all work for searching and obtaining criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in LaPorte
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- LaPorteCourt.us — Enter the name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in LaPorte County.
- MyCase — Indiana Courts Portal — A statewide case search system. Works for all courts in LaPorte County: Circuit Court and Superior Court. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Results include non-confidential cases, hearing dates, status, and court decisions.
- Limited Criminal History Search — An online tool by the Indiana State Police. Shows only felonies and Class A misdemeanors within the state. The result is generated in PDF, valid for 14 days.
- Indiana Incarcerated Database Search — The state Department of Corrections database for searching inmates by last name.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of the Circuit Court accepts requests on-site. The Clerk is the custodian of court records, accepts filings, and issues copies.
The courthouse usually has public access terminals where you can view cases through MyCase.
Written Request
Send a letter to the Clerk's office indicating the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include payment for copies. For an official state-level criminal history, contact the Indiana State Police with a completed form and payment.
Search LaPorte Criminal Cases by Case Number
Every court case in Indiana has a unique number consisting of several parts. Here's how to read it:
| Part of the Number | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Two-digit numerical county code (LaPorte — 46) | 46 |
| Court Code | Letter and number indicating the specific court (C01 — Circuit Court, D01 — Superior Court 1) | D01 |
| Case Type Code | Two-letter category code (e.g., F — felony, CM — misdemeanor) | F |
| Case Number | Sequential number within the year | 000123 |
| Year | Year the case was filed | 2024 |
The full number looks something like this: 46D01-2404-F-000123. Enter it in MyCase to directly access the desired case without filtering results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in LaPorte
Charges
- Statute Code — Reference to the Indiana Code (e.g., IC 35-42-1-1 for murder).
- Severity Level — Felony (levels 1–6), Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, or infraction. Level 1 felony is the most severe.
- Amended Charges — The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the proceedings.
Case Status
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, no decision has been made yet |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | The case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled |
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — The first court appearance where charges are read to the defendant, who pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — The judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-Trial Conference — Parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements.
- Sentencing — Imposing punishment after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Review Hearing — Checking compliance with probation conditions or other obligations.
Court Results
- Guilty — Found guilty.
- Not Guilty — Acquitted by court or jury decision.
- Dismissed — Case closed without a verdict (prosecutor withdrew charges or the court found procedural violations).
- Acquitted — Full acquittal after trial.
Some records may be excluded from public access according to Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records — this applies to juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain confidential documents.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in LaPorte
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with the court's official seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies.
Where to Apply
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — For certified copies of court decisions, charges, sentences, and other case documents.
- Indiana State Police — For an official state-level criminal history (Limited Criminal History).
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the Clerk's office with valid ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or full name and date of birth of the person.
- By Mail — Send a written request with case details, return address, and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court).
- Online — For state criminal history, use the Indiana State Police online service. Enter the full name and date of birth.
To order court hearing transcripts, contact the official court reporter directly through the Circuit Court page or Superior Court 1.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in LaPorte
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate according to IC 33-37-5-1 |
| Certification | $5.00 | Per document, added to the cost of copies |
| Limited Criminal History (ISP, online) | $16.32 | Online credit card payment; result in PDF within minutes |
| Search via MyCase | Free | Public access to non-confidential cases |
Processing Times
- Online request via ISP — The result usually appears within minutes. PDF valid for 14 days.
- In-person request at the Clerk's office — Simple copies often issued the same day. Certified copies may take 1–3 business days.
- Mail request — Depends on volume and Clerk's office workload; usually 5–10 business days after receiving the request.
Payment of fines, probation fees, and traffic tickets in La Porte County is also accepted online. For payment inquiries, call 855-423-9335.