Criminal records in Madison County, Indiana, are accessible through several channels. MadisonINCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court portals, county law enforcement agencies, and the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. Below is a step-by-step overview of all available search methods, types of case data, and the procedure for obtaining certified copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Madison
To search for criminal records, you will need at least one of the following:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number (cause number)
Online Search
- MadisonINCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available information on county criminal cases.
- MyCase — the official portal of the Indiana court system. Allows searches by name, case number, or date. Note: data on the portal may contain inaccuracies, and official records are only available directly in court.
- Indiana State Police — Limited Criminal History — here you can order a limited criminal history check, which includes felonies and Class A misdemeanors within the state.
- Indiana Incarcerated Database — search for incarcerated individuals within the Department of Corrections system. Search by last name.
- Indiana SAVIN — allows tracking of offender status and receiving notifications of changes.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk holds the original court documents. You can visit the office and use public access terminals or ask the staff for assistance.
You can also contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office for information on arrest warrants.
Mail Request
A written request for a criminal history can be sent to the Indiana State Police (for state-level checks) or the Circuit Court Clerk. Include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and reason for the request. Add payment according to the established rates.
Search Madison Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Indiana (cause number) has a standard format consisting of several parts:
- County Code — a two-digit numerical code (for Madison County — 48)
- Court Code — a letter and number indicating the specific court (e.g., C01 for Circuit Court, D01–D06 for various divisions)
- Filing Year — two-digit year designation
- Case Type — letter abbreviation: F (felony), CM (misdemeanor), IF (infraction), etc.
- Sequence Number — unique number within the year
Example: 48D01-2401-F6-000123 indicates a case in Madison County's Superior Court 1, filed in 2024, classified as a Level 6 felony, with sequence number 123. Knowing this number will yield an exact result on the MyCase portal without having to sift through namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Madison
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Indiana Code (e.g., IC 35-42-1 — crimes against the person) |
| Severity Level | Felony (levels 1–6 and Murder), Misdemeanor (classes A, B, C), Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during the trial — the new charge replaces the initial one in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the court has rendered a decision (verdict, closure, dismissal)
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
Each criminal case goes through several stages. Here are the main ones:
- Initial Hearing / Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge, announcement of charges
- Preliminary Hearing — the prosecutor demonstrates grounds for continuing the case (usually for felonies)
- Pre-Trial Conference — discussions between parties before the trial begins
- Trial — substantive court proceedings
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation terms or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after the case review |
| Dismissed | Case closed by the prosecutor or judge without a verdict |
| Acquitted | The court or jury found the person not guilty |
| Withheld Judgment | The judge postponed sentencing under certain conditions — if met, the charges may be dropped |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Madison
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal, carrying legal weight. A regular printout from MyCase does not have such authority.
Where to Apply
The main authority is the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Madison County. The clerk holds the originals of criminal cases and issues certified copies.
Ways 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 individual.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, return address, and payment (check or money order payable to Madison County Clerk).
- For State-Level Check — contact Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History. This check covers felonies and Class A misdemeanors throughout Indiana.
If the document you are looking for is not available online, the Indiana Judicial Branch recommends contacting the clerk of the county where the case was heard directly.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID
- Case number (if known) or full name and date of birth
- Payment of established fees
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Madison
Fees for obtaining criminal records in Indiana are regulated by state law. Below are approximate rates.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document | $1.00 per page | Standard rate according to IC 33-37-5 |
| Document Certification | $5.00 per document | Added to the cost of copying |
| Limited Criminal History (ISP) | $16.32 | Online payment via the Indiana State Police portal |
| Name Search in Clerk's System | Depends on volume | Contact the clerk for clarification |
Processing Time
- In Person — copies are usually issued the same day if the case is in the electronic system. Older records may require several business days.
- By Mail — processing takes 5 to 10 business days, not counting postal delivery time.
- ISP Limited Criminal History — online results are available within minutes after payment.
For clarification on current rates, call the clerk's office at (765) 641-9443. Rates may change according to state law updates.