Arrest records in Adams County, Nebraska are public documents pursuant to Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). These statutes establish that all citizens of Nebraska have the right to examine public records maintained by government agencies, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. The Nebraska Public Records Law specifically designates law enforcement records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and information that might compromise public safety if disclosed.
Members of the public may access these records to promote transparency in the criminal justice system and ensure accountability of law enforcement agencies. The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted in compliance with privacy laws and statutory exemptions.
Adams County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Adams County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Nebraska State Patrol maintains a database of criminal history information that may include arrest data from Adams County.
Online accessibility is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.05, which outlines specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure. While basic arrest information is typically available online, certain sensitive details may be redacted or require additional verification steps to access.
Digital access to these records is provided as a public service and to enhance governmental transparency. The online systems are regularly updated to reflect current information, though processing delays may occasionally occur between an arrest and its appearance in online databases. Users should be aware that the most comprehensive and up-to-date information may still require direct contact with the records custodian at the Adams County Sheriff's Office or relevant judicial offices.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Adams County as of 2025, pursuant to Nebraska's public records statutes. The following options are available to requestors:
Online Database Access: The Nebraska Inmate Search portal provides information on individuals currently in custody or previously incarcerated. This resource is maintained by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and includes data from Adams County facilities.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Adams County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Adams County Sheriff's Office
500 West 4th Street
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: 402-461-7181
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records: Arrest information may also be obtained through related court documents at:
Adams County District Court
500 West 4th Street, Suite 200
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: 402-461-7130
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712(1), citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Requests should be addressed to the Records Division of the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
Criminal History Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests across multiple jurisdictions, requests may be submitted to:
Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: 402-471-4545
Criminal History Record Requests
Standard processing fees apply to most record requests in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(3)(b), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time.
Adams County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Nebraska state law and local administrative procedures. These official documents typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency; names and badge numbers of arresting officers; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including Nebraska Revised Statute citations, charge classifications (felony, misdemeanor, infraction), and charge descriptions.
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting data, booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots), and unique booking identification numbers assigned by the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
Custody Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, release conditions, bail or bond amounts set by the court, and whether the individual was released on their own recognizance.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, hearing schedules, and preliminary outcomes if available.
Prior Record: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current charges or bail determinations.
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly details that could compromise ongoing investigations or endanger witnesses. Additionally, records related to arrests that did not result in charges or convictions may have different disclosure requirements under state law.
The process of expungement (also referred to as sealing) of arrest records in Adams County is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523. Under this statute, individuals may petition for the removal of arrest information from public records under specific circumstances. The legal framework for expungement in Adams County includes:
Eligibility Criteria: Expungement may be available when: (1) no charges were filed following an arrest; (2) charges were dismissed; (3) the individual was acquitted of all charges; or (4) the conviction was subsequently pardoned.
Waiting Periods: Nebraska law imposes mandatory waiting periods before expungement can be sought. These periods vary based on the severity of the original charge and the final disposition of the case.
Petition Process: Eligible individuals must file a formal petition with the Adams County Court where the case was adjudicated. The petition must include:
Judicial Review: Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The County Attorney's Office has the right to object to the petition.
Effect of Expungement: When granted, expungement removes the arrest record from public access, though the information remains available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing or employment contexts as permitted by Nebraska law.
Adams County Court
500 West 4th Street, Suite 203
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: 402-461-7143
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements and court procedures. The Nebraska Supreme Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions through the Nebraska Judicial Branch website.