Cass County, Nebraska Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County, Nebraska?
Arrest records are public in Cass County, Nebraska, pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public entities shall be accessible to citizens and other interested parties. The Nebraska Public Records Law operates under the principle that government transparency and accountability are essential to a functioning democracy, thereby allowing members of the public to obtain information including arrest records, booking photos, and criminal history data.
Exceptions to public access exist under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05, which identifies specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure. These exceptions include records that would interfere with ongoing investigations, records containing personal information protected by federal law, and juvenile records as specified in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2,108. Law enforcement agencies in Cass County maintain discretion to withhold certain sensitive information when disclosure might compromise public safety or ongoing criminal proceedings.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cass County?
Arrest records can be accessed online through several authorized governmental platforms in Cass County. The Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System maintains electronic records that are available to authorized users and, in some cases, to members of the general public. The Cass County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to recent booking information and current inmate population data through their official website.
The Nebraska Judicial Branch offers the JUSTICE case search system, which contains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to Nebraska Supreme Court Rule § 1-808, certain court records are made available electronically, though complete criminal history information may require formal requests through designated channels. Users should note that online records may not contain comprehensive arrest information, as some data elements may be restricted or require in-person verification at county offices.
How to Look Up Cass County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Cass County arrest records, with procedures established pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520:
- Visit the Cass County Sheriff's Office to submit a formal request for arrest record information. Staff can assist with searches of local law enforcement databases.
Cass County Sheriff's Office
336 Main Street
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
(402) 296-9370
Cass County Sheriff's Office website
- Submit requests to the Cass County District Court for arrest records associated with court proceedings. The court maintains records of arrests that resulted in formal charges.
Cass County District Court
346 Main Street, Room 204
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
(402) 296-9308
District Court information
- Contact the Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division, which maintains the central repository for criminal history information statewide.
Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 471-4545
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Utilize the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services inmate search function for records of individuals who have been incarcerated following arrest and conviction.
Requestors must provide proper identification when seeking arrest records. Fees may apply pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712(3)(b), which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time.
Contents of a Cass County Arrest Record
Cass County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These official documents typically include:
Subject identification information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); arresting agency; and statutory authority for the arrest.
Offense information: Description of alleged criminal violations, including Nebraska Revised Statute citations and offense classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Case processing data: Booking number, fingerprint classification, photograph, detention facility information, and initial appearance court date.
Disposition information: Court case number, preliminary hearing results, bail or bond amount, and pretrial release conditions if applicable.
Prior criminal history references: Indicators of previous arrests or convictions that may be relevant to the current case.
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3521, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Cass County
Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523. Individuals may petition for expungement in Cass County when:
- An arrest did not lead to charges being filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
- Charges were dismissed by the prosecutor or by court order.
- The individual was acquitted of all charges after trial.
- The arrest resulted from identity theft or mistaken identity.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cass County District Court, where the original case was adjudicated. Petitioners must submit documentation demonstrating eligibility under the statutory criteria. The court reviews each petition on its individual merits, considering factors including the nature of the alleged offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the time elapsed since the arrest.
Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and any other repositories of criminal justice information. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523(5), expunged records are not accessible to the general public but may remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves specific legal requirements and timelines. The Nebraska Supreme Court has established standardized forms for expungement petitions, available through the Clerk of the District Court.
Search Arrest Records in Cass County
