Arrest records are public documents in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public except where specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.
Nebraska law specifically provides that "all citizens of this state and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records" have the right to examine public records during normal business hours. Law enforcement agencies in Plattsmouth are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Plattsmouth Police Department located at 231 Avenue A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (402) 296-3311.
County courthouse records are available at the Cass County Courthouse, 346 Main Street, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (402) 296-9300.
Online access is provided through the Cass County government portal, which maintains digital records of arrests processed within county jurisdiction.
Written requests may be submitted via certified mail to the Records Custodian at either the police department or courthouse addresses listed above. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712(4), agencies must respond to such requests within four business days.
Nebraska State Patrol maintains a centralized criminal history database that includes Plattsmouth arrests. Requests may be submitted to the Criminal Identification Division at 3800 NW 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521. Telephone: (402) 471-4545.
When requesting records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712(3)(b) and typically range from $5-25 depending on the scope of the request.
Arrest records maintained by Plattsmouth law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest details including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Arresting agency information identifying the law enforcement department responsible for the arrest and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Nebraska Revised Statute citation for each alleged offense and the classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots) taken during the processing procedure.
Fingerprint records collected during booking and subsequently submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-209.
Detention information including the facility where the individual was held and the status of any bail or bond proceedings.
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles (governed by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2,108) or in instances where disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation (pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05(5)).
Nebraska law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The process for expungement in Plattsmouth follows Nebraska state law as outlined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
No charges filed: If an arrest did not result in the filing of formal charges, the record may be eligible for expungement after one year from the date of arrest.
Dismissal of charges: When charges were filed but subsequently dismissed by the prosecutor or court, the record may qualify for expungement.
Acquittal: Individuals found not guilty after trial may petition for expungement of the associated arrest record.
Completion of diversion program: Successful completion of a court-approved diversion program may render an arrest record eligible for expungement.
Pardon: Receipt of a pardon from the Nebraska Board of Pardons may serve as grounds for expungement.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the District Court of Cass County, located at 346 Main Street, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. Petitioners must provide certified copies of relevant court documents demonstrating eligibility. The court filing fee is approximately $82, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2301.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. Notice of this hearing must be served upon the County Attorney's Office at 346 Main Street, Suite 2, Plattsmouth, NE 68048, as well as the arresting agency. If the court grants the petition, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to seal the record from public view.
It should be noted that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent criminal proceedings or applications for positions in law enforcement or corrections.