Dawson County, Nebraska Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dawson County, Nebraska?
Arrest records are public documents in Dawson County, Nebraska, pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 to 84-712.09). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Nebraska Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by Nebraska state law. These exceptions are narrowly construed to favor public access whenever possible, in accordance with the legislative intent of the Nebraska Public Records Law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dawson County?
Dawson County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office provides certain arrest information through their official website, including recent booking information and current inmate population data. Additionally, the Nebraska State Patrol maintains electronic databases that may contain arrest information from Dawson County law enforcement agencies.
Online access to these records is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.05, which outlines specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure. Members of the public should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available online, more comprehensive records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies.
The Nebraska Judicial Branch also maintains an electronic case search system that provides information about court cases resulting from arrests in Dawson County, though this system primarily focuses on court proceedings rather than the initial arrest records.
How to Look Up Dawson County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Dawson County. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to access these public documents:
- Visit the Dawson County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains physical records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours.
Dawson County Sheriff's Office
709 N. Grant Street
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3011
Official Website
- Submit Requests to the Dawson County Court: The Dawson County Court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. Court records may be requested in person, by mail, or through designated online systems.
Dawson County Court
700 North Washington Street
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-6292
Official Website
- Nebraska State Patrol Records Division: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records, requests may be submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol.
Nebraska State Patrol Records Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 471-4545
Official Website
- Dawson County District Court: For felony cases and related arrest records, the District Court maintains relevant documentation.
Dawson County District Court
700 North Washington Street, Room E
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-4261
Official Website
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(4), agencies must respond to records requests within four business days. Fees for copies of records may apply in accordance with § 84-712(3)(b), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs.
Contents of a Dawson County Arrest Record
Dawson County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are as follows:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); arresting agency identification
- Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including Nebraska statute citations and classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony)
- Booking Data: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during processing
- Case Disposition: Initial court appearance information, bail or bond amount set, and preliminary hearing dates if applicable
- Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if relevant to the current case and permissible under Nebraska law
These records are maintained in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520, which governs the collection and dissemination of criminal history information by law enforcement agencies. The statute requires that records be complete, accurate, and protected from unauthorized access while remaining available for legitimate public inquiry.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dawson County
Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, individuals may petition for the removal of arrest information from public records if:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed within one year
- Charges were dismissed by the prosecutor or by court order
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The conviction was set aside, pardoned, or otherwise legally nullified
The expungement process in Dawson County requires filing a formal petition with the court that had original jurisdiction over the case. This petition must include:
- Complete identification information of the petitioner
- Details of the arrest record sought to be expunged
- Legal basis for the expungement request
- Certified documentation supporting the petition
Petitions are filed with the Dawson County District Court for felony cases or the Dawson County Court for misdemeanor cases. Upon review, the court may order records sealed if statutory requirements are met. When records are sealed, they are removed from public access but may remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal complexities and may benefit from consultation with legal counsel familiar with Nebraska expungement law.
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