Gothenburg Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Gothenburg, Nebraska?
Arrest records are public documents in Gothenburg, Nebraska, pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction of Gothenburg. The Nebraska Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Law enforcement agencies in Gothenburg maintain these records as part of their official duties. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office and the Gothenburg Police Department are the primary custodians of arrest records within the city limits and surrounding areas. These agencies are required by law to make non-exempt portions of arrest records available for public inspection during normal business hours.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or the privacy of victims in specific cases as outlined in Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.05.
How to Look Up Gothenburg Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Gothenburg, Nebraska:
Gothenburg Police Department
918 Lake Avenue
Gothenburg, NE 69138
Phone: (308) 537-3608
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMDawson County Sheriff's Office
700 N Washington Street
Lexington, NE 68850
Phone: (308) 324-3011
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PMDawson County Clerk of District Court
700 N Washington Street, Suite 109
Lexington, NE 68850
Phone: (308) 324-6331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Requestors must complete a public records request form when seeking arrest records. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(4), agencies have four business days to respond to requests for public records. Fees may apply for document retrieval, copying, and staff time as permitted under § 84-712(3)(b).
For records dating back more than five years, requestors may need to contact the Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Division or the Nebraska State Archives, as local agencies may have transferred older records to state repositories.
Contents of a Gothenburg Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Gothenburg law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies)
Arrest-specific information:
- Date, time, and precise location of arrest
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Case/incident number
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Procedural information:
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Booking date and time
- Initial appearance court date
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Detention facility information
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including medical information, information pertaining to juveniles, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Gothenburg
Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, which establishes the conditions under which records may be removed from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement in Gothenburg must meet one of the following criteria:
- The arrest did not lead to charges being filed within one year
- Charges were dismissed by the prosecutor or by court order
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
- The individual received a pardon for the offense
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the District Court of Dawson County
- Provide notice to the Gothenburg Police Department and the Dawson County Attorney
- Attend a hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements for expungement have been met
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record from public view. However, pursuant to § 29-3523(5), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings or sentencing.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for individuals pursuing expungement, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Nebraska State Bar Association maintains a referral service for qualified attorneys practicing in this area of law.
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