Madison County, Nebraska Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County, Nebraska?
Arrest records in Madison County, Nebraska are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 to 84-712.09). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be maintained as public information except in specific circumstances outlined by statute. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information verification. The Nebraska Public Records Law specifically states that "all citizens of this state and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records" are entitled to examine public records during normal business hours.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Madison County?
Madison County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party services. The Madison County Sheriff's Department provides an online inmate roster that contains information about currently detained individuals. This digital resource is regularly updated to reflect current incarcerations within the county detention facilities.
Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services maintains a statewide Incarceration Record Search database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system. This resource allows users to search by name, identification number, or other identifying information.
The Madison County Court also provides limited online access to court records through the Nebraska Judicial Branch website. These records may contain information about arrests, charges, and case dispositions.
When utilizing these online resources, users should be aware that:
- Information may be subject to time delays in updating
- Not all arrest records may be available online
- Some records may require additional verification through in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
How to Look Up Madison County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Madison County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for record retrieval:
Online Search Options:
- The Madison County Sheriff's Department website provides access to current inmate information and recent arrest data
- The Nebraska Court Records portal allows searches of court cases that may contain arrest information
- The Nebraska Multi-Court Case Calendar provides information about scheduled court appearances related to arrests
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the following locations to request physical copies of arrest records:
Madison County Sheriff's Department
1313 N. Main Street
Madison, Nebraska 68748
Phone: (402) 454-2110
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Madison County District Court
PO Box 249
Madison, NE 68748
Phone: (402) 454-3311
Fax: (402) 454-6528
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Madison County Sheriff's Department or the appropriate court. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Purpose of the request
- Contact information of the requestor
- Required fees (typically $15-25 per record)
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(4), public bodies shall furnish requested records within four business days of receipt unless the request cannot be fulfilled within that time frame, in which case the public body must provide a written explanation and estimated date of fulfillment.
Contents of a Madison County Arrest Record
Madison County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. These records typically include the following elements as mandated by Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3515:
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social security number (partially redacted in public records)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility information
- Statutory charges filed at time of booking
- Incident report number and related case information
- Weapon information (if applicable)
Case Processing Information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Bail or bond amount and conditions
- Court appearance dates
- Case disposition (if resolved)
- Sentence information (if convicted)
The completeness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the case. Records maintained by the Madison County District Court may contain additional information regarding court proceedings following the arrest.
Legal Uses of Madison County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Madison County serve multiple legitimate purposes within both governmental and private sectors. These records may be lawfully utilized for the following purposes as permitted under Nebraska law:
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Functions:
- Criminal investigations and case preparation
- Prosecution of criminal cases
- Sentencing considerations for repeat offenders
- Probation and parole supervision
- Sex offender registration compliance
Employment Screening: Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, employers may access arrest records for background checks when:
- The position involves working with vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled)
- The job requires security clearance or handling of sensitive information
- The position is within law enforcement or the judicial system
- The employment is with financial institutions or involves fiduciary responsibilities
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, subject to limitations established by the Fair Housing Act and Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission regulations.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards for professions including healthcare, education, legal services, and financial services may review arrest records when evaluating applications for professional licenses or certifications.
Personal Research: Individuals may access their own arrest records for purposes of:
- Verifying accuracy of information
- Preparing for legal proceedings
- Seeking expungement or record sealing
- Employment or housing application preparation
Users of arrest record information must comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding the proper use and dissemination of such information, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act when applicable.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison County
The expungement process in Madison County allows eligible individuals to have arrest records sealed from public view under specific circumstances. Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523 establishes the legal framework for record expungement, which effectively removes arrest information from public access while maintaining it for limited law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement in Madison County if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- Charges were dismissed or declined by prosecutors
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was subsequently pardoned
- The waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity)
- The individual has no subsequent arrests or convictions
Application Process: The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the Madison County Court where the case was processed
- Provide certified copies of relevant court documents
- Submit fingerprints for verification purposes
- Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $150)
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
Effect of Expungement: When an expungement is granted:
- The arrest record is sealed from public view
- The individual may legally state they have not been arrested in most circumstances
- The record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes
- The record may still be considered for certain sensitive positions
The Madison County District Court located at the Madison County Courthouse (PO Box 249, Madison, NE 68748) processes expungement petitions and maintains records of expungement orders.
Search Arrest Records in Madison County
