Arrest records are public documents in Phelps County, Nebraska, pursuant to Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Nebraska Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public agencies. Individuals seeking arrest information have the legal right to request and review these documents, subject to certain limitations established to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as defined in Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.05.
Law enforcement agencies in Phelps County maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules and make them available through established procedures. The public nature of these records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings within the county. Records may be withheld only when disclosure would interfere with an investigation, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or meet other specific exemptions outlined in state statutes.
Arrest records for Phelps County can be accessed online through several official channels. The Phelps County Nebraska website provides digital access to certain public records, including information about recent arrests and incarcerations. Additionally, the Nebraska Judicial Branch maintains electronic court records that may contain arrest information related to specific cases.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services offers an Incarceration Record Search database where members of the public may locate information about individuals currently in custody or previously incarcerated. This resource includes data for persons who have been transferred from county facilities to state custody following conviction.
Online accessibility is subject to system limitations and record availability. Certain records may be restricted from online viewing due to statutory protections or administrative policies. Records available online typically include basic arrest information, charges filed, and case status. More detailed information may require direct contact with the maintaining agency or in-person requests at the appropriate government office.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Phelps County. Members of the public seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
715 5th Avenue
Holdrege, NE 68949
Phone: (308) 995-5692
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
Phelps County Court
PO Box 255
715 5th Avenue
Holdrege, NE 68949
Phone: (308) 995-6561
Phelps County Court
Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Identification Division
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: (402) 471-4545
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(3)(b), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and search time.
Arrest records maintained by Phelps County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These records generally include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's procedures, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Phelps County Jail include additional detention information such as housing assignments and release dates for individuals who have been incarcerated following arrest.
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520, criminal history record information must be maintained with accuracy, completeness, and security by all criminal justice agencies. Individuals have the right to review their own criminal history records and request corrections to inaccurate information through procedures established by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Under Nebraska law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained in Phelps County. Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523 establishes the framework for record sealing, which removes arrest information from public access while maintaining it for law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Phelps County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Phelps County Court. Petitioners must provide:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. Notice must be provided to the county attorney, who may object to the expungement request. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to seal such records from public view. Pursuant to § 29-3523(5), sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and sentencing courts for specified purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal complexities and adherence to statutory requirements. The Nebraska Supreme Court provides standardized forms for record sealing petitions through their self-help resources.