Dubuque County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dubuque County
Arrest records in Dubuque County are considered public information under Iowa's Open Records Law, formally known as Iowa Code Chapter 22. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are generally accessible to the public. According to § 22.2(1) of the Iowa Code, "Every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Iowa law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history repository and provides guidelines for accessing these records. However, it should be noted that pursuant to § 22.7 of the Iowa Code, certain records may be classified as confidential and exempt from public disclosure, including juvenile records, ongoing investigation materials, and records that would jeopardize public safety if released.
What's in Dubuque County Arrest Records
Dubuque County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Dubuque County Sheriff's Office, Dubuque Police Department)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Iowa Code section(s) violated
- Description of alleged offense(s)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. These records are maintained by the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office and may be accessed through established procedures in accordance with Iowa public records laws.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dubuque County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to look up arrest records in Dubuque County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff
The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to § 22.3 of the Iowa Code)
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal records request by mail to the address above or via email to the Records Division. Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific details about the records being sought
- Preferred method of receiving the records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office typically processes records requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, the county may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of retrieving and reproducing records.
For expedited access, the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center's Police to Citizen (P2C) portal provides online access to certain arrest information, as detailed in the following section.
How To Find Dubuque County Arrest Records Online
Dubuque County offers several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The primary online system for accessing recent arrest information is the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center's Police to Citizen (P2C) portal.
To access arrest records through the P2C system:
- Navigate to the Dubuque County P2C website
- Select "Arrest Inquiry" from the available options
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Name (last name, first name)
- Date range
- Booking number (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Arrestee name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Current custody status
The P2C system provides access to recent arrest data, typically within the past several months. For older records, additional steps may be necessary.
Another online resource is the Dubuque County View portal, which provides access to various county records, including some law enforcement information.
For statewide criminal history information, the Iowa Department of Public Safety maintains the Iowa Criminal History Record Check website. This system requires:
- Creation of an account
- Payment of statutory fees ($15 per record check)
- Submission of identifying information for the subject of the search
It should be noted that pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 661-82.3, online criminal history checks through the state system provide only conviction data, not complete arrest records. For comprehensive arrest history, a formal request to the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office may be required.
How To Search Dubuque County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking to access Dubuque County arrest records without incurring fees have several options available. The county provides certain free resources that allow for basic arrest information searches.
The most accessible free resource is the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center P2C portal, which provides:
- Recent arrest logs
- Current inmate information
- Basic booking details
This system allows searches by name and date range without requiring payment. The information provided is limited to recent arrests and basic details, but serves as a valuable starting point for record searches.
Additionally, the Dubuque County Courthouse provides public access terminals where individuals may search court records related to arrests at no cost:
Dubuque County Courthouse
720 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4437
These terminals are available during regular courthouse hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. While using these terminals is free, printing documents may incur nominal fees.
The Iowa Courts Online Search system also provides free access to court records that may contain information about arrests. This system includes:
- Case scheduling information
- Criminal charges filed
- Case disposition information
For individuals seeking to monitor recent law enforcement activity, the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office maintains a public log of arrests at their facility that can be viewed in person at no cost during regular business hours.
It should be noted that while these free options provide basic information, comprehensive arrest records may still require formal requests and associated fees as authorized under Iowa Code § 22.3.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Dubuque County
Under Iowa law, arrest records are not automatically deleted or expunged, even if charges are dismissed or the individual is found not guilty. However, certain legal remedies exist for limiting public access to these records through expungement or sealing processes.
Expungement refers to the legal erasure of records, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the records for certain official purposes. In Dubuque County, the process for seeking expungement is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 901C.
Pursuant to § 901C.2, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- The case was dismissed with prejudice
- The defendant was acquitted (found not guilty) of all charges
- The defendant has paid all court costs, fees, and financial obligations
Additionally, Iowa Code § 901C.3 provides for expungement of alcohol-related offenses under specific circumstances, including:
- The arrest was for public intoxication, underage possession, or similar offense
- At least eight years have passed since the date of conviction
- The individual has no other criminal convictions (excluding simple misdemeanor traffic violations)
- All court costs and fees have been paid
To initiate the expungement process:
- Obtain and complete an Application for Expungement form from the Dubuque County Clerk of Court
- Gather supporting documentation (court records showing dismissal or acquittal)
- File the application with the Dubuque County Clerk of Court
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $100)
- Attend any scheduled court hearings regarding the application
Dubuque County Clerk of Court
720 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4437
It is important to note that expungement in Iowa does not completely destroy all records. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and prosecutors, may still access expunged records for official purposes. Additionally, expungement of arrest records does not apply to driving records maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Due to the legal complexities involved, individuals seeking expungement may benefit from consulting with an attorney familiar with Iowa expungement law.
What Happens After Arrest in Dubuque County?
Following an arrest in Dubuque County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages. Understanding this process helps contextualize how arrest records are created and maintained.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Dubuque County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Collection of biographical information
-
Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge who:
- Informs them of the charges
- Advises them of their constitutional rights
- Makes initial bail/bond determinations
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defender services
-
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held within 10 days of the initial appearance if the defendant is in custody, or 20 days if not in custody. This hearing determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged crime.
-
Formal Charging: The Dubuque County Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to file formal charges through:
- A trial information document for most cases
- Grand jury indictment for certain serious offenses
-
Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
-
Pretrial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- A jury trial (12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors)
- A bench trial (judge only, no jury)
-
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
-
Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to the Iowa Court of Appeals.
Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, and the County Attorney's Office. These records become part of the public record, subject to the access provisions and limitations discussed in previous sections.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dubuque County?
Arrest records in Dubuque County are subject to retention schedules established by Iowa law and administrative regulations. The primary governing authority for records retention is Iowa Code Chapter 305, which establishes the framework for government records management.
Under current retention policies, arrest records are typically maintained as follows:
-
Booking Records: Maintained permanently by the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office. These include fingerprints, photographs, and basic arrest information.
-
Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of arrest, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 671-15.3.
-
Investigation Files: For cases resulting in charges, records are maintained for 10 years after final disposition. For investigations not resulting in charges, records may be retained for 5 years.
-
Court Records: Records of criminal proceedings are maintained by the Dubuque County Clerk of Court according to the following schedule:
- Felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Serious and aggravated misdemeanors: 55 years from date of final disposition
- Simple misdemeanors: 20 years from date of final disposition
-
Juvenile Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under Iowa Code § 232.147, with varying retention periods based on case type and outcome.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the state's central repository indefinitely, unless records are expunged through court order as described in the previous section.
It is important to note that different agencies within Dubuque County may have varying retention requirements for specific record types. The Dubuque County Records Management Department coordinates compliance with state retention requirements across county departments.
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
- Maintenance of criminal history information for public safety purposes
- Statistical analysis and research on crime patterns
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office Records Division for clarification.
How to Find Mugshots in Dubuque County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered part of the public arrest record in Dubuque County. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and are maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) view
- A profile (side) view
- A placard or identification number
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Dubuque County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of photographs
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Limited mugshot information may be available through the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center P2C portal. This system provides:
- Basic booking information
- Recent arrest data
- Limited photographic content
It should be noted that Dubuque County has implemented policies to balance public access rights with privacy concerns. As such, not all booking photographs are made available online, particularly for older cases.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of booking photographs, written requests should be submitted to:
Records Division
Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Purpose of request
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records under Iowa Code Chapter 22, certain restrictions may apply:
- Juvenile booking photographs are confidential pursuant to Iowa Code § 232.147
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Expunged records, including associated photographs, are not available to the public
- Certain victim-related photographs may be subject to privacy protections
The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office evaluates requests for booking photographs in accordance with these legal provisions and may redact or withhold images when required by law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Dubuque County
Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
Dubuque Law Enforcement Center P2C
Dubuque County Records View Portal