Dubuque Public Records /Dubuque County Criminal Records

Dubuque County Criminal Records

What Is Dubuque County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Dubuque County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.7, which establishes parameters for public records in the state.

Criminal records in Dubuque County include several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or conviction
Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, and trial outcomes
Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in county jail facilities

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm legal guilt. Similarly, felony records document more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanor records reflect less severe infractions with lighter penalties.

Adult criminal records in Dubuque County are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed under Iowa Code § 232.147 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Dubuque County:

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
P.O. Box 1004
Dubuque, IA 52004-1004
Phone: 563-589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff's Office

Iowa First Judicial District Court - Dubuque County
720 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563-589-4448
Iowa Judicial Branch - Dubuque County

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
215 E 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-6066
Iowa Department of Public Safety

Comprehensive criminal records typically include charges filed, court proceedings, plea information, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation/parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Dubuque County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Dubuque County

Criminal records in Dubuque County are generally considered public information under Iowa's Open Records Law, formally known as the Iowa Public Records Law § 22.2. This statute establishes that "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."

The law presumes government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted. For criminal records, this means:

Public Records: Adult arrest records, court proceedings, conviction records, and incarceration information are generally accessible to the public
Restricted Records: Certain categories of criminal records have limited accessibility

Records that may have restricted access include:

Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under Iowa Code § 22.7(5)
Juvenile court records, which are confidential under Iowa Code § 232.147
Records sealed by court order, including expunged records
Intelligence data and surveillance information maintained by law enforcement
Peace officers' investigative reports, which may be confidential for a specified period

The Iowa Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, including criminal proceedings, as established in Des Moines Register & Tribune Co. v. Iowa District Court. This precedent reinforces the presumption of openness for criminal records maintained by Dubuque County agencies.

While the law establishes the public nature of most criminal records, it also recognizes the need to balance transparency with privacy concerns and the rehabilitation of offenders. Consequently, certain records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances, particularly for first-time, non-violent offenders who have completed all requirements of their sentences.

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Dubuque County should be aware that while most records are accessible, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and juvenile offenders.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dubuque County in 2026

Members of the public may access criminal records in Dubuque County through several established channels. The county maintains multiple access points for obtaining criminal history information, depending on the specific records needed and their intended use.

For in-person requests at the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office:

Visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought
Provide proper identification
Pay applicable fees for copies or certified records
Allow processing time as required by Iowa Code § 22.8(4)(d)

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
P.O. Box 1004
Dubuque, IA 52004-1004
Phone: 563-589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff

For court records related to criminal cases:

Visit the Dubuque County Courthouse Clerk's Office
Request access to public terminals for searching court records
Provide case numbers if known, or search by name
Request copies of specific documents as needed (fees apply)
For certified copies, submit a written request with appropriate identification

Dubuque County Clerk of Court
720 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563-589-4448
Iowa Judicial Branch - Dubuque County

For statewide criminal history records:

Submit a request to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Complete the required Criminal History Record Check Request Form
Include the statutory fee ($15 per record check)
Provide a waiver signed by the subject of the record check if requesting as a third party
Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Written requests for criminal records may also be submitted to the appropriate agency. These requests should include:

Full name and contact information of the requestor
Specific records being requested
Time period covered by the request
Purpose of the request
Signature and date

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of providing records. These fees typically include copying costs, staff time for extensive searches, and certification fees if applicable.

How To Find Criminal Records in Dubuque County Online?

Dubuque County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, providing convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These electronic resources vary in scope and accessibility, with some offering free basic information and others requiring registration or fees for comprehensive data.

The primary online resources for criminal records in Dubuque County include:

Iowa Courts Online Search This portal provides access to court records throughout Iowa, including Dubuque County criminal cases. Users can search by:

Case number
Party name
Attorney name
Date range

The system displays case summaries, charges, dispositions, scheduled hearings, and judgment information. While basic case information is viewable without registration, detailed documents may require an account and payment of fees. Access this resource through the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody at the Dubuque County Jail. This database includes:

Inmate name and booking photo
Booking date
Charges
Bond information
Scheduled court dates

This resource is updated regularly and can be accessed through the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office website.

Iowa Department of Corrections Offender Search For information on individuals currently under state supervision (prison or parole/probation), the Iowa Offender Search provides:

Offender name and ID number
Current status and location
Physical description
Offense information
Tentative discharge date

This database is maintained pursuant to Iowa Code § 904.601, which designates offender records as public information.

Iowa Sex Offender Registry Maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, this registry provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Dubuque County, including:

Offender name and photograph
Current address
Conviction information
Risk assessment level

Access this database through the Iowa Sex Offender Registry website.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Records For official statewide criminal history records, the Iowa DCI offers an online request system. This service:

Requires payment of statutory fees
Provides conviction data from all Iowa jurisdictions
May require subject consent for third-party requests
Delivers results electronically

Access this service through the Iowa Department of Public Safety website.

When using these online resources, users should note that:

Information may not be comprehensive or reflect recent updates
Some records may only be available through in-person requests
Official certified copies typically require direct agency contact
Registration requirements and fees vary by platform

Can You Search Dubuque County Criminal Records for Free?

Dubuque County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, in accordance with Iowa's Public Records Law. Under Iowa Code § 22.2(1), "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." While fees may apply for copies or extensive searches, free inspection options exist.

Free in-person inspection is available at:

Dubuque County Courthouse
720 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563-589-4448
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Visitors may use public terminals to search court records at no cost. While printing or certified copies incur fees, viewing electronic records on-site remains free of charge.

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
P.O. Box 1004
Dubuque, IA 52004-1004
Phone: 563-589-4406
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Sheriff's Office provides public access terminals for viewing certain criminal records. Staff assistance may be available for navigating available resources.

Free online resources include:

Iowa Courts Online Search (Basic Access) The Iowa Judicial Branch offers free basic case information through their online portal. Users can search by name to view:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Charge information
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
Dubuque County Jail Roster The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate database showing:
- Current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
Iowa Offender Search The Iowa Department of Corrections provides free access to information on individuals currently under state supervision, including those from Dubuque County.
Iowa Sex Offender Registry The Iowa Department of Public Safety maintains a free searchable database of registered sex offenders, including those residing in Dubuque County.

While these free resources provide substantial information, certain limitations apply:

Detailed court documents typically require payment
Certified copies incur statutory fees
Extensive research assistance may involve staff time charges
Complete criminal history reports from the Iowa DCI require payment

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, agencies may charge "reasonable fees" for copies and supervision of records. However, the law specifies that "examination and copying of public records shall be done under the supervision of the lawful custodian of the records or the custodian's authorized designee. The lawful custodian shall not require the physical presence of a person requesting or receiving a copy of a public record."

What's Included in a Dubuque County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Dubuque County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, structured to provide a complete overview of criminal history.

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency and officer
Booking number and facility
Initial charges filed
Probable cause statement
Bail or bond amount
Detention status
Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

Court case number
Court of jurisdiction
Filing date
Formal charges filed
Statutory citations
Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information
Attorney of record
Judge assigned
Court proceedings and dates
Motions filed and rulings

Disposition Information:

Final verdict or outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
Appeal information
Probation/parole status
Compliance with court orders

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DUI/OWI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Pending charges
Probation/parole violations
Modification of sentences

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including records from Dubuque County. Their records contain arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout Iowa.

Criminal records in Dubuque County are maintained in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 692, which governs criminal history and intelligence data. This statute establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information.

It should be noted that the comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary depending on the source consulted. Court records may contain more detailed information about case proceedings, while law enforcement records might provide more extensive arrest details. For complete criminal history information, inquiries to multiple agencies may be necessary.

How Long Does Dubuque County Keep Criminal Records?

Dubuque County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Iowa law and administrative rules. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense, ensuring appropriate preservation of criminal justice information while balancing privacy concerns.

The retention of criminal records in Dubuque County is governed primarily by Iowa Administrative Code 671-15, which establishes the State Records Commission's authority to determine retention periods. Additionally, the Iowa Courts Records Retention Schedule provides specific guidance for judicial records.

Standard retention periods for common criminal record types include:

Arrest Records:

Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
Serious misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
Simple misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
Arrests without charges filed: 3 years from date of arrest (may be expunged earlier upon petition)

Court Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Indictable misdemeanor cases: 55 years after final disposition
Simple misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic violations: 6 years after final disposition
Juvenile delinquency records: Sealed when juvenile reaches age 18, with exceptions for serious offenses

Incarceration Records:

County jail booking information: 10 years from release
Inmate medical records: 7 years from release
Disciplinary reports: 5 years from creation

Probation/Parole Records:

Felony supervision: 10 years after discharge from supervision
Misdemeanor supervision: 5 years after discharge from supervision

Certain records may be subject to special retention rules:

Capital offense records: Permanent retention
Sex offender records: 75 years from conviction or registration requirement
Domestic violence cases: 25 years from final disposition
DUI/OWI offenses: 12 years from final disposition

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services provides comprehensive guidance on records retention for all state and county agencies, including those handling criminal records.

It's important to note that retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained longer, particularly with the transition to digital record-keeping systems. Additionally, even after official retention periods expire, information may persist in background check databases or third-party information systems that previously accessed the records.

Individuals seeking expungement of criminal records may petition the court under Iowa Code § 901C.3, which provides mechanisms for removing certain records from public access before their scheduled destruction date, particularly for dismissed cases or acquittals.