Plymouth County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Plymouth County in 2026
PlymouthRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Plymouth County, Iowa. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official county and state resources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, criminal history reports, and inmate rosters.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa Courts Online system, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level databases maintained by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster that members of the public may access through the county's official web presence. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and current custody status. The Sheriff's Office serves as the primary booking facility for arrests made within Plymouth County by all law enforcement agencies operating in the jurisdiction.
2. Local Police Departments
The Le Mars Police Department, as the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Plymouth County, maintains arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal agencies may contact the Le Mars Police Department directly or submit a public records request under Iowa Code § 22.2, which establishes the right of public access to government records.
Le Mars Police Department
51 First Avenue SW
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-5800
Le Mars Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Plymouth County are accessible through the Iowa Courts Online case search portal. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, scheduled hearing dates, charge information, and case dispositions. Plymouth County must be selected as the jurisdiction when conducting an advanced search through the portal.
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-3630
Iowa Judicial Branch
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the Iowa Criminal History Repository, which contains statewide arrest and conviction records. Members of the public and authorized entities may request a criminal history background check through the DCI. A fee of $15.00 applies to name-based criminal history checks submitted by members of the public. Fingerprint-based checks are available for a higher fee and provide a more comprehensive result.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8181
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for paper copies are assessed at the standard rate established under Iowa law.
Clerk of Court:
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-3630
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Iowa Judicial Branch – Plymouth County
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with the Iowa Code fee schedule.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office at 215 Fourth Avenue SE, Le Mars, IA 51031. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is subject to the response requirements established under Iowa Code § 22.8.
By Phone:
- Plymouth County Sheriff's Office: (712) 546-8181
- General name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date are required for telephone inquiries
- Detailed record information is not released by telephone and requesters may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may obtain arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings, subpoena, or direct request to the custodial agency. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials not available to the general public, such as detailed police reports and witness statements.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Le Mars PD, or other municipal agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Plymouth County
Arrest records in Plymouth County are public records under Iowa law. Iowa Code § 22.2 establishes that all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to serve government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Iowa law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Iowa Constitution and Iowa's public records law collectively establish the framework for public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions that protect sensitive categories of information while preserving broad public access to arrest data. The First Amendment and press access principles further support the availability of arrest records to media organizations and the general public.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Iowa does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Plymouth County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Iowa statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation if applicable
- Gang-related designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time if released
- Release conditions if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Plymouth County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Plymouth County is governed by Iowa's public records fee structure. Under Iowa law, custodial agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of providing records. The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by office) |
| Certified copies | $5.00–$10.00 per document (varies by office) |
| Electronic records | May be provided at no charge or at reduced cost |
| Criminal history check (name-based, DCI) | $15.00 |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check | Higher fee; contact DCI for current schedule |
| In-person record inspection | No charge for inspection in most cases |
Accepted payment methods at the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, as provided under Iowa law. Online access to court case information through Iowa Courts Online is available at no charge for basic case searches.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Plymouth County
Under Iowa law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and, in limited circumstances, the sealing of records. Expungement refers to the legal erasure or destruction of records, while sealing restricts public access without physically destroying the underlying documents. Iowa law distinguishes between these remedies based on the nature of the arrest and its disposition.
Iowa Code § 901C.1 governs the expungement of criminal records in Iowa. Under current law, a person whose criminal case was dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or was otherwise resolved without a conviction may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Deferred judgments that have been discharged may also be eligible for expungement under applicable provisions.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Case dismissed without conviction
- Acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Deferred judgment successfully discharged
- Charges not filed following arrest
- Simple misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after a waiting period under certain conditions
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain the case number from the Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Iowa Judicial Branch
- File the petition with the Plymouth County Clerk of District Court at 215 Fourth Avenue SE, Le Mars, IA 51031
- Pay the applicable filing fee (fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
- Serve the petition on the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one
- If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the DCI and local law enforcement for record removal
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-3630
Iowa Judicial Branch
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
215 E. 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-6066
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Iowa attorney. The Plymouth County Public Defender's Office may be able to provide assistance to qualifying individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Plymouth County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Plymouth County, the arrested person is transported to the Plymouth County Jail located at 215 Fourth Avenue SE, Le Mars, IA 51031. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Plymouth County Jail, the arrested person undergoes the booking process, which includes recording of personal information, photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history check, outstanding warrants check, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Iowa law, an arrested person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 24 hours after arrest if the person is held in custody. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the defendant of the right to counsel.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Iowa law.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or immigration holds.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the defendant is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody at the Plymouth County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Plymouth County Public Defender
215 Fourth Avenue SE, Suite 201
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-4193
Iowa State Public Defender
Private attorneys may be retained through the Iowa State Bar Association attorney referral service.
Charging Decision:
The Plymouth County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the case may proceed through a grand jury or preliminary hearing to establish probable cause.
Plymouth County Attorney's Office
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-4215
Plymouth County Attorney
Court Process Overview:
Following arraignment, the case proceeds through pretrial discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense may engage in plea negotiations at any stage. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs, plea agreement, or trial. Iowa offers pretrial diversion options including drug court and mental health court for eligible defendants.
Sentencing (if convicted):
Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on charge severity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- Iowa's right to speedy trial requires trial within one year of indictment or information
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
Important Contacts:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8181
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-3630
Iowa Judicial Branch
Plymouth County Attorney's Office
215 Fourth Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-4215
Plymouth County Attorney
Plymouth County Public Defender
215 Fourth Avenue SE, Suite 201
Le Mars, IA 51031
Phone: (712) 546-4193
Iowa State Public Defender
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Plymouth County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Plymouth County is governed by Iowa law and the records retention schedules established by the Iowa State Archives and the Iowa Records Management Program. Local law enforcement agencies and the Clerk of Court are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Iowa DCI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
- Maintained in the Iowa DCI state repository
Dismissed Charges:
- May remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless expunged
- Eligible for expungement under Iowa Code § 901C.1 following dismissal
Acquittals:
- Court records are maintained; local law enforcement records may be retained for several years
- Eligible for expungement petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records may be retained for a period of years before purging
- May be eligible for expungement or administrative removal
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Digital records in records management systems are maintained for extended periods, often permanently for serious offenses
- Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable Iowa records retention schedule
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome
Retention by Agency:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Iowa records retention schedule
- Contact: (712) 546-8181
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a period established by the Iowa records retention schedule
- Electronic court records: Maintained permanently in the Iowa Courts Online system
Iowa DCI State Repository:
- The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Iowa
- Retention policy follows Iowa administrative rules
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention is permanent for most entries
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on most background checks
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the Iowa DCI updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after a set number of years
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Iowa does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-convictions by statute, though FCRA accuracy requirements apply to all consumer reporting agencies. The Iowa Courts Online case search reflects current case status and is updated as dispositions are entered.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when expungements are granted unless they operate as consumer reporting agencies subject to FCRA. Members of the public who have obtained expungements may need to contact individual third-party websites separately to request removal of outdated information.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Plymouth County Sheriff's Records Division at (712) 546-8181 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.