Marshall County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Marshall County in 2026
MarshallIARecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Marshall County, Iowa. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and sex offender registry entries.
Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, the clerk of court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government databases. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Marshall County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access to identify individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Members of the public may access this information through the sheriff's official website.
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
2369 Jessup Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6380
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Marshalltown Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Marshall County. The department issues press releases and public notifications regarding significant arrests, which are accessible through the department's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city-level incidents may direct requests to the Marshalltown Police Department records division.
Marshalltown Police Department
10 N 1st Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-5725
Marshalltown Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Marshall County are filed with the Iowa Judicial Branch and are searchable through the Iowa Courts Online Electronic Docket Record Search. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name after selecting Marshall County as the jurisdiction. This system returns associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Marshall County Clerk of Court
1 E Main St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6373
Iowa Judicial Branch – Marshall County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history record check through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Pursuant to Criminal History Record Check Information guidelines, the subject's full name and date of birth are required at minimum; gender, Social Security number, and middle name are optional but assist in resolving common names. A fee applies to third-party requests. The Iowa Offender Search portal also allows the public to search incarcerated and supervised offenders, as offender records are public information pursuant to § 904.601(1) of the Iowa Code.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 2369 Jessup Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
- Records division is located within the main sheriff's facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (641) 754-6380
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
- Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per Iowa law
Police Departments:
- Marshalltown Police Department, 10 N 1st Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158, (641) 754-5725
- Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours
- Fees: Per-page copy fees consistent with Iowa public records statutes
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 1 E Main St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (641) 754-6373
- Members of the public may inspect case files at the public access terminal or request copies
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified documents
By Mail:
- Sheriff's Office mailing address: Marshall County Sheriff's Office, 2369 Jessup Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
- Written requests must include:
- Arrestee's full legal name
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Include a check or money order payable to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office for applicable copy fees
- Processing time: Varies; allow 5–10 business days for standard requests
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (641) 754-6380
- Marshalltown Police Department: (641) 754-5725
- Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone; detailed records require written or in-person requests
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access
- Records obtained through discovery in criminal proceedings are governed by Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (sheriff, city police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Marshall County
Arrest records in Marshall County are public records under Iowa law. Pursuant to § 22.2 of the Iowa Code, every person has the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the 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
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are not disclosed
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Iowa's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
- Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with FCRA requirements
- Iowa does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions
- Housing providers must exercise caution in using arrest records without conviction to avoid fair housing violations
- The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record alone does not establish criminal liability
What's in Marshall County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Marshalltown Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Iowa Code statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor 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 standard public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at time of record access
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the public arrest record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Marshall County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Iowa law, government bodies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of providing the records.
| Record Type | Inspection Fee | Copy Fee (Per Page) | Certification Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Booking Record | None | $0.50 | Varies |
| Court Case File | None | $0.50 | $10.00 per document |
| State Criminal History (DCI) | N/A | Varies by request type | N/A |
| Electronic Records | None | Varies | N/A |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency
- The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation charges a fee for name-based criminal history record checks submitted by third parties; current fee schedules are posted on the Iowa Department of Public Safety website
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrable public interest, subject to agency discretion
- Inspection of records at public access terminals in the courthouse is available at no cost
How To Delete Arrest Records in Marshall County
Iowa law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of qualifying records, and deferred judgment dismissal, which results in the discharge of the case upon successful completion of probation. Under § 901C.1 of the Iowa Code, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, or whose charges were dismissed, may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record.
Expungement is available in the following circumstances:
- The case was dismissed without a finding of guilt
- The defendant was acquitted at trial
- The prosecution declined to file charges following arrest
- The individual successfully completed a deferred judgment and the case was discharged
The steps to pursue expungement in Marshall County are as follows:
- Obtain the case number from the Marshall County Clerk of Court
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Iowa Judicial Branch
- File the petition with the Marshall County Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the county attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court
- If the court grants the petition, the clerk will notify relevant agencies to seal or destroy the records
Following a court-ordered expungement, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove records upon expungement, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately.
Marshall County Clerk of Court
1 E Main St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6373
Iowa Judicial Branch
Marshall County Attorney's Office
1 E Main St, Suite 3
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6381
Marshall County Attorney
What Happens After Arrest in Marshall County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Marshall County Jail located at 2369 Jessup Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to departure.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Marshall County Jail, the booking process commences. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history check conducted
- Outstanding warrants check performed
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening administered
- Brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Iowa law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 24 hours after arrest, excluding Sundays and legal holidays. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- The amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Iowa law
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders with named individuals
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in applicable cases
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- A written notice of court dates is provided
- Written conditions of release are issued
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Marshall County Jail
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Iowa State Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and the nature of the charges.
Iowa State Public Defender – District 2B
211 W State St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 752-4571
Iowa State Public Defender
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Iowa State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking representation. Attorney consultations at the jail are conducted confidentially.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Marshall County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by trial information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges than those listed at booking.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. The arraignment occurs within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, and subsequent court dates are scheduled at that time.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon charge or sentencing recommendation
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Sentencing (If Convicted):
Upon a finding of guilt, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours (excluding Sundays and legal holidays)
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months; varies widely by case type
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Iowa Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Marshall County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
2369 Jessup Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6380
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
Marshall County Clerk of Court
1 E Main St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6373
Iowa Judicial Branch
Marshall County Attorney's Office
1 E Main St, Suite 3
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-6381
Marshall County Attorney
Iowa State Public Defender – District 2B
211 W State St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 752-4571
Iowa State Public Defender
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Marshall County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Marshall County is governed by Iowa law and the records retention schedules established by the Iowa State Archives and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the outcome of the case and the type of record involved.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- No expiration of retention applies to felony conviction records
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in the state criminal history repository
- Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with Iowa records retention schedules, which provide for permanent retention of conviction records in most categories
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a period consistent with Iowa records retention schedules, which provide for retention of five years or more depending on the agency
- Court records are retained and remain accessible unless expunged
- State repository records may remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement records are retained per agency policy
- Court records are retained permanently in most cases
- The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period per Iowa records retention schedules
- The subject may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement in some circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per Iowa State Archives schedules
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable statutes
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per agency policy, with many digital records maintained on a permanent basis
- Court electronic records maintained through the Iowa Judicial Branch are retained permanently
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Iowa law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely regardless of case outcome
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of update obligations following expungement requires individual follow-up
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records and arrest reports: Retained per Iowa records retention schedules, with a minimum of five years for non-conviction records and permanent retention for conviction records
- Investigative files: Retention varies based on case classification and outcome
- Phone: (641) 754-6380
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years per Iowa court records retention schedules
- Electronic records: Retained permanently through the Iowa Judicial Branch system
State Repository:
- The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions in Iowa
- Retention policy follows Iowa Code and administrative rules applicable to criminal history data
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records on a permanent basis
- These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase checks, and other authorized purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Law Enforcement | Court Records | State Repository | FBI Database |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony Conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor Conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dismissal | 5+ years | Permanent unless expunged | Remains unless expunged | Permanent unless updated |
| Acquittal | 5+ years | Permanent unless expunged | Remains unless expunged | Permanent unless updated |
| No Charges Filed | Minimum retention period | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests:
- Available online through the Iowa Courts Online search and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office website
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests:
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Processing time may be longer for archived materials
Very Old Arrests:
- Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form
- Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Office records division at (641) 754-6380 for information on specific historical records
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of history for positions paying below a certain salary threshold, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Iowa does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many regulated contexts, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state guidance.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (641) 754-6380
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
- Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request