Find Lafayette Criminal Records

Criminal court records in Lafayette are filed and maintained by the Tippecanoe County Clerk of Courts. Lafayette does not have its own criminal court system. All felony and misdemeanor cases go through Tippecanoe County Circuit and Superior Courts at the courthouse on Main Street. You can search Lafayette criminal court records for free online through the state MyCase portal or visit the clerk's office in person. The Tippecanoe County clerk also takes requests by mail and phone for copies of court case files. This page explains how to search for records, what fees apply, and where to get help.

Tippecanoe County Clerk for Lafayette Records

Lafayette is the county seat of Tippecanoe County, and the Tippecanoe County Clerk of Courts holds all criminal court records for the city. The clerk's office is at 301 Main Street in Lafayette. Staff handle criminal case files, civil filings, and all other court documents for cases filed in Tippecanoe County courts. Call the office at 765-423-9325 for help with record requests or case information.

The City of Lafayette website connects residents to local government services and departments that may help with court-related needs.

Walk-in hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Tippecanoe County government website has details on all county offices and court services. As the county seat, Lafayette is where the main courthouse sits. The clerk handles criminal case requests for both Lafayette and the neighboring city of West Lafayette.

Tippecanoe County sees a steady flow of court cases given its population and the presence of Purdue University in the area. The clerk's office processes cases efficiently, but plan for possible wait times during busy periods.

Search Lafayette Criminal Court Records Online

The fastest way to find criminal court records in Lafayette is through the state MyCase portal. This free tool covers all Indiana courts including every division in Tippecanoe County. Search by name or case number to pull up criminal cases filed in Lafayette. The system shows charges, hearing dates, case status, and docket entries. Many court documents are posted as links in the case summary. Final orders and judgments in criminal cases are often available to view and download at no cost.

Search Lafayette criminal court records at public.courts.in.gov/mycase using the Odyssey case management system.

No account is needed. Anyone can search MyCase for public, non-confidential case information and documents. The Access to Public Records Act under IC 5-14-3 and Indiana Supreme Court rules control which criminal court records are available to the public. If a document is not shown as a link in the case summary, it is not available online. Contact the Tippecanoe County clerk for records not posted to MyCase.

Some documents may not be online, especially for older cases. The system may not include every filing from every year. For a complete case file, visit the clerk's office or call 765-423-9325.

Note: MyCase data is not an official court record and may contain errors or omissions.

Lafayette Criminal Court System

Tippecanoe County operates a Circuit Court and Superior Court divisions that hear criminal cases. All felonies, most misdemeanors, and infractions go through these county-level courts. There is no separate city criminal court in Lafayette. The Indiana courts page for Tippecanoe County lists all local court divisions and contact details.

Criminal cases in Lafayette follow the same process used across Indiana. The prosecutor files charges. The case is assigned to a court division. Hearings, pleas, and trials take place at the Tippecanoe County courthouse. The clerk records every step from the initial filing to the final judgment. All court divisions use the Odyssey Case Management System, so every criminal case filed in the county appears in the same MyCase search.

Criminal Court Records Fees in Lafayette

Standard Indiana fees apply for copies of criminal court records in Lafayette. Copies cost $1.00 per page under IC 33-37-5-1. Certification adds $3.00 per document under IC 33-37-5-3. The Tippecanoe County clerk accepts cash and money orders for copies. Credit and debit cards are typically accepted but expect a surcharge of around 2.5% to 3.5%. Personal checks are often not accepted.

Online searches through MyCase are free. You only pay when you need physical copies or certified documents. You can also pay court fines and fees online at public.courts.in.gov/pay for Lafayette criminal cases.

Note: Call the Tippecanoe County clerk at 765-423-9325 to confirm payment methods before visiting.

Getting Criminal Court Records in Lafayette

You can get criminal court records from Lafayette in several ways. The online method through MyCase is the quickest for basic case information. For certified copies or full case files, visit the Tippecanoe County Clerk at 301 Main Street. Walk in during business hours with the case number or the full name of the person you need records for. Staff will search criminal court records and print copies on the spot when they can.

Mail requests work too. Send your request to the Tippecanoe County Clerk at 301 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901. Include the full name, case number if known, and your payment for copy fees. Processing times depend on the clerk's workload and the complexity of the request. Phone requests can be made by calling 765-423-9325 during office hours.

Indiana's expungement law under IC 35-38-9 may affect which criminal court records are available. Expunged cases are removed from public access on MyCase and at the clerk's office. For legal questions about records access or the expungement process, Indiana Legal Help offers free information online. The Self-Service Legal Center also has court forms and guides for criminal court matters in Indiana.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Lafayette. If you need criminal court records from a neighboring area, the county where the case was filed determines which clerk's office holds the records.