Sarpy County Criminal Records
What Is Sarpy County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sarpy County, Nebraska constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of criminal proceedings from initial arrest through final disposition and any subsequent correctional supervision.
Criminal records in Sarpy County are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, arrest records that do not result in prosecution or conviction may be eligible for sealing after specified time periods.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in county jail. The Nebraska Criminal Code classifies felonies into categories ranging from Class I (most severe) to Class IV, and misdemeanors from Class I to Class V.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-2,108 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current court orders for an individual's arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Sarpy County:
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
8335 Platteview Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2288
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and manages the county jail population.
Sarpy County District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2267
Sarpy County District Court
The District Court maintains felony case records, including charges, proceedings, and dispositions.
Sarpy County Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2100
Sarpy County Court
The County Court maintains misdemeanor case records and conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Nebraska State Patrol
4411 S 108th Street
Omaha, NE 68137
402-331-3333
Nebraska State Patrol
The State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information for Nebraska.
Sarpy County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. These records serve essential functions in the administration of justice, background checks, and public safety initiatives.
Are Criminal Records Public In Sarpy County
Criminal records in Sarpy County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Nebraska Public Records Law, specifically Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712, which states: "Except as otherwise expressly provided by statute, all citizens of this state and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records... are hereby fully empowered and authorized to examine the same, and to make memoranda and abstracts therefrom, all free of charge."
This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection. However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
Publicly Available Records Include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case files for adult defendants
- Sentencing information
- Booking records and mugshots
- Active warrants
- Sex offender registry information
Restricted or Limited Access Records Include:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (protected under § 84-712.05(5))
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (confidential under § 43-2,108)
- Expunged records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain victim information
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Nebraska Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records while balancing privacy concerns. In State ex rel. Sileven v. Spire, the court affirmed that "the citizenry has a right to know about the operation of its government, including the judicial branch."
Law enforcement agencies in Sarpy County maintain discretion regarding the release of certain investigative records. The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and local police departments may withhold information if disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals.
Court records maintained by the Sarpy County District Court and Sarpy County Court are generally open to public inspection during regular business hours. Additionally, many court records are accessible through Nebraska's online court records system.
It is important to note that while criminal records are legally accessible, the practical ability to obtain them may vary depending on the specific record sought, the maintaining agency, and the purpose of the request. Some records may require formal requests or payment of fees for copies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sarpy County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sarpy County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
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Visit the Sarpy County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Sarpy County Courthouse
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2100 -
Proceed to the appropriate office based on the type of record needed:
- For court case information: Visit the Clerk of the District Court (2nd floor) for felony cases or the County Court Clerk (1st floor) for misdemeanors
- For property and document records: Visit the County Clerk/Register of Deeds (1st floor)
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Complete a records request form providing:
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date range for the search
- Requestor's contact information
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Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
Mail or Email Requests:
- Download the public records request form from the Sarpy County website
- Complete the form with all required information
- Submit via:
- Mail to the appropriate department at the courthouse address
- Email to the department's designated records email address
- Include payment information for applicable fees
Sheriff's Office Records:
For arrest records, incident reports, and jail information:
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Contact the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
8335 Platteview Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2288 -
Submit a records request form in person, by mail, or via email
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Provide specific information about the record being requested
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Pay applicable fees (varies by record type)
Active Warrants:
To check for active warrants, individuals may:
- Use the Sarpy County Warrants Search online portal
- Contact the Sarpy County Sheriff's Warrant Division at 402-593-2288
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person
Inmate Information:
For current jail inmates:
- Access the Inmate Current Bookings page on the Sarpy County website
- Contact the Department of Corrections at 402-593-2149
- Visit the Sarpy County Jail facility during visitation hours
When requesting criminal records, requestors should be prepared to verify their identity and provide specific information to facilitate the search. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.03, agencies must respond to records requests within four business days.
How To Find Criminal Records in Sarpy County Online?
Sarpy County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
Nebraska Judicial Branch JUSTICE Portal:
The primary online resource for court records in Sarpy County is the Nebraska Judicial Branch's JUSTICE Case Search system.
- This portal provides access to court case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Charges filed
- Court dates and hearing information
- Case status and disposition
- Judgment information
- Users must register for an account and pay a subscription fee
- Searches can be conducted by name, case number, or date range
- The system includes both criminal and civil cases
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office Online Resources:
The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office maintains several online databases:
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Active Warrants Database:
- The Sarpy County Warrants Search allows users to search for individuals with active warrants
- Information includes warrant type, case number, and issuing court
- Updated daily
- No registration required
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Inmate Booking Information:
- The Inmate Current Bookings page displays current jail population
- Provides booking date, charges, and bond information
- Updated multiple times daily
- No registration required
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Inmate Search:
For individuals sentenced to state prison:
- The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Inmate Search provides information on current inmates
- Includes sentence information, facility location, and parole eligibility dates
- No registration required
- Updated daily
Nebraska Sex Offender Registry:
- The Nebraska Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Nebraska State Patrol includes offenders residing in Sarpy County
- Provides offender photos, addresses, conviction information, and risk levels
- Searchable by name, location, or map
- No registration required
Limitations of Online Records:
While online resources provide significant access, certain limitations exist:
- Some case details may only be available through in-person requests
- Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be fully digitized
- Sealed or expunged records are not accessible online
- Juvenile records are not available online
- Document attachments and exhibits typically require in-person requests
Users should note that pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.01, electronic records are subject to the same public access laws as physical records. However, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing electronic access to offset maintenance costs.
Can You Search Sarpy County Criminal Records for Free?
Sarpy County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(1) explicitly states that citizens are "fully empowered and authorized to examine the same, and to make memoranda and abstracts therefrom, all free of charge." This statutory provision guarantees the right to inspect public records without payment, though copying fees may apply.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Sarpy County Courthouse
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
8335 Platteview Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-593-2288
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
When conducting free in-person inspections, visitors may:
- View case files and court records
- Take notes on record contents
- Use personal devices to photograph documents (where permitted)
- Request assistance from staff in locating records
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide limited criminal record information:
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Sarpy County Warrants Database:
- The active warrants search is available without charge
- Provides basic information on individuals with outstanding warrants
- Updated daily
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Inmate Booking Information:
- The current jail bookings page is freely accessible
- Lists current inmates, booking dates, and charges
- Does not include historical booking information
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Nebraska Sex Offender Registry:
- Free access to information on registered sex offenders residing in Sarpy County
- Includes photos, addresses, and offense information
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Court Calendar Information:
- Daily court schedules are available on the Sarpy County Court and District Court websites
- Lists upcoming hearings, trials, and case numbers
Limitations of Free Access:
While free options exist, they have notable limitations:
- Comprehensive background checks typically require paid services
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Free online resources generally provide only basic information
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited
- In-person inspection requires travel to county facilities during business hours
For more detailed criminal history information, the Nebraska State Patrol maintains the official criminal history repository, though accessing complete records typically requires payment of statutory fees.
It is important to note that while inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when requesting copies. Current fees include $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies, as authorized under Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(3)(b).
What's Included in a Sarpy County Criminal Record?
Sarpy County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that collectively provide a detailed account of criminal proceedings.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, local police)
- Booking number and processing details
- Charges filed at arrest (may differ from formal charges)
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Sarpy County Court or District Court)
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail/prison duration)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or education program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeals information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants (searchable through the Sarpy County Warrants database)
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole officer contact information
- Risk assessment scores (where applicable)
The Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who have been incarcerated in the Sarpy County Jail, including:
- Inmate classification information
- Disciplinary actions during incarceration
- Visitation records
- Program participation
- Medical/mental health screening information (subject to privacy restrictions)
Criminal records in Sarpy County are maintained in compliance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3520, which governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information. Access to certain elements of criminal records may be restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or court-ordered sealing.
How Long Does Sarpy County Keep Criminal Records?
Sarpy County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Nebraska Secretary of State's Records Management Division and in compliance with state statutes governing public records. These retention periods vary based on record type, offense severity, and case outcome.
Court Records Retention:
The Sarpy County District Court and County Court follow the Nebraska Supreme Court Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, which mandates:
- Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for Class I and Class IA felonies (murder, kidnapping); 50 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic Cases: 5 years after case closure for serious traffic offenses; 3 years for minor violations
- Domestic Violence Cases: 25 years after case closure
- Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
- Probation Records: 10 years after discharge from probation
- Court Indexes and Dockets: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1213, which authorizes the State Records Administrator to "establish and maintain a records management program for this state."
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Records: 50 years for felony arrests; 10 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Incident Reports: 10 years for felony investigations; 5 years for misdemeanor investigations
- Booking Information: 10 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 10 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Mugshot Photographs: 10 years (longer for serious offenses)
- Active Warrants: Until served, recalled, or subject is deceased
- 911 Recordings: 90 days minimum; longer if related to ongoing investigations
Corrections Records Retention:
The Department of Corrections maintains inmate records according to the following schedule:
- Inmate Files: 10 years after release from custody
- Jail Booking Records: 10 years after release
- Inmate Medical Records: 10 years after release (subject to HIPAA regulations)
- Visitation Logs: 3 years
Special Considerations:
- Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-2,108.05, juvenile records may be sealed automatically or by petition, limiting their accessibility
- Expunged Records: Records ordered expunged by a court are physically destroyed or removed from public access
- Cold Case Files: Homicide and serious felony investigations remain open indefinitely
- Sex Offender Registration: Information maintained according to requirements of the Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act, with retention periods based on offense level
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for the periods specified, their public accessibility may be limited by various statutes and court orders. Additionally, pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, certain non-conviction data may be removed from public access after specified time periods.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though technological changes may necessitate migration to new storage formats to ensure continued accessibility.
Lookup Criminal Records in Sarpy County
Sheriff's Office records and warrant information
Search active warrants in Sarpy County
Department of Corrections inmate information
Current jail bookings and inmate status
County Clerk and Register of Deeds public records
County Court case information and records