Lee County Arrest Records

Law enforcement agencies carry out arrests in Lee County when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a criminal offense. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department is the primary agency responsible for making arrests and generating arrest records within the county. Upon arrest, police officers detain individuals at the Lee County Jail.

Lee County arrest records form a part of the broader category of public records. They may appear in Lee County Court Records maintained separately by the Lee County Clerk's Office or criminal records from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Arrest records often include detailed information such as:

• Details of the alleged offense: Arrest records include the offense type (felony, misdemeanor, etc.), events leading to the arrest, and witness or victim statements.
• Booking information: Interested parties will find the arrest date and time, type of arrest, the arresting officer's name, mug shots, bail amount, and charges filed.
• Outstanding warrants: Arrest records contain details of warrants connected to the individual.
• Personal information: Arrest records provide information such as the full name, aliases, address, date of birth, and other identifying details.

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County?

In Lee County, Iowa, arrest records are generally considered public information under the Iowa Open Records Law, making them accessible to anyone upon request. However, certain arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure and kept confidential. Some of them include:

• Records related to ongoing criminal investigations.
• Certain law enforcement communications and confidential sources.
• Information that would endanger a person's safety or privacy is disclosed.
• Trade secrets or privileged financial records.
• Juvenile records unless the court orders their release.
• National security-related records.

Interested individuals, such as employers, attorneys, or the arrested, can request these records from the Lee County Sheriff's Department.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office
North Lee County Administration Building
933 Avenue H
Fort Madison, IA 52627

Lee County Arrest Statistics

The Lee County Sheriff's Department recorded 293 arrests, as detailed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Data Explorer in 2023. The arrest data encompassed a variety of offenses. "All Other Offenses" comprised the most significant category (164 arrests), followed by Driving Under the Influence (40), Drug/Narcotic Offenses (24), Simple Assault (20), and Destruction/Damage/Vandalism (13 offenses including Larceny, Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, and fewer incidents like Liquor Law Violations, Burglary, and Weapon Law Violations. Of the 255 individuals arrested, 218 were male, and 75 were female. The majority of those arrested, 127, were identified as White.

Find Lee County Arrest Records

Interested persons can contact the Lee County Jail Administrator to obtain arrest records using the below address.

Lee County IA Jail
2530 255th St,
Montrose, IA 52639
Phone: (319) 372-1152

The Iowa Department of Corrections also provides an online roster of inmates incarcerated throughout the state. This resource allows individuals to search for information on Lee County Jail inmates by using their names, gender, offender number, specific offenses, or the county where they committed the crime.

Lee County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records in Lee County document the specific details surrounding an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. This includes information such as the date and location of the arrest and the reason for the arrest. It's important to note that an arrest record does not imply guilt or a conviction; it is simply a record of the arrest itself.

Meanwhile, criminal records in Lee County provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's legal history. This includes information about convictions, sentences, and dismissals related to criminal charges.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Under §901C Iowa Expungement of Criminal Records Law, arrests may remain on a person's record indefinitely unless they meet certain conditions for expungement. In cases where a defendant is found not guilty, or the criminal charges against them are dismissed, the court may order the expungement of the case records. This order is issued at least 180 days after the court's decision.

For qualifying Misdemeanor offenses under §901C.3, the court will grant expungement upon the defendant's application. The defendant simply has to prove that more than eight years have passed since the date of the conviction. They must also show that they have not been granted by the court more than one deferred judgment. Interested parties should note that a court may only grant a person an expungement once in their lifetime. However, the application may request the expungement of records relating to more than one misdemeanor offense that arose from the same transaction or occurrence. Once the court approves a petition for expungement, individuals can proceed to remove cords from public access.

Lee County Arrest Warrants

Lee County Arrest warrants are issued when there is probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. They are necessary to ensure that law enforcement can lawfully apprehend the individual. To ensure the actual suspect is arrested, an arrest warrant typically includes information such as the name of the individual to be arrested, the offense they are suspected of committing, and any other pertinent details that justify the arrest.

Do Lee County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Lee County, arrest warrants do not have a specific expiration date and remain active until the individual is apprehended or the warrant is otherwise resolved. However, the validity of an arrest warrant may be influenced by specific policies or judicial discretion within the County, resulting in the review or dismissal of older warrants in certain circumstances, such as for minor offenses or outdated cases.