Access Hobart Criminal History
Criminal history records in Hobart are handled by the Lake County Clerk's Office and the Hobart Police Department. Hobart is a city of about 29,000 in Lake County, in the northwest corner of Indiana. All criminal cases from Hobart go through the Lake County court system, with the main courthouse in Crown Point. The Hobart Police Department also provides criminal history check services directly to the public, which is not something every city police department in Indiana offers.
Hobart Quick Facts
Lake County Clerk and Hobart Criminal Cases
The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all criminal case files for Hobart. Lake County is the second largest county in Indiana with about 500,000 residents. The main courthouse is in Crown Point, the county seat. You can search records in person there during business hours.
| Office | Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 2293 N Main St Crown Point, IN 46307 |
| Phone | (219) 755-3000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
The Lake County Clerk's website has information about court services and how to get records.
Criminal records from Hobart are public under the Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3) unless sealed by a court or expunged. Bring a photo ID. Staff will pull up records by name or case number and can make copies for you. Call (219) 755-3000 for fee details. The Lake County Superior Court is at the same address and handles most criminal cases in the county.
Hobart Police Criminal History Checks
The Hobart Police Department offers criminal history checks directly to the public. This is a local option that not all Indiana cities provide. According to the department's website, you can get a criminal history check at the Hobart Police Department. Call 942-1125 (option 1) for more information about what is available and how to request a check. The ISP Limited Criminal History tool is also available online if you want a broader state search.
| Department | Hobart Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 705 E 4th St Hobart, IN 46342 |
| Phone | (219) 942-1125 |
Beyond the criminal history check service, the Hobart Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident reports for crimes that occur within the city. These police records are separate from the court files at the Lake County Clerk's Office. Call (219) 942-1125 to ask about getting a copy of a specific police report. Once an investigation is closed, the report is typically available under IC 5-14-3.
The Hobart police page specifically mentions that limited criminal histories are also available online through the Indiana State Police. That statewide search covers felonies and Class A misdemeanor arrests from all 92 Indiana counties.
Search Hobart Criminal Records Online
The Indiana MyCase portal covers all of Lake County, including Hobart cases. It is free to search. Enter a name, case number, or attorney and see case details, charges, and status updates. Some court documents are viewable directly in the system. The portal uses the Odyssey case management system that Indiana courts run statewide.
MyCase is not an official court record and may have errors or delays. Older cases from Hobart might not be in the electronic system. For the official record, go to the Lake County Clerk in Crown Point. For a statewide check, use the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History search for $15.70 online. It covers felonies and Class A misdemeanors from every county. The PDF result expires after 14 days.
Note: A "No Records Found" result on the ISP check still counts as a completed search and you will be charged the fee.
Expungement for Hobart Criminal Records
Under IC 35-38-9, Hobart residents can petition the Lake County court to have criminal records expunged. The eligibility depends on the crime and how long ago it happened. Misdemeanors often qualify sooner. Some felonies are not eligible. When a court grants the petition, the record drops out of public view on MyCase and in ISP checks.
File the petition at the Lake County Clerk's Office at 2293 N Main St in Crown Point. There is a filing fee. The judge reviews the petition and decides. Forms are on the Indiana courts website. Indiana Legal Services can help income-eligible residents in Lake County navigate the process. You can also talk to a criminal defense attorney in the Hobart area for advice on whether your case qualifies.
Lake County Criminal History Records
Hobart is in Lake County. All criminal cases from Hobart go through the Lake County court system in Crown Point. For more on county courts, fees, and other resources, check the Lake County page.
Nearby Cities
Other Indiana cities near Hobart with criminal history pages: