About Lawrence County
Population
45,000 residents
County Seat
Bedford
Established
1818
Named After
Captain James Lawrence
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the arresting agency, though agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos from Lawrence County Jail are public record and can typically be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may require identification and a valid reason for the request.
- Response time for public records requests varies but agencies must respond within a reasonable timeframe as mandated by state statute.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing within Lawrence County, thereby enhancing community safety and awareness.
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Indiana state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- While basic case information is available at no cost, certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests to the Clerk's office with applicable fees.
- Lawrence County Clerk maintains the official court records and charges fees according to the Indiana Supreme Court fee schedule, typically $1.00 per page for copies and higher fees for certified documents.
916 15th Street, Bedford, IN 47421
Property & Public Records
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees typically set at $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
931 15th Street, Bedford, IN 47421
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates typically cost $12.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates have similar fee structures.
- Processing time for vital records requests varies from same-day service for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests, depending on office workload.
- State vital records can be ordered online through VitalChek.com, Indiana's authorized vendor, though expedited service incurs additional fees.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the applicable fee (typically around $18.00).
1116 K Street, Bedford, IN 47421
916 15th Street, Bedford, IN 47421
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov, which provides free searching of registered business entities, registered agent information, filing history, and status of Indiana businesses.
- The Bedford-Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at blcchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Lawrence County.
- Sales tax permits and state business tax accounts are registered through the Indiana Department of Revenue's INBiz system.
916 15th Street, Bedford, IN 47421
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Lawrence County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Lawrence County, Indiana, you can contact the Lawrence County Jail located at 1420 I Street, Bedford, IN 47421. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also visit their website or call the jail directly at (812) 277-2014 for more information on the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Lawrence County, Indiana?
Mugshots or booking photos in Lawrence County, Indiana, are typically managed by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. You can request these records by visiting the Sheriff's Office at 1420 I Street, Bedford, IN 47421, or by calling them at (812) 275-3316. Some mugshots may also be available through online portals associated with local news outlets or the Sheriff's Office website.
How do I get a criminal background check in Lawrence County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Lawrence County, Indiana, you can contact the Indiana State Police, which handles background checks through the Indiana Limited Criminal History Search. Locally, you may also visit the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office for assistance. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying a nominal fee.
How can I look up sex offenders in Lawrence County, Indiana?
You can look up sex offenders in Lawrence County, Indiana, by accessing the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides detailed information about registered offenders. You can search the registry online by name, address, or proximity to a specific location in Lawrence County.
How do I register to vote in Lawrence County, Indiana?
Voter registration in Lawrence County is handled by the Lawrence County Clerk's Office at 916 15th Street, Bedford. You can register online at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the Clerk's office, or at any Indiana BMV branch. Indiana requires registration at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote. The Clerk's office also processes absentee ballot applications for voters who qualify under Indiana's absentee voting criteria, with applications due at least 11 days before Election Day.
How do I look up property records in Lawrence County, Indiana?
Property records in Lawrence County are maintained by the County Recorder's Office at 931 15th Street, Bedford, phone (812) 275-4916 for land records including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Property tax assessments and parcel information are available through the County Assessor's Office at the same address, phone (812) 275-2579. Online access to recorded documents may be available through a subscription or pay-per-view system; contact the Recorder's office for current online search options and fees. Visit lawrencecounty.in.gov for potential online GIS mapping tools.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lawrence County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Lawrence County can be requested from the Lawrence County Health Department at 1116 K Street, Bedford, phone (812) 275-2532. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate they are an authorized person under Indiana Code 16-37. Fees are typically $12 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies, with processing taking same-day to several weeks depending on request method. You can also order statewide Indiana vital records through the Indiana State Department of Health or online via VitalChek.com with expedited service available for additional fees.
How do I find business license records in Lawrence County, Indiana?
Business records in Lawrence County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. The Lawrence County Clerk's Office at (812) 275-7543 maintains assumed business name (DBA) filings for local registration. For formal business entities like LLCs and corporations, search the Indiana Secretary of State's free INBiz portal at inbiz.in.gov, which provides business entity information statewide. Local business licensing and permits may require contacting specific municipal offices in Bedford or Mitchell, or the county Plan Commission for building and zoning permits.