Spink County, South Dakota Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Spink County, South Dakota?
Arrest records are public in Spink County, South Dakota, pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, which establishes the state's public records law. This statute mandates that government records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection by members of the public during regular business hours. The South Dakota Legislature has determined that maintaining public access to these records serves the essential function of ensuring governmental accountability and transparency. Citizens of Spink County and other interested parties may access these records to remain informed about law enforcement activities within their communities.
The public nature of these records is consistent with the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court's commitment to open access, which serves Spink County along with nine other northeastern South Dakota counties. The accessibility of arrest records enables citizens to exercise their right to information concerning the operation of governmental agencies, particularly those involved in law enforcement and the administration of justice.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Spink County?
Arrest records for Spink County can be accessed online through several official portals maintained by South Dakota state agencies. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides electronic access to court records, which often include information related to arrests. Additionally, the state's Public Access Record Search system allows users to query criminal case information that may contain arrest details.
The online availability of these records represents the implementation of South Dakota's commitment to governmental transparency as outlined in SDCL § 1-27-1.1, which states that public records shall be open for inspection during business hours. The electronic provision of these records enhances accessibility for residents of Spink County's communities, including Redfield, Doland, Tulare, and other municipalities within the county's jurisdiction.
Users should be advised that while basic arrest information is typically available online, certain records may be subject to redaction or restriction pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-1.5, which outlines specific categories of information that may be withheld from public disclosure to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Spink County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Spink County arrest records may utilize several methods established by local and state authorities. The following procedures are available for obtaining arrest record information:
Visit the Spink County Sheriff's Office located at 210 E 7th Ave, Suite 1, Redfield, SD 57469, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to request arrest record information in person.
Submit a written request to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court which serves Spink County, located at 210 E 7th Ave, Redfield, SD 57469, for court records that may contain arrest information.
Access the Public Access Record Search system maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System to search for criminal case information that includes arrest details.
Utilize the UJS Find Court Date service to locate information about scheduled court appearances related to arrests.
For sex offense-related arrests, consult the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Office of the Attorney General's Division of Criminal Investigation.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records. Pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-35, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.
Contents of a Spink County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Spink County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by South Dakota state regulations and the practices of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. A comprehensive arrest record generally includes the following components:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of the alleged criminal violations
- Identification of the arresting agency (Spink County Sheriff's Office, local police department, or South Dakota Highway Patrol)
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address at the time of arrest
- Booking number and case identification references
- Disposition information indicating whether the individual was released on bail, held in custody, or transferred to another facility
These records are maintained in accordance with the record retention schedules established by the South Dakota Bureau of Administration pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-46, which governs the preservation and eventual disposition of governmental records. The standardization of arrest record content facilitates interagency communication and ensures consistency in the criminal justice information system throughout the Fifth Judicial Circuit and the state of South Dakota.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Spink County
Under South Dakota law, specifically SDCL § 23A-3-27, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Spink County. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are sealed or removed from public access, thereby limiting their visibility to authorized governmental agencies only. The following criteria and procedures apply to expungement requests in Spink County:
Eligibility requirements include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or no formal charges filed within one year of arrest
- Completion of all terms of a suspended imposition of sentence
- Satisfaction of statutory waiting periods based on offense classification
- No pending criminal proceedings against the petitioner
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a formal petition with the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court that has jurisdiction over Spink County
- Providing notice to the Spink County State's Attorney's Office
- Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court
- Obtaining a court order directing the sealing of records if the petition is granted
Expungement does not result in the complete destruction of records but rather restricts their accessibility to the general public. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts may retain the ability to access expunged records for specific purposes authorized by statute. Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to procedural requirements and may benefit from legal consultation.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Spink County, processes expungement petitions in accordance with state law and local court rules. Petitioners should be prepared to demonstrate that their circumstances meet the statutory criteria for expungement and that granting the petition would serve the interests of justice.
Search Arrest Records in Spink County
Spink County Sheriff's Office
210 E 7th Ave, Suite 1
Redfield, SD 57469
Phone: (605) 472-4595
