Criminal records in Dallas County, Iowa, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DallasIACourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Dallas County. Additional access points include the Iowa Judicial Branch's online court system, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Dallas County Clerk of Court office in Adel.
How to Search Criminal Records in Dallas County
Several methods are available to search criminal records in Dallas County. What you need to begin depends on the method, but generally you should have at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
Through DallasIACourt.us
Start at DallasIACourt.us to search publicly available court record information for Dallas County criminal cases. Enter a name or case number to look up case details, charges, and court dates.
Online — State and County Tools
- Iowa Courts Online: The Iowa Judicial Branch – Dallas County District Court page provides access to court information for Judicial District 5, which includes Dallas County. The Iowa Courts Online search tool allows you to look up case records by name or case number.
- Dallas County Inmate Search: The Dallas County Inmate Inquiry tool shows individuals currently held in the Dallas County Jail. Search by name to view booking details. Note that an arrest record is not an indication of guilt.
- Iowa Offender Search: The Iowa Department of Corrections Offender Search lets you look up individuals who are or have been under Iowa DOC supervision. Offender records are public under Iowa Code § 904.601(1).
- Criminal History Record Check: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) processes formal criminal history background checks. You can request a criminal history background check online through the DCI.
In Person
Visit the Dallas County Clerk of Court office at the Dallas County Courthouse in Adel. Public access terminals may be available for searching court records. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for court records to the Dallas County Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the individual's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). For statewide criminal history record checks, submit your request to the Iowa DCI. The Iowa Judicial Branch public records request page explains that district court case records are available only through the clerk of court in the county where the case was filed.
Search Dallas County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Iowa uses a standardized case number format across all district courts. Understanding the format helps you locate records quickly.
A typical Iowa case number looks like this: FECR012345
- First two letters — case type code. For criminal cases:
- FE = Felony
- SM = Serious Misdemeanor
- AG = Aggravated Misdemeanor
- OW = Operating While Intoxicated
- SU = Simple Misdemeanor / Scheduled Violation
- Next two letters — typically CR for criminal cases
- Remaining digits — sequential filing number assigned by the clerk
When searching by case number on Iowa Courts Online, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name instead.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Dallas County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Iowa Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., Iowa Code § 714.2 for theft) |
| Charge Description | Plain-language description of the offense |
| Severity | Felony (Class A–D), Aggravated Misdemeanor, Serious Misdemeanor, Simple Misdemeanor, or Scheduled Violation |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be amended by the prosecutor — the original and amended charges both appear in the record |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Case has ongoing proceedings or an active sentence |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal) |
| Closed | All obligations fulfilled; case is complete |
Hearing Types
- Initial Appearance / Arraignment: Defendant is informed of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing: Court determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference: Attorneys discuss case issues, potential plea agreements, and trial scheduling
- Trial: Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing: Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing: Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecutor |
| Deferred Judgment | Guilty plea accepted but judgment withheld; if conditions are met, the case may be dismissed and the record expunged |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty — charges resolved in defendant's favor |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Dallas County
From the Dallas County Clerk of Court
Certified copies of court records — including criminal case files, judgments, and dispositions — are available from the Dallas County Clerk of Court. You can request them in person or by mail.
What you need:
- Full name of the individual
- Case number (if known)
- Date of birth (helpful for common names)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for applicable fees
From the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
For a formal Iowa criminal history record check, submit your request through the DCI's Criminal History Record Check system. Requests can be submitted online. You will need the subject's full name and date of birth. Social security number and middle name are optional but help resolve common names.
From the Iowa Department of Corrections
Offender records under DOC supervision are searchable through the Iowa Offender Search. For official records or documents beyond what is available online, contact the Iowa Department of Corrections directly.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Dallas County
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $1.00 per page | Per Iowa Code § 602.8105 |
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Certification adds an additional fee per document |
| Certification fee | $2.00 per certification | Per Iowa Code § 602.8105 |
| DCI Criminal History Record Check (name-based) | $15.00 | Submitted online through DCI; per Iowa Code § 692.15 |
| DCI Criminal History Record Check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00 (state) + FBI fee if applicable | Required for certain employment and licensing purposes |
Processing Times
- In-person court record copies: Often available same day, depending on the clerk's workload
- Mail requests for court records: Typically 5–10 business days
- DCI online criminal history checks: Usually processed within 1–3 business days
- Fingerprint-based checks through DCI: May take several weeks, especially if FBI processing is involved
Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts with the Dallas County Clerk of Court or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation before submitting your request.