Search Bloomington DUI Records
Bloomington OWI and DUI records are part of the public court record system maintained by Monroe County. Anyone can search these records at no cost through Indiana's MyCase portal at MyCase.in.gov. This page covers where Bloomington OWI cases are filed, how Indiana's OWI law applies, what expungement options exist, and how to get driver records tied to a Bloomington DUI case.
Bloomington Quick Facts
How to Find OWI Records in Bloomington
MyCase.in.gov is the free statewide court record search tool for Indiana. It covers most trial courts, including Monroe County courts that handle Bloomington OWI cases. To search, go to the site and enter a person's name or a case number. Filter by county — select Monroe County — to narrow results. The system returns basic case details: charge descriptions, filing dates, court assignments, hearing dates, and case status. You don't need an account or login.
Bloomington has a large student population because Indiana University is located there. OWI arrests in Bloomington are not uncommon, particularly on weekends and during university events. Many of those cases move through Monroe County Superior Court. The court record will appear in MyCase once it is formally filed, which usually happens within a few days of the arrest. An arrest report itself is a separate document held by the Bloomington Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office depending on who made the arrest.
Note: If a name search returns too many results, try adding a birth year or narrowing the date range of the search.
The Bloomington Police Department is located at 220 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401. For arrest-related records from city police, contact them directly. State police arrests on US-46, SR-37, or SR-45 near Bloomington would be processed separately through the Indiana State Police Bloomington post.
Monroe County Courts and Bloomington OWI Cases
All OWI charges filed under Indiana law in Bloomington go through Monroe County courts. The Monroe County Courthouse is at 301 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404. The Monroe County Clerk's office phone is 812-349-2614. The Monroe County website at monroecounty.in.gov has department listings and additional contact information.
Monroe County has both a Circuit Court and Superior Courts. Felony-level OWI charges, such as a second offense within seven years, typically land in Circuit Court. First-time misdemeanor OWI cases may be handled in a Superior Court. If a case involves serious bodily injury or a fatality related to OWI, it may be charged as a higher felony and handled by Circuit Court.
To get certified copies of court documents from Monroe County, contact the clerk's office in person or by phone. There is a per-page fee for certified copies. Uncertified copies cost less. If you only need to view the case information and don't need official paperwork, MyCase is free and sufficient for most purposes.
Bloomington OWI Cases and Indiana Law
Indiana calls the offense OWI rather than DUI. The primary statute is IC 9-30-5. Under that law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher. It is also illegal to operate while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination — regardless of BAC level. The charge level depends on circumstances. A first offense at .08% to .14% BAC is a Class C misdemeanor. If BAC is .15% or above, or if the driver endangered another person, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. A prior OWI within seven years makes the new charge a Level 6 felony.
Bloomington, as a college town, sees a mix of first-time offenders and repeat cases. OWI arrests happen across all age groups. The offense level at charging affects what shows up in the court record and for how long. Misdemeanor records are generally more accessible for expungement sooner than felony records. Indiana law does not have an automatic expungement process; you must petition the court.
License action after an OWI in Bloomington follows IC 9-30-6. A test refusal or a failed test triggers BMV action on your driving record, separate from what the court does. Specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-10 may be available while the suspension is in effect if the court approves them.
Bloomington DUI Expungement Options
Indiana's expungement law, IC 35-38-9, covers OWI convictions. For a misdemeanor OWI, you must wait five years from the conviction date. For a Level 6 felony OWI, the wait is eight years. You also need to have completed the full sentence, including probation and any fines or fees owed. If any part of the sentence is still open, the clock doesn't start yet.
The expungement petition goes to the same court where the case was heard. For Bloomington OWI cases, that means Monroe County court. The prosecutor can object, and a hearing may be scheduled. The judge has discretion in some cases. Not every qualifying petition results in an expungement, so preparation matters. Once granted, the court record is restricted from public view, though law enforcement agencies may still retain access under certain rules.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center provides expungement forms. Indiana Legal Services may be able to help low-income residents with this process. The Indiana Free Legal Answers site at IN.freelegalanswers.org is another option for getting a free online consultation with a volunteer attorney.
BMV Driver Records for Bloomington OWI Cases
An OWI conviction or license suspension in Bloomington creates a record with the Indiana BMV. This is separate from the court record. The free Viewable Driver Record is available at in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record/ and shows current license status and basic history. The Official Driver Record costs $4 and is the certified version accepted by courts, insurance companies, and other official parties.
OWI convictions stay on BMV records for longer than court records in some cases. Expunging a court record does not automatically clean the BMV record. If you need to dispute or update a BMV record, contact the BMV directly through their website or by visiting a branch office. They operate under different rules than the court system.
Legal Aid and Resources for Bloomington OWI
Several resources exist for Bloomington residents dealing with OWI cases. Indiana Legal Services serves low-income residents across the state, including Monroe County. Their office can advise on whether a particular case qualifies for help. The Indiana University Maurer School of Law, located in Bloomington, operates legal clinics that may assist with certain matters though not always criminal OWI defense. The Monroe County Public Defender handles cases for those who cannot afford counsel and have been charged with a criminal offense, which includes felony OWI.
The City of Bloomington website under Mayor Kerry Thomson's administration lists city departments and public contacts. City Hall is at 401 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404. For questions about local court procedures or city-level processes, city staff can often direct you to the right office.
Note: Indiana Free Legal Answers at IN.freelegalanswers.org lets you submit a legal question online for a free response from a licensed Indiana attorney.
Monroe County DUI Records
Bloomington is in Monroe County. OWI cases go through the Monroe County Circuit Court and Superior Courts. For court contact info, search tools, and more resources, visit the county page.