Find DUI Records in Columbus
Columbus, Indiana DUI and OWI records are public documents maintained by Bartholomew County courts. You can search them for free online through Indiana's MyCase portal or by contacting the Bartholomew County Clerk. This page covers the search process, where OWI cases are filed in Columbus, Indiana's OWI law, expungement rules, and how to access BMV driver records linked to a Columbus DUI arrest or conviction.
Columbus Quick Facts
Columbus OWI Records Search
The easiest way to find DUI and OWI records for Columbus, Indiana is through MyCase.in.gov. This is the official Indiana court records portal, provided at no cost by the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. When searching for Columbus cases, select Bartholomew County in the county filter to see only local records. The system shows charge descriptions, case status, assigned judge, hearing dates, and whether the case is open or closed.
Columbus is the county seat of Bartholomew County, so the courthouse is right in the city. Most OWI cases filed by Columbus Police or Bartholomew County Sheriff's deputies will show up in the Bartholomew County court system. State police arrests on I-65 or SR-46 near Columbus go through the same county court system once charges are filed. Court records are posted after formal charging, which can take a few days following an arrest.
The Bartholomew County Courthouse is at 234 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201. The Clerk's office phone is 812-379-1605. For certified copies of OWI case records, contact the clerk directly. Certified documents cost a per-page fee. Uncertified copies are cheaper. Viewing records online via MyCase is free.
Indiana's trial courts directory lists Bartholomew County courts where Columbus OWI and DUI case records are filed and maintained.
Bartholomew County Court and Columbus OWI Cases
All criminal OWI charges from Columbus go to Bartholomew County courts. The county has a Circuit Court and Superior Courts. The Bartholomew County Superior Courts handle most criminal matters, including OWI charges. A first-time misdemeanor OWI in Columbus is typically assigned to a Superior Court. Felony-level OWI charges — which occur when there is a prior conviction within seven years, serious injury, or death — can go to either Circuit Court or Superior Court depending on case assignment.
Columbus is also the county seat, meaning all official county record functions for Bartholomew County are located within the city. That makes in-person record requests relatively convenient for Columbus residents. City Hall for Columbus is at 123 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201. Court records are handled by the Bartholomew County Clerk at the nearby courthouse, not by city hall.
Note: Bartholomew County Superior Courts include criminal divisions. Confirm which court has your case before making an in-person visit, as specific courtrooms and judges are assigned per case in MyCase.
Indiana OWI Law and Columbus Cases
Indiana defines operating while intoxicated under IC 9-30-5. The term OWI is used statewide instead of DUI. The law covers driving with a BAC of .08% or higher, as well as driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances. Offense level is determined by circumstances. A first OWI at .08% to .14% BAC is a Class C misdemeanor. BAC at .15% or more, or endangerment of another person, makes it a Class A misdemeanor. A second OWI within seven years is automatically a Level 6 felony.
OWI cases involving a passenger under age 18 in the vehicle carry enhanced penalties regardless of BAC level. Cases involving serious bodily injury can be charged as Level 5 or Level 4 felonies. OWI causing death can be charged as a Level 4 felony. These higher-level cases have longer waiting periods before expungement is possible, and not all OWI felonies are eligible for expungement under Indiana law.
Driver's license action follows under IC 9-30-6. A test refusal triggers an automatic suspension through the BMV, separate from any court action. Specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-10 may allow limited driving during the suspension period if a court approves the request.
Columbus DUI Expungement
Indiana allows expungement of OWI records through the process set out in IC 35-38-9. The waiting period for a misdemeanor OWI conviction is five years from the date of conviction. For a Level 6 felony OWI conviction, the wait is eight years. You must have completed your full sentence — all fines, probation, and any required classes or programs — before the waiting period is considered complete. The clock starts at the conviction date, not the arrest date.
To seek expungement in Columbus, you file a petition with the Bartholomew County court that handled the original OWI case. The Bartholomew County Prosecutor reviews the petition and can object. A judge holds a hearing if needed. Approval is not guaranteed even if all legal requirements are met. A judge has some discretion in how they evaluate the petition. Successful expungement limits who can see the record, but law enforcement agencies may still retain access under state rules.
Free resources for this process include the Indiana Self-Service Legal Center and Indiana Legal Services. You can also submit a question through Indiana Free Legal Answers to get free guidance from a licensed Indiana attorney online.
BMV Driver Records and Columbus OWI
An OWI conviction or test refusal in Columbus creates a record with the Indiana BMV in addition to the court record. These are two separate systems. The BMV tracks license suspensions, reinstatements, conviction points, and your overall driving history. The free Viewable Driver Record at in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record/ shows current license status and a general history. The Official Driver Record costs $4 and is the certified version for official purposes.
Expunging a court record in Columbus does not affect the BMV record. If you want changes to a BMV entry, you must contact the BMV directly and work through their process. They operate independently of the court system and follow different rules for record retention and access.
Legal Help for Columbus OWI Cases
Columbus residents facing OWI charges have access to several support resources. Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help for income-qualifying individuals across Indiana, including Bartholomew County. For criminal OWI matters, the Bartholomew County Public Defender's office handles cases for those who qualify financially and face criminal charges. The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has forms and guidance for self-represented individuals.
The Indiana Free Legal Answers program at IN.freelegalanswers.org is a good first step for anyone unsure of their options. Volunteer Indiana attorneys answer questions submitted through the online portal for free. For matters that require court appearances or formal legal representation, working with a licensed Columbus-area defense attorney is advisable. The Indiana State Police handles some OWI enforcement in and around Columbus; their troop posts process related arrest records separately from the court system.
Bartholomew County DUI Records
Columbus is in Bartholomew County. OWI cases go through the Bartholomew County Circuit Court and Superior Courts. For court contact info, search tools, and more resources, visit the county page.