Crown Point DUI Records
Crown Point is the county seat of Lake County, and all OWI and DUI records from Crown Point cases are maintained by Lake County courts. These records are public and searchable for free through Indiana's MyCase portal at MyCase.in.gov. This page explains how to search Crown Point DUI records, where cases are filed, how Lake County courts handle OWI cases, and what Indiana law says about OWI charges, expungement, and driver records.
Crown Point Quick Facts
Searching Crown Point OWI Records Online
MyCase.in.gov is Indiana's free public court case portal. It covers Lake County courts, which handle all OWI cases from Crown Point. To search, enter a name or case number on the MyCase site and select Lake County from the county filter. The results include case type, charges filed, filing date, assigned judge, scheduled hearings, and current status. The system is public and does not require a login or fee to view case information.
Because Crown Point is the county seat of Lake County, both the City Court and the Lake County Government Center are located here. The Lake County Government Center is at 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307. The Lake Circuit and Superior Court Clerk's office phone is 219-755-3460. The Lake County Superior Court Criminal Division can be reached at 219-755-3500. The Lake County Circuit Court line is 219-755-3488.
Crown Point also has its own City Court. Some local ordinance violations or lower-level traffic matters may go through Crown Point City Court, phone 219-662-3243. However, state-level OWI charges under IC 9-30-5 are filed in Lake County Circuit or Superior Court, not at the city level. If you can't find a record in the county system, check whether it was handled at city court.
The MyCase database provides free access to Lake County court records, including Crown Point OWI and DUI case files.
Lake County Courts and Crown Point OWI Cases
Lake County has a large and active court system. The Circuit Court and multiple Superior Courts handle criminal matters. OWI cases can be assigned to any of the Superior Courts depending on the nature of the charge and current case loads. Misdemeanor OWI charges — first offenses with lower BAC levels — typically go to one of the Superior Courts. Felony OWI charges involving priors or aggravating factors may land in Circuit Court or a specific Superior Court criminal division.
In-person filings in Lake County require cash or a money order. Electronic case filings, which are now common for attorneys, can use electronic payment methods. If you are showing up in person to file anything or request records, bring exact cash or a money order to avoid delays. The clerk's office can tell you the current fee schedule for certified copies when you call or visit.
Lake County is one of the most populous counties in Indiana, sharing a border with Illinois and the Chicago metro area. The courts handle a high volume of cases. OWI cases from Crown Point itself, as well as from other Lake County cities like Gary and Hammond, are all processed through the same court system. The Lake County website at lakecountyin.gov lists department contacts and court information.
Note: The Lake County Clerk's office web page is at lakecountyin.gov/departments/clerk-circuit-superior for clerk-specific inquiries.
OWI Laws That Apply to Crown Point Cases
Indiana's OWI law is found at IC 9-30-5. It makes it a crime to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A first-time OWI with BAC between .08% and .14% is a Class C misdemeanor. BAC at .15% or higher, or driving in a way that endangers another person, raises the charge to a Class A misdemeanor. A second OWI within seven years becomes a Level 6 felony. Higher-level felonies apply when there is serious bodily injury or death.
License suspension is handled separately by the BMV under IC 9-30-6. Refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic suspension. Specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-10 may let someone drive to work or medical appointments during a suspension if a court grants the request. These privileges are not automatic. They require a separate court petition and are subject to conditions set by the judge.
Crown Point DUI Expungement
Indiana's expungement law at IC 35-38-9 covers OWI convictions. A misdemeanor OWI is eligible for expungement five years after the conviction date. A Level 6 felony OWI requires an eight-year wait. The sentence must be fully completed — all fines paid, probation finished, any programs or classes done — before the clock starts running.
To seek expungement for a Crown Point OWI case, you file a petition in the Lake County court where the original case was heard. The Lake County Prosecutor reviews the petition and can object. If there's an objection, a hearing may be scheduled. A judge decides whether to grant the expungement. Not every petition is approved. When granted, the record is sealed from public view. Some law enforcement databases may still retain the record under conditions allowed by state law.
Help resources include the Indiana Self-Service Legal Center for forms, Indiana Legal Services for those who qualify for free assistance, and Indiana Free Legal Answers for a free online attorney consultation.
BMV Driver Records for Lake County OWI Cases
Every OWI case in Crown Point also generates a BMV record in addition to the court record. The BMV tracks license suspensions, reinstatements, and OWI conviction data tied to your driver's license. You can view your own driver record for free at in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record/. The free Viewable Driver Record shows current status and general history. The Official Driver Record costs $4 and is a certified document accepted by courts and official agencies.
Court expungement does not remove an OWI from the BMV record. These are managed by separate systems with different rules. For questions about your BMV driving record after a Crown Point OWI case, contact the Indiana BMV directly through their website or by visiting a branch office.
Legal Help for Crown Point OWI Cases
Lake County residents dealing with OWI charges can reach out to Indiana Legal Services for free civil legal help if they qualify by income. The Lake County Public Defender's office handles criminal defense for those who cannot afford a private attorney and are charged with a qualifying offense. OWI charges are criminal, so Public Defender eligibility depends on financial circumstances and the nature of the charge.
The Indiana Free Legal Answers program is a quick way to get a free response from a licensed Indiana attorney. The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has forms and plain-language instructions for expungement and other court processes. For serious OWI matters, particularly felony charges, working with a private Lake County criminal defense attorney is the best path forward.
Nearby qualifying cities with their own DUI records pages include Gary and Hammond, both also located in Lake County. Those cities share the same court system based in Crown Point.
Lake County DUI Records
Crown Point is in Lake County. OWI cases go through the Lake County Circuit Court and Superior Courts. For court contact info, search tools, and more resources, visit the county page.