Search Hammond DUI Records
Hammond is the largest city in Lake County and part of the Chicago metropolitan area. DUI and OWI records for Hammond are maintained through both the Hammond City Court and the Lake County Superior Court in Crown Point. This page explains where to search Hammond OWI cases, how to request court records, and where to find legal help in northwest Indiana.
Hammond Quick Facts
Searching Hammond DUI Records Online
The first place to search Hammond DUI and OWI records is Indiana's free public court portal at MyCase.in.gov. The portal covers Lake County courts, including both the Hammond City Court and the Lake County Superior Court. You can search by name or case number. Results show charges, hearing dates, case status, and final outcomes.
Hammond has a city court that handles some local cases. Minor OWI and traffic matters may be filed in Hammond City Court, while more serious OWI charges typically go to the Lake County Superior Court in Crown Point. When searching online, check both courts if you are not sure where a case was filed. The Hammond City Court can be reached at 219-933-2857 for case-specific questions.
Indiana law uses the term OWI rather than DUI. Older records may be labeled either way. Use both terms when searching. Cases that have been expunged will not appear in the public portal.
MyCase is the most direct way to find Hammond OWI case records online.
Lake County Courts and Hammond OWI Cases
Major OWI cases from Hammond are handled by the Lake County Superior Court. The Lake County Government Center is at 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307. The Lake Circuit and Superior Court Clerk can be reached at 219-755-3460. The clerk's office manages all records for Lake County criminal cases, including OWI filings originating in Hammond.
Lake County Superior Court has a criminal division that takes the bulk of OWI cases from Hammond and other cities in the county. For Hammond-area OWI cases, you can also contact: the Circuit Court at 219-755-3488, the Superior Court Criminal division at 219-755-3500, the Lake County Prosecutor at 219-755-3720, or the Public Defender at 219-755-3550.
When visiting in person, be aware that Lake County courts require cash or money order for in-person filings. Personal checks are not accepted. Bring a valid photo ID for record requests. The clerk's website at lakecountyin.gov/departments/clerk-circuit-superior has current hours and fee schedules.
Note: Hammond is in northwest Indiana near the Illinois border. Some residents have ties to both Indiana and Illinois court systems depending on where an OWI offense occurred.
Hammond OWI Cases and Indiana Law
Indiana's OWI statute at IC 9-30-5 governs all Hammond OWI cases. The law applies to anyone who operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. The charge level depends on BAC and the person's prior record.
A first OWI with BAC between .08% and .14% is a Class C misdemeanor. If BAC is .15% or higher, the first offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor. A second OWI within 7 years of a prior OWI conviction in Indiana is a Level 6 felony. Hammond residents with out-of-state prior convictions should know that Indiana courts may consider those priors as well, depending on the circumstances. Cases involving injury are Level 5 or higher felonies.
The Indiana State Police also patrols major highways near Hammond, including I-80, I-94, and I-65. ISP OWI arrests in and around Hammond go through the Lake County court system, the same as local Hammond police arrests.
Hammond DUI Record Expungement
Indiana's expungement statute, IC 35-38-9, allows for sealing of some OWI records in Hammond. For a misdemeanor OWI, the waiting period is 5 years from the conviction date. For a Level 6 felony OWI, the wait is 8 years. All fines and court costs must be paid in full before filing a petition.
Petitions are filed with the Lake County court that handled the original Hammond OWI case. The court reviews the petition and may schedule a hearing. If granted, the record is sealed from the public MyCase portal. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still access sealed records. An expungement does not automatically restore driving privileges. Separate BMV procedures apply for license reinstatement.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has free expungement forms and guides at in.gov/courts/selfservice. Residents can use these resources to file their own expungement petition without paying an attorney.
BMV Driver Records and Hammond OWI Convictions
OWI convictions from Hammond cases are reported to the Indiana BMV and appear on the driver record. The free Viewable Driver Record is available online at in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record. The Official Driver Record costs $4 and is the certified version used in legal and administrative proceedings.
Hammond residents who need to check their own OWI history can start with the free viewable record. The Official Driver Record is needed if you have to provide your record to a court, attorney, or licensing authority. OWI convictions show up on the record after the court sends the conviction data to the BMV, which can take a few weeks.
Legal Help for Hammond OWI Cases
Lake County and Hammond residents have several legal resources available. Indiana Legal Services provides civil legal aid to qualifying residents statewide and can be found at indianalegalservices.org. Indiana Free Legal Answers at IN.freelegalanswers.org lets residents ask legal questions online and get answers from volunteer lawyers. The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has forms for expungement and other court matters.
Indiana Legal Help at indianalegalhelp.org is another resource that serves northwest Indiana including Lake County. Since Hammond borders Chicago, some residents may also seek help from Illinois legal aid organizations, though Indiana law applies to OWI cases that occurred in Indiana.
Lake County DUI Records
Hammond is in Lake County. All OWI cases go through the Lake County Circuit Court. For court contact info, search tools, and more resources, visit the county page.