Hobart OWI Records
Hobart is a city in Lake County, Indiana, and DUI and OWI records for the city are filed through either the Hobart City Court or the Lake County Superior Court in Crown Point, depending on the nature of the case. This page covers how to search Hobart OWI records online, where to request copies, and what resources are available to Hobart residents dealing with OWI-related matters.
Hobart Quick Facts
Hobart DUI Records Search
Indiana's public court search tool at MyCase.in.gov covers all courts in Lake County, including cases filed in Hobart. You can search by a person's full name or by case number. The portal shows charges filed, hearing history, case status, and the final outcome. It is free to use and works on any device.
When searching for Hobart DUI or OWI records, note that some cases may have been filed in the Hobart City Court rather than the Lake County Superior Court. The city court handles local matters, including some traffic and misdemeanor OWI cases. More serious OWI charges, such as felony OWI or cases with injuries, typically go to the Lake County Superior Court in Crown Point. Search both if you are unsure. The Hobart City Court can be reached at 219-942-8218.
Cases that have been expunged or sealed will not appear in MyCase. If your search turns up nothing, try checking the spelling of the name or call the relevant clerk's office directly to verify.
The trial courts directory helps locate the specific Lake County court handling a Hobart OWI case.
Lake County Courts and Hobart OWI Filings
Major OWI cases from Hobart are handled by the Lake County Superior Court. The Lake County Government Center sits at 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307. The Lake County Circuit and Superior Court Clerk can be reached at 219-755-3460. The clerk's office processes all records requests, certified copies, and in-person inquiries for Lake County criminal cases including Hobart OWI matters.
Hobart is in the eastern part of Lake County, near the border with Porter County. OWI arrests that happen on or near county line roads may be filed in either Lake or Porter County courts depending on exactly where the stop occurred. If you are not finding a case in Lake County records, it may be worth checking Porter County as well. The MyCase portal covers both counties.
In-person visits to Lake County court offices require cash or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. Bring a valid photo ID when requesting records. The Lake County website at lakecountyin.gov has current department hours and contact information for court divisions.
Note: Lake County is one of the most populous counties in Indiana, and the courts handle a large volume of OWI cases annually.
Indiana OWI Law and Hobart Cases
Indiana's OWI statute is at IC 9-30-5. The law applies to any person who operates a vehicle while intoxicated in Indiana, including all of Lake County and Hobart. OWI charges in Hobart follow the same penalty structure as the rest of the state.
First offense OWI with BAC between .08% and .14% is a Class C misdemeanor. A BAC of .15% or more on a first offense is a Class A misdemeanor. A second OWI within 7 years of a prior OWI conviction is a Level 6 felony. Hobart residents charged with felony OWI will have those cases handled by the Lake County Superior Court. Felony OWI cases are public record unless expunged.
The Indiana State Police also operates in the Hobart area, particularly on US-30 and other state routes. ISP-initiated OWI arrests in Hobart feed into the same Lake County court system as local police arrests. The case record will note which law enforcement agency made the arrest.
Hobart OWI Expungement
Indiana's expungement law at IC 35-38-9 allows some OWI records to be sealed. For a misdemeanor OWI conviction in Hobart, the waiting period is 5 years from the date of conviction. For a Level 6 felony OWI, the wait is 8 years. All fines and fees must be paid before filing a petition.
A person files the expungement petition with the Lake County court that handled the original Hobart OWI case. The court reviews it, and if approved, the record is sealed from public view in MyCase. Law enforcement and some state agencies can still see sealed records. Expungement does not automatically restore a driver's license. Separate steps with the Indiana BMV are needed for license reinstatement issues.
Free expungement forms and guides are available at the Indiana Self-Service Legal Center at in.gov/courts/selfservice.
BMV Records for Hobart OWI Convictions
OWI convictions from Hobart cases appear on the Indiana BMV driver record after the court sends conviction data to the BMV. The free Viewable Driver Record is at in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record. The Official Driver Record costs $4 and is the certified version required by courts and licensing agencies.
Hobart residents who want to see their own OWI conviction history can start with the free viewable record. If a more formal certified record is needed, order the Official Driver Record. There is often a short delay between the court's judgment and when the BMV updates the driver record, so if a conviction does not appear right away, check again in a few weeks.
Legal Help for Hobart OWI Cases
Hobart and Lake County residents have access to several legal aid resources. Indiana Legal Services at indianalegalservices.org provides civil legal help to qualifying individuals. Indiana Free Legal Answers at IN.freelegalanswers.org connects residents with volunteer attorneys who answer legal questions online at no charge.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has free forms and instructions for expungement and other court matters. Indiana Legal Help at indianalegalhelp.org is another northwest Indiana resource that may be useful for Lake County residents. These resources can help with understanding the OWI record system, expungement procedures, and court process questions.
Lake County DUI Records
Hobart 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.