Clark County DUI Records
Clark County DUI records are public documents filed with the Clark County courts in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and available through Indiana's statewide online case portal. Clark County sits directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, making it one of southern Indiana's most active counties for traffic and law enforcement. OWI cases from Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and the rest of Clark County are handled by the county's circuit and superior courts. This guide explains how to search Clark County OWI and DUI records, what Indiana law governs these cases, and where to get help if you're dealing with an OWI charge in this area.
Clark County Quick Facts
Clark County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clark County Circuit Court Clerk maintains all official court records for cases filed in Clark County, including OWI and DUI case files. The clerk's office is at the Clark County Government Building, 501 E Court Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. You can reach the clerk by phone at 812-285-6244. Clark County has both a circuit court and superior courts, and OWI cases are distributed across these courts based on assignment rules.
Clark County is a high-volume county. Its location on the Indiana-Kentucky border and its role as a major transportation hub with Interstate access and the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville means that law enforcement is active and the courts see substantial case volume. The River Ridge Commerce Center and other large-scale developments have increased the county's population and activity level. The clerk processes a significant number of new criminal case filings each year, including OWI charges under IC 9-30-5.
Every OWI case becomes a public record once filed. The record includes charges, bail conditions, all hearing dates, plea agreements, and the final disposition. Records are available to the public in person at the courthouse during business hours. Certified copies of court documents require a per-page fee. Plain copies cost less. Mail requests should include the defendant's name, an approximate date if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
How to Search Clark County DUI Records
Indiana's free court portal at MyCase covers Clark County and is the best starting point for online OWI record searches. You can search by name or cause number and see case type, filing date, charges, and hearing history. Most cases from roughly the past two decades are available. Older paper records must be requested directly from the Clark County clerk in Jeffersonville.
The Clark County government website at clarkcountyin.gov provides additional information on county offices and services, including links to the clerk and court departments. If you're not sure which court handled a specific case, the county website can point you in the right direction. Clark County courts handle both misdemeanor and felony OWI charges, and the distribution between circuit and superior courts depends on the case type and current case assignments.
Driver records tied to a Clark County OWI are separate from court records. The Indiana BMV driver record service provides official abstracts for $4. These show license suspensions entered under IC 9-30-6 and any habitual traffic violator status under IC 9-30-9. The Indiana State Police handles arrest records for ISP-initiated stops. Given Clark County's high traffic volume on Interstates and state routes, ISP maintains an active presence in the county.
The Indiana Office of Judicial Administration oversees the statewide court system, including Clark County courts, and provides information on court records access rules.
The Office of Judicial Administration sets the rules that govern public access to OWI court records across all Indiana counties, including Clark County's circuit and superior courts.
OWI Laws and Charges in Clark County
Indiana charges impaired driving as OWI, Operating While Intoxicated. The statute is IC 9-30-5. A first OWI with a BAC of .08% or above is a Class C misdemeanor, carrying up to 60 days in jail. If the BAC is .15% or higher, or if another person was endangered, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor with a possible year in jail. Clark County prosecutors apply these standards consistently.
A second OWI within seven years of the first conviction is a Level 6 felony. Clark County, given its size and border location, sees a range of OWI cases from first-time misdemeanor charges to serious felony cases. The county's interstate traffic volume contributes to a higher rate of impaired driving enforcement than many Indiana counties of similar size. Cases involving serious bodily injury can be charged as Level 5 felonies, and deaths caused by OWI can reach Level 4 felony status.
Administrative license suspension under IC 9-30-6 is triggered by a failed or refused chemical test at the time of arrest. This runs separate from any criminal conviction. Drivers can petition Clark County courts for specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-10. Repeat offenders with multiple serious violations may be designated habitual traffic violators under IC 9-30-9, which adds a 10-year suspension.
Driving Records and License Actions
Clark County residents can get their official Indiana driver record from the BMV driver record service for $4. This abstract shows all license actions, including OWI-related suspensions in Clark County and statewide. Reinstatement after an OWI suspension requires meeting BMV requirements, which usually include paying reinstatement fees, completing a substance abuse program, and filing SR-22 insurance certification.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has petition forms for specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-10. If you need to drive for work, medical reasons, or school during an active suspension, you can petition the Clark County court handling your case. The center's forms are free and available online.
Expunging OWI Records in Clark County
Indiana's expungement law at IC 35-38-9, known as the Second Chance Law, allows qualifying OWI convictions to be restricted from public access. For a misdemeanor OWI, the waiting period is five years from conviction. For a Level 6 felony OWI, it's eight years. Petitions are filed in the Clark County court that handled the original case. Prosecutors are notified and may object.
A judge decides whether to grant expungement. If granted, most public access to the record is restricted, but courts and government agencies still see it. Cases involving serious injury or death generally cannot be expunged. Prior expungements can bar a new petition. Clark County's court system is experienced with expungement petitions. Still, getting the eligibility right and filing a complete petition matters, and legal help is recommended before you file.
Legal Resources in Clark County
Clark County residents have access to a reasonable range of legal resources given the county's size and proximity to Louisville. The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center is available online statewide and is free to use. It covers expungement, driving privilege petitions, and other common court matters. Indiana Legal Services serves southern Indiana and provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents, including some post-conviction assistance.
The Indiana State Bar Association referral service can connect you with criminal defense attorneys in or near Jeffersonville who handle OWI cases. Given Clark County's active court system and its proximity to Louisville's legal community, OWI defense attorneys in the area are familiar with local court procedures and prosecution practices. The Indiana Courts public records portal explains the rules for accessing court records and how to make formal requests.
Cities in Clark County
Clark County includes one city with a population above 25,000. All OWI cases from Jeffersonville and the rest of Clark County are handled by the county's courts in Jeffersonville.
Nearby Counties
Clark County borders several other southern Indiana counties. Each has its own circuit or superior court that handles OWI cases filed within its jurisdiction.