Warrants are public record in Plymouth County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that governmental records, including warrant information, shall be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in governmental operations. The law specifically provides that "every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record" (Iowa Code § 22.2).
In Plymouth County, warrant records are maintained by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of District Court. These records document judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to take specific actions, such as apprehending individuals or conducting searches of properties. The maintenance of these records as public documents allows citizens to monitor judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities within the county.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply under Iowa Code § 22.7, particularly for ongoing investigations or where disclosure might compromise public safety. However, the general presumption favors public access to warrant information once it has been executed or is no longer considered confidential under statutory provisions.
Warrant records maintained by Plymouth County authorities typically contain the following information:
These records are maintained in accordance with Iowa Court Rules and state recordkeeping requirements. The level of detail may vary depending on the type of warrant issued (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the circumstances of the case.
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in Plymouth County may utilize several no-cost methods:
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5106
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
451 14th Avenue NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8191
When conducting a warrant search, requestors should be prepared to provide the full legal name of the individual and, if possible, a date of birth to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code, nominal fees may apply for printed copies of records, though viewing records in person typically incurs no charge.
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Plymouth County are classified according to their purpose and legal authority:
The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records in accordance with Iowa Code § 331.653, which establishes the sheriff's duty to "execute and return all writs and other legal process issued by legal authority." Active warrants remain enforceable until served, recalled by judicial order, or expired according to statutory limitations.
Law enforcement officials execute warrants according to procedures established in Iowa Code Chapter 804 for criminal process and Chapter 808 for search warrants, ensuring constitutional protections are maintained throughout the process.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Plymouth County in 2025 may utilize several official channels:
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5106
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
451 14th Avenue NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8191
Hours: Administrative Office open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification and understand that pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, agencies may require verification of identity before releasing certain records. For third-party requests, limitations may apply based on privacy provisions in state law.
Verification of outstanding warrants in Plymouth County requires following established procedures to ensure accurate information. Members of the public may:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
451 14th Avenue NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8191
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Plymouth County Clerk of District Court
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5106
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Plymouth County Attorney's Office
215 4th Avenue SE, Suite 300
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5019
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481-25.3, agencies may require written requests for certain records and may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction. Individuals conducting searches should provide complete identifying information to ensure accurate results and minimize the possibility of misidentification.
For warrant searches involving multiple jurisdictions, the Iowa Department of Public Safety may provide additional resources through the Division of Criminal Investigation, though some information may be restricted to law enforcement personnel only.
*