Lee County Public Records / Lee County Arrest Records

Lee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lee County in 2026

LeeIARecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Lee County, Iowa. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and warrant information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Official resources for searching arrest records in Lee County include the Lee County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the Iowa Courts Online system, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Members of the public may access these records online, in person, by mail, or by phone.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster and booking records accessible through its official website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the detained individual, charges, booking date, and bond information. Members of the public may search the roster by name to identify recent arrests within the county's jurisdiction.

Lee County Sheriff's Office
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-3304
Lee County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Lee County contains several incorporated municipalities, each maintaining its own police department. The Fort Madison Police Department and the Keokuk Police Department are the two primary municipal agencies. Both departments may publish press releases containing arrest information, and members of the public may submit records requests directly to each department.

Fort Madison Police Department
811 Avenue E
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-5221
Fort Madison Police Department

Keokuk Police Department
101 South 4th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-2101
Keokuk Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Lee County are searchable through the Iowa Courts Online case search portal. Members of the public may search by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system covers both the Lee County District Court's Keokuk and Fort Madison divisions.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit criminal history record check requests through the Iowa Department of Public Safety by mail, fax, in person, or email. The repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee of $15.00 per name search applies to public requests.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 25 North 7th Street, Keokuk, IA 52632
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (319) 524-3304
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.50 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Address (Keokuk Division): 25 North 7th Street, Keokuk, IA 52632
Address (Fort Madison Division): 701 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA 52627
Criminal records division is located within each courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone (Keokuk): (319) 524-1440
Phone (Fort Madison): (319) 372-3523
Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $10.00 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 25 North 7th Street, Keokuk, IA 52632. Each written request should include the following:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (319) 524-3304
Automated arrest information systems are not currently available through the Lee County Sheriff's Office
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online roster or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available to the general public. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain arrest records through the discovery provisions of the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Fort Madison PD, Keokuk PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County

Arrest records in Lee County are public records under Iowa law. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, every person has the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are classified as public because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Iowa Code and are not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected from release
Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Iowa Constitution and Iowa Code § 22.1 establish the public's right of access to government records. Courts have recognized that this right must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where arrest records do not result in conviction. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that individuals be informed of charges against them, which further supports the public nature of arrest documentation.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using consumer reporting agencies to obtain background checks must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Iowa does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may impose additional restrictions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record alone does not establish guilt and may not be used as a definitive indicator of criminal conduct.

What's in Lee County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Iowa statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Lee County District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available through the Iowa Courts Online system

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lee County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Lee County varies by agency and record type. Under Iowa Code § 22.3, government bodies may charge fees for the actual cost of providing copies of public records. The following fee structure applies at present:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.50 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$10.00 per document
Iowa DCI criminal history check (public)	$15.00 per name
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective agency. The Iowa DCI accepts payment by check or money order for mailed requests. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers are not routinely available for standard public records requests, though indigent individuals involved in their own criminal proceedings may obtain court records at reduced or no cost through the court's fee waiver process.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lee County

Iowa law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and deferred judgment dismissal. Expungement results in the legal erasure of the arrest record, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying record. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records even after a court order is entered.

Under Iowa Code § 901C.1, individuals whose criminal charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were not prosecuted may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Individuals who successfully completed a deferred judgment and had their case dismissed may also be eligible. Convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Iowa law, with limited exceptions for certain simple misdemeanor convictions under Iowa Code § 901C.2.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Lee County:

Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case (dismissal, acquittal, or deferred judgment completion)
Obtain the case number from the Lee County District Court or through the Iowa Courts Online system
File a Petition for Expungement with the Lee County District Court in the appropriate division (Keokuk or Fort Madison)
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $185.00 for civil filings; confirm current amount with the Clerk of Court)
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing law enforcement agencies and the Iowa DCI to expunge or seal the record

Lee County District Court – Keokuk Division
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Iowa Judicial Branch

Lee County District Court – Fort Madison Division
701 Avenue F
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-3523
Iowa Judicial Branch

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to retain private legal counsel or contact Iowa Legal Aid to determine eligibility and navigate the petition process.

Iowa Legal Aid
1111 9th Street, Suite 230
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: (515) 243-2151
Iowa Legal Aid

What Happens After Arrest in Lee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Lee County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lee County Jail, located at 25 North 7th Street, Keokuk, Iowa 52632. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Lee County Jail, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Iowa DCI and FBI
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Iowa law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 24 hours after arrest if held in custody. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Initial appearances in Lee County may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Iowa Courts Online system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge, or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions imposed by the court may include:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Lee County Jail
A housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on income. The State Public Defender's Office coordinates representation for qualifying defendants in Lee County.

State Public Defender – District 8B
Lee County Courthouse
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Iowa State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Iowa State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the Lee County Jail are conducted in confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Lee County Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by trial information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Lee County Attorney's Office
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Lee County Attorney

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Iowa's right to speedy trial requires trial within one year of arraignment for most cases

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-3304
Inmate information: (319) 524-3304
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court (Keokuk):
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Iowa Courts Online

Lee County Attorney's Office:
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Lee County Attorney

State Public Defender:
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440
Iowa State Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lee County is governed by Iowa law and the records retention schedules established by the Iowa State Archives and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Under Iowa Code § 22.7 and applicable retention schedules, different categories of records are subject to different retention periods depending on the disposition of the underlying case and the type of record involved.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Iowa DCI, and the FBI
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record
Accessible through the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Iowa Department of Corrections for incarcerated individuals

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Iowa DCI state repository
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
Court records are retained permanently in electronic form

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years under Iowa retention schedules
Court records: Retained permanently in electronic form
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless expunged
Individuals may petition for expungement following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of two years at the local level
Local arrest logs: Minimum of five years
Eligible for expungement petition under Iowa Code § 901C.1

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of two to five years
Eligible for expungement in most circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per Iowa records retention schedule (minimum five years for most categories)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently by the Iowa DCI
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record's retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of two years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Retained permanently under Iowa Courts electronic records policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when a court orders expungement, though the FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party database operators separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of five years; many retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum of five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type; serious offenses retained permanently
Contact: (319) 524-3304

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum of five years per Iowa retention schedules
Incident reports: Minimum of five years
Retention periods may vary slightly between the Fort Madison and Keokuk departments

Clerk of Court:

Criminal case files: Retained permanently for felony cases
Misdemeanor cases: Retained permanently in electronic form under current Iowa Courts policy
Traffic cases: Minimum of five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains arrest and disposition records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Iowa. The criminal history record check information page of the Iowa DPS website provides current guidance on accessing these records. Retention at the state level is permanent for most categories.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Iowa law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks, though the arrest itself may appear.

Expungement: Following a court order, local law enforcement and the Iowa DCI are directed to expunge or seal the record. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from all systems may take several weeks to months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period applies. Records may be purged automatically after two years at the local level and may be eligible for immediate expungement petition.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and Iowa Courts Online
Updated in real time or on a daily basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee of $0.50 per page for copies
Processing time of two to four weeks

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records are stored in the county archives
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Lee County Sheriff's Records Division at (319) 524-3304 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the Iowa records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Iowa does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting conviction records. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Lee County Sheriff's Records Division at (319) 524-3304 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.