Cass County Public Records / Cass County Arrest Records

Cass County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cass County in 2026

CassNERecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Cass County, Nebraska. Members of the public may access records that include booking details, charges filed, custody status, court case information, mugshots, and bond data. This directory serves as a starting point for locating arrest records, criminal history summaries, inmate status, and related law enforcement documentation. Information presented may not reflect the most current record status and should be verified through official sources.

Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Cass County Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online case search portal, the Nebraska State Patrol's criminal history repository, and public access terminals located at the Cass County Courthouse. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records both online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Cass County jail facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status, recent bookings, and arrest-related documentation. The Sheriff's Office website provides contact information and guidance for submitting records requests. Booking records are updated as individuals are processed into and released from custody.

2. Local Police Departments

Plattsmouth, the county seat, is served by the Plattsmouth Police Department, which maintains arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information for incidents occurring within city limits. Members of the public seeking arrest records from municipal jurisdictions within Cass County should contact the relevant city police department directly, as records from city arrests may not appear in the Sheriff's Office database unless the individual was transferred to the county jail.

Plattsmouth Police Department
536 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-3111
City of Plattsmouth

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides online access to court case information through its case information eServices portal, which draws from the statewide JUSTICE case management system. Members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate criminal case filings associated with an arrest. Court case records include charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing data. This system covers cases filed in the Cass County District Court and County Court.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Nebraska State Patrol maintains a statewide criminal history repository and processes criminal history record requests for members of the public, employers, and licensing agencies. A name-based criminal history check includes arrests and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies across Nebraska. The current fee for a name-based public record check is $25.00, payable to the Nebraska State Patrol. Requests may be submitted by mail or in person at a Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area office.

Nebraska State Patrol Headquarters
1600 Nebraska Highway 2
Lincoln, NE 68502
Phone: (402) 471-4545
Nebraska State Patrol

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Cass County Sheriff's Office
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cass County Sheriff

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply to printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Cass County Clerk of the District Court
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the Clerk of Court's office. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee. Standard copy fees in Nebraska courts are $0.25 per page for non-certified copies and $1.50 per page for certified copies, consistent with Nebraska court fee schedules.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 346 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Cass County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (402) 296-9300 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm basic custody status but will direct requesters to submit written requests or visit in person for detailed records. The requester should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors may access records through the JUSTICE case management system under their respective court credentials.

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, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County

Arrest records in Cass County are public records under Nebraska law. The Nebraska Public Records Statutes, codified at Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712, establish that all records maintained by public agencies are open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records, booking logs, and associated documentation maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and local police departments are subject to this general presumption of openness. The Nebraska Supreme Court has affirmed that government transparency serves the public interest in accountability and informed civic participation.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer identification
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond or bail amount and type
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Nebraska law and are not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not subject to routine public inspection
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Identities of undercover officers, confidential informants, and participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Nebraska's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional principles of government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest documentation. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record, which reflects a law enforcement action, and a conviction record, which reflects a judicial determination of guilt.

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 fair housing laws
Professional licensing agencies
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 screening. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Nebraska does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction: an arrest reflects probable cause for detention and does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Cass County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (where disclosed)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at booking
Nebraska Revised Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following charging
Court jurisdiction (District Court or County Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence inventory and forensic details
Medical or mental health screening results
Social Security number (redacted under Nebraska law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following judicial proceedings
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Cass County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.01, public agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproducing public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of duplication.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (non-certified)	$0.25 per page
Certified court document copies	$1.50 per page
Nebraska State Patrol name-based criminal history	$25.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The Cass County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court accept payment by cash, check, or money order. The Nebraska State Patrol accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the Nebraska State Patrol for criminal history requests submitted by mail.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests submitted by nonprofit organizations serving the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver along with their records request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cass County

Nebraska law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the court for expungement of arrest records under specified circumstances.

Expungement is available in Nebraska when charges were dismissed, when the prosecutor declined to file charges, when the individual was acquitted at trial, or when the arrest did not result in a criminal filing within a specified period. Individuals convicted of an offense are not eligible for expungement of that conviction under current Nebraska law, though certain diversion program completions may result in dismissal and subsequent eligibility.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Confirm eligibility based on the outcome of the arrest (dismissal, acquittal, or no charges filed)
Obtain the case number and arrest record from the Cass County Clerk of Court
Complete a Petition for Expungement and file it with the Cass County District Court or County Court, depending on the charge level
Pay the applicable court filing fee
Serve the petition on the Cass County Attorney's Office, which has the right to object
Attend the scheduled hearing before the assigned judge
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on the Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, and other relevant agencies directing destruction or sealing of records

Cass County Attorney's Office
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9330

The Nebraska State Patrol updates its criminal history repository upon receipt of a court-ordered expungement. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services maintains separate records for individuals who served sentences in state facilities; expungement of an arrest record does not automatically remove NDCS institutional records. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently of law enforcement systems.

What Happens After Arrest in Cass County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Cass County, the arrested individual is transported to the Cass County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 346 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. 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 if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Cass County Jail, the booking process is initiated. Booking typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes recording personal identifying information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying and storing personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screening. Housing classification is determined based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Nebraska law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is determined to be indigent. Initial appearances in Cass County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Clerk of Court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Nebraska law. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court releases the defendant on a written promise to appear, without requiring a monetary deposit. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the jail processes the release within one to eight hours. The released individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Cass County Public Defender's Office
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9330

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need, assessed through an application submitted at or shortly after the initial appearance. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Cass County Jail by scheduling an appointment with jail staff; attorney-client consultations are confidential. The Nebraska State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private counsel.

Charging Decision:

The Cass County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file charges different from those listed at booking. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. For felony charges, the prosecutor may proceed by information following a preliminary hearing or, in some cases, seek a grand jury indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. The court sets subsequent hearing dates at this proceeding.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement, diversion program referral, or dismissal. Cases that do not resolve through negotiation proceed to jury trial or bench trial.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
Felony cases: May extend six months to over one year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Nebraska law requires trial within six months of arraignment for most charges

Important Contacts:

Cass County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9300
Cass County Sheriff

Cass County Clerk of the District Court
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9300
Nebraska Judicial Branch case information

Cass County Attorney's Office
346 Main St
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: (402) 296-9330

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
P.O. Box 94661
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2654
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or 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 as ordered by the court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cass County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Cass County is governed by Nebraska state law, local agency policies, and the Nebraska State Records Board retention schedules. Under Nebraska's public records framework, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, and destruction of records outside those schedules is prohibited.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and Nebraska State Patrol criminal history repository
Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where federal retention is effectively permanent
Appear on background checks indefinitely under current law

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records and the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the Nebraska State Records Board schedule, which provides for permanent retention of conviction-related records in most categories

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of five years in most Nebraska jurisdictions
Court records for dismissed cases are retained permanently in the JUSTICE system
Records remain in the state repository unless expunged by court order
The Nebraska State Patrol's criminal history records reflect dismissals but the record remains accessible unless expunged

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable retention schedule
The individual may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years
Individuals whose arrests did not result in charges filed are among those most clearly eligible for expungement under Nebraska law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years in most Nebraska agencies
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently once entered
Mugshot databases: Retention varies; some commercial aggregators retain images indefinitely
Court electronic records in the JUSTICE system: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Nebraska expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but accuracy obligations do not compel removal of records that were accurate at the time of the arrest. Individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Cass County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years; conviction-related records retained permanently
Arrest reports: Retained per Nebraska State Records Board schedule
Phone: (402) 296-9300

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Permanent retention in electronic format
Traffic cases: Retained per court retention schedule

Nebraska State Patrol Repository:

Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Nebraska law enforcement agencies
Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records remain unless expunged
Criminal history record requests available to the public for a fee

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services:

Maintains institutional records for individuals who served sentences in state facilities
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services provides a public records request process for accessing NDCS records
Institutional records are retained permanently

FBI Database:

NCIC and III records are accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Federal retention is effectively permanent
Accessible for employment background checks involving firearms, federal employment, and other federally regulated purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all law enforcement and court databases. A dismissal or acquittal leaves the arrest record in place unless the individual obtains a court-ordered expungement. An expungement order directs local agencies to destroy or seal records and directs the Nebraska State Patrol to update the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement rather than fully removing the record. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Nebraska does not currently impose a state-level restriction shorter than the federal seven-year period for non-conviction arrest records. Employers in federally regulated industries, including financial services and transportation, may access records beyond the standard seven-year window.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Cass County Sheriff's Records Division at (402) 296-9300 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 346 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. The Nebraska State Patrol may be contacted at (402) 471-4545 regarding the status of records in the state criminal history repository. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests. The Nebraska incarceration record search maintained by Nebraska.gov allows members of the public to locate current and historical incarceration records for individuals held in state correctional facilities.