Codington County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Codington County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Codington County may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as CodingtonRecords.us. Criminal record searches in Codington County may return information drawn from court filings, law enforcement databases, and state repositories. The types of records that may be accessible include:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active warrant listings
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Sentencing and probation records
- Sex offender registration data
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public.
1. County Court Records
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court serves Codington County and maintains case files for criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the clerk of courts office during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Codington County Clerk of Courts – Fifth Judicial Circuit
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6300
South Dakota Unified Judicial System
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for on-site case lookups. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Codington County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate information for the county detention center. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office in person or by mail. The office publishes a current inmates list and an active warrants list on its official website.
Codington County Sheriff's Office
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6210
Codington County Sheriff's Office
Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with South Dakota law. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
3. Online Court Search
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides several ways for the public to access court case information, check court dates, and conduct court record searches. The online court records search portal allows users to search by party name, case number, or attorney. Users should note that cases filed prior to 1989 are not available through the online system and must be requested directly from the clerk of courts office.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Formal background check requests, including those requiring fingerprint submission, are processed through the DCI. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request.
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
1302 E Hwy 14, Suite 5
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3331
South Dakota DCI
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Codington County Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under § 1-27-1.1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, government entities are required to respond to public records requests in a reasonable and timely manner.
What Is Codington County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Codington County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. Under South Dakota law, a criminal record may include information generated at multiple stages of the justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final sentencing and any subsequent supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant. An arrest record documents that law enforcement took an individual into custody and does not, by itself, constitute evidence of guilt or a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, whether through a guilty plea, no-contest plea, or trial verdict. Felony records involve offenses classified as the most serious under § 22-6-1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, while misdemeanor records involve lesser offenses. Juvenile records are subject to separate handling and are sealed by operation of law in most circumstances, limiting public access.
Active warrants represent current judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to take an individual into custody and are distinct from historical arrest or conviction records. The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Codington County include:
- Codington County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, booking records, jail records, and the current inmates list
- Fifth Judicial Circuit Court — court case files, charging documents, plea agreements, trial records, and sentencing orders
- South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation — statewide criminal history repository
- Watertown Police Department — local arrest and incident reports
Records are created when law enforcement initiates contact and are updated as a case progresses through arraignment, pretrial proceedings, plea or trial, sentencing, and any appeals or post-conviction supervision. The South Dakota court records access system reflects the current state of cases filed in the circuit courts.
Are Criminal Records Public In Codington County
Criminal records in Codington County are public records under South Dakota law. The South Dakota open records statute, codified at § 1-27-1, establishes that all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As stated in the statute, "all citizens of this state, and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records… are entitled to inspect and copy any public record."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, charging documents, and sentencing information are accessible to the public. The following categories of records are subject to restriction or are exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed pursuant to South Dakota law
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The South Dakota Attorney General's office provides guidance on the application of the open records law to specific record types. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal statutes and are not governed by South Dakota's open records framework.
How To Find Criminal Records in Codington County Online
Official County Resources
The Codington County Sheriff's Office publishes an active warrants list and a current inmates list on its official website. These resources are updated on a rolling basis and reflect individuals currently held in the county detention facility. No registration is required to access these documents. The jail roster reflects booking charges and does not constitute a record of conviction.
State-Level Resources
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System court records search provides online access to circuit court case information statewide, including Codington County. Users may search by:
- Full or partial party name
- Case number
- Attorney name
- Court location
The South Dakota DCI offers a formal background check portal for employment and licensing purposes, accessible through the DCI's official website.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all record types
- Note that records predating 1989 are not available through the online court search and require a direct request to the clerk of courts
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records that predate electronic filing are not fully digitized. Online searches do not substitute for certified background checks required for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Codington County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
South Dakota law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Under § 1-27-1, inspection of records is a right afforded to all persons. Copying fees may apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at the Codington County Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases
The following resources are available at no cost:
| Resource | What It Contains | Link |
|---|---|---|
| SD Court Records Search | Circuit court case filings, dispositions | Court Records Search |
| Codington County Jail Roster | Current inmates, booking charges | Current Inmates List |
| Active Warrants List | Outstanding warrants | Sheriff's Office |
3. Sheriff's Logs
The Codington County Sheriff's Office makes arrest and booking information available through its online portal at no charge to the public.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the clerk of courts
- Official state criminal history background checks through the DCI: fee assessed per request
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond standard inspection
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
South Dakota law permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Fee schedules are established by each agency and are subject to review. Waivers or reduced fees may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Codington County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Outstanding or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI and DWI records
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed by law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or jurisdictions
- Federal criminal records
- Completed diversion program records where sealing has been ordered
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may petition the originating agency or the court for correction. Inaccurate records can affect employment, housing, and licensing outcomes, and individuals have the right to challenge incorrect information through established legal processes.
How Long Does Codington County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
South Dakota law and the South Dakota State Records Center establish retention schedules for government records, including criminal records. Retention periods vary by record type and the agency maintaining the record.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; subject to expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County courts retain case files permanently in accordance with judicial records retention rules
- Sheriff's Office and jail records are retained according to the county's records retention schedule
- South Dakota DCI retains conviction records permanently in the state repository
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical elimination of a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, where available under South Dakota law, results in the removal of a record from public view and, in some cases, from law enforcement databases. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the circuit court and demonstrate eligibility under applicable statutes.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require special requests to the clerk of courts or the South Dakota State Archives. As noted by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, "for cases prior to 1989, records must be requested directly from the clerk of courts office for the county in which the case was filed."
Federal Records
The FBI maintains its own criminal history database independently of state systems. Federal records are governed by federal law and are subject to different access and retention rules than state records.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on an individual's record and appear in background checks conducted for employment, housing, and professional licensing. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported without a time limit. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged by court order.