Ohio Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Ohio?

Yes, according to Ohio’s Sunshine Laws, public members can access criminal records in the state. The State Bureau of Crime Identification & Investigation (BCI&I) maintains a criminal history records database and interested parties may submit digital applications to access Ohio public criminal records.

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

• The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
• The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Ohio?

Ohio criminal records are documents created by state law enforcement and government organizations that detail the actions of alleged or convicted criminals. Also known as rap sheets, criminal records cover a wide variety of criminal data such as the details of an arrest, indictment, pending and finalized dispositions, convictions, physical descriptors, and more. These records are taken from organizations at the state level, but also at the county and municipal level.

What Shows Up on a Criminal Record in Ohio

Ohio criminal records typically contain:

• The full name of the subject and any known aliases
• Birthdate, ethnicity, and details of unique physical descriptors
• A mugshot and fingerprints
• All previous and current indictments
• Arrest records and outstanding warrants
• Conviction information

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Ohio?

Ohio’s BCI&I provides criminal records to schools, hospitals, daycare centers, and other employers. To perform a criminal record search, interested persons may submit a complete set of fingerprints at a WebCheck Location. The fee for this search is $22 and replies are processed within one business day.

For individuals that wish to obtain a person’s criminal records in Ohio, visiting the sheriff’s office where the subject resides is another option. The sheriff’s office will provide criminal records at minimal costs. In some places, requesters will be able to perform a free public criminal record check and pay only the copy costs.

Are Arrest Records Public in Ohio?

Yes, per the state’s Sunshine Laws, Ohio arrest records are publicly available. In Ohio, local law enforcement generates arrest records and interested persons may visit them to obtain public arrest records. These records are typically available at minimal cost, and some offices will allow the public to get free arrest records with an arrest search.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in Ohio?

Arrest records in Ohio are documents that detail information about arrests and the suspects who were arrested. They cover aspects of the arrest and detainment of a suspect but typically do not serve as criminal records unless the arrest is followed by a conviction.

In Ohio, a person can be arrested once they commit a misdemeanor, though more commonly when they commit a felony. Ohio arrest records typically include:

• The personal information of the arrestee: their name, birth date, gender, etc.
• When and where the arrest took place
• Identification of the arresting officer
• The location and address of the detention center, jail, or prison in question
• The name of the issuer of the arrest warrant

While Ohio police records include arrest records and reports, arrest records and police records are not the same. Police records also include police reports, logs, and incident reports.

Ohio Arrest Warrant

Arrest warrants in Ohio are official documents that are signed and issued by a judge, magistrate, or other court officials. These documents allow law enforcement to apprehend a person named in the warrant. Arrest warrants are usually issued after a request from an agent of law enforcement that has evidence of criminal activity.

Arrest warrants also provide authorization for the search and seizure of private property for the purposes of evidence retrieval. Warrants are only valid for a specific person and for specific times.

Ohio arrest warrants typically contain:

• Details of the alleged criminal offense
• The full personal information of the suspect
• The time and place the arrest may take place
• An expiry date (if applicable)
• The date on which the warrant was issued/the name of the issuer
• Any applicable bail/bond conditions

In Ohio, it is possible for the police to arrest a person for committing a crime without an active warrant. This is most typical when a crime is committed in the presence of an author.

Ohio does not have a central database where members of the public can perform a warrant search. Individuals that wish to perform an active warrant search may visit the DEA Fugitive Search tool or the U.S. Marshall's Warrant Information System.

How to Lookup Ohio Inmate Records

Ohio inmate records are documented accounts of prisoners who enter the jail or prison system in the state. Jail records hold relevant information about the inmate, such as their name, crime, date of entry, and expected date of release should one exist.

Ohio's Department of Corrections (DOC) maintains an inmate search database for those that wish to perform an inmate lookup. These records include the inmate’s name, incarceration date, expected release date, convicted offense, and sometimes photos.

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Ohio

The Ohio sex offender registry is a database containing the details of all registered sex offenders in the state. This registry is accessible to the public, and it lists the names, descriptions, locations, and crimes of criminals featured there.

When a registered sex offender moves to a new residence, they must inform their neighbors of their status as a sex offender. While this rule is rarely enforced, it is encouraged as a means of reintegration into society. In Ohio, neighbors who live within 1,200 feet are notified by mail when an offender moves into their neighborhood.

The compulsory registration of sex offenders follows the establishment of the federally adopted Megan's Law. Per this law, information regarding the location, compliance status, and conviction history of all sex offenders be made public. Included on the registry are the full names and aliases of the offenders as well as their photographs, details of unique identifiers, home, work, and school addresses as well as details of their past crimes.

Understanding OVI Laws in Ohio

An OVI in Ohio refers to the crime of operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants or inebirating substances. Ohio law enforcement officers stop vehicle drivers who appear to be under the influence and subject them to blood alcohol or urine alcohol tests. They arrest motor vehicle operators who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or a urine alcohol concentration. In Ohio, individuals that are convicted for drunk driving face at least three days in prison and up to five years probation. They also face a possible fine from $375 to $1,075, and a court-imposed license suspension of one to three years.

Ohio Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Ohio felonies are the most serious offense in the state. They are criminal convictions with a minimum jail sentence of more than a year; usually served in either county jail or state prison. Ohio classifies the seriousness of its felonies with five classes. They are first degree - the most serious - second degree, third degree, fourth degree, and fifth-degree. There are also felonies that have no category, but are assigned penalties at the time of sentencing should a person face conviction.

• First-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 3 and 11 years. They also can carry fines of up to $20,000. Common first-degree felonies include murder, kidnapping, and rape.
• Second-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 2 and 8 years. They also carry fines of up to $15,000. Common second-degree felonies include criminal gang participation and felonious assault.
• Third-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 9 and 36 months. They also carry fines of up to $10,000. Common third-degree felonies include certain drug offenses and fleeing or eluding law enforcement.
• Fourth-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 6 and 18 months. They also carry fines of up to $5,000. Common fourth-degree felonies include grand theft auto or felonious sexual conduct.
• Fourth-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 6 and 18 months. They also carry fines of up to $5,000. Common fourth-degree felonies include grand theft auto or felonious sexual conduct.
• Fifth-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a minimum of between 6 and 12 months. They also carry fines of up to $5,000. Common fifth-degree felonies include breaking and entering and receiving stolen property.
• Fifth-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by a punishment determined at the time of sentencing and over the course of a criminal trial. Common fifth-degree felonies include aggravated murder.

Ohio Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Ohio misdemeanors are a type of crime that is usually considered minor or holds a maximum incarceration sentence of one year. More typically, misdemeanors are punished with fines, probation, or other less serious punishments. They are organized into classes in Ohio, which are known as first, second, third, and fourth degrees. The fifth and final class is known as minor misdemeanors. First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanors in the state.

• First-degree misdemeanors in Ohio are punishable by up to 180 days in jail, and/or a fine of $1,000. Common first-degree misdemeanors include petty theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and carrying a gun without a permit.
• Second-degree misdemeanors in Ohio are punishable by up to 90 days in jail, and/or a fine of $750. Common second-degree misdemeanors are manufacturing or selling drugs or drug paraphernalia, or abuse of a corpse.
• Third-degree misdemeanors in Ohio are punishable by up to 60 days in jail, and/or a fine of up to $500. Common third-degree misdemeanors are prostitution or negligent assault.
• Fourth-degree misdemeanors in Ohio are punishable by up to 30 days in jail, and/or a fine of up to $250. Common fourth-degree misdemeanors include repeated traffic convictions or criminal trespassing.
• Minor misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $150. Typically, there is no jail time for this category. Common minor misdemeanors are disorderly conduct or reckless driving.

Parole Records in Ohio

Ohio parole records are documents that detail the terms and conditions of an inmate’s parole. Parole is granted to prisoners and inmates who agree to certain conditions before the completion of their sentence. While a prisoner is on supervised parole a parole board will require them to pay a monthly supervision fee of $30 at minimum. They may also impose additional conditions if they deem it appropriate as a means to best serve the citizens and society of Ohio.

Parole is essentially the trust of the court that a convicted criminal will behave responsibly and not break any laws while granted their freedom. By avoiding any acts that could lead to a parole violation, inmates prove they have been rehabilitated, and are eligible for early release. This is meant to act as an incentive for long-term inmates to act accordingly. Certain crimes make a person ineligible for parole, though typically prisoners are eligible for parole during a life sentence after serving 20, 25, or 30 years of their parole.

How to Get Ohio Probation Records

Probation records in the state of Ohio are documents created to detail the conditions and parameters of a person’s probation. This is usually granted in lieu of going to prison. It allows a person to serve their sentences out of custody, provided they comply with the probation conditions imposed by the judge and the probation office.

Probation length relates to the crime, so the nature of the crime can drastically alter the time a person must remain on probation. There are usually three types of probation: minimal, supervised by a probation officer, and intensive. Intensive is the only one that emphasizes punishment and control of the offender while they are in the community. The other two categories recognize that the offense was incidental or that the criminal is ready to reintegrate with society.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Ohio?

A juvenile criminal record in Ohio is an official criminal record of information regarding criminal activity committed by children or adolescents who are not yet of legal adult age. Juveniles are not considered to be convicted of a crime like an adult but instead are tried by a juvenile court, found to be “adjudicated delinquent,” and remanded to a juvenile detention center.

These criminal records are often mistakenly thought to be sealed or expunged once a person becomes of legal adult age, but in fact, the record remains in the juvenile justice system unless the person petitions to have it expunged. If a person was found adjudicated delinquent to a criminal offense, they do not have to respond “yes” if asked whether they have ever been convicted of a crime, unless the question specifically asks if they were ever adjudicated delinquent as well. Juvenile records are public unless requested to be sealed or expunged, which in most cases they are.

What are Ohio Conviction Records?

Ohio conviction records are official documents that indicate the crimes and offenses of a convicted criminal. These include felonies, misdemeanors, and other, lesser crimes. Conviction records also indicate what type of punishment was assigned to the convicted criminal, including how long they served jail time, the fines they paid, and other information relating to their punishment, such as probation and parole details. These convictions are either rendered by a judge or a jury of peers during a criminal trial.

Typically, these records are considered court records and can be found in the courthouse where the judgment was rendered. They are considered public records, and in most cases are accessible by the public, though exceptions do exist in the form of sealed or expunged records.

History and Accuracy of Ohio Criminal Records

The accuracy of criminal records data depends on the recordkeeping and technological capabilities of the jurisdiction where the record was assembled and later digitized. Accuracy was more commonly affected by human error in the past, but with the advent of computers, the quality and accuracy of recordkeeping improved exponentially.

Find Ohio Criminal History Record for Free

A criminal history record or criminal record is the summary of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system, including their arrests, convictions, sentences, parole violations, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts.

Ordinarily, the public can access criminal history records from the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) by completing a request form and fingerprint impression sheet. The record seeker must usually pay a $22 processing fee to the state treasurer with a business check, electronic payment, or money order.

Individuals can also find criminal history records in the Ohio county sheriff's offices. These records are accessible for free in some counties (e.g., Warren County) but require payment in other counties like Cuyahoga County.

Are Police Records Public in Ohio?

Yes. All records maintained by the law enforcement agencies in Ohio are accessible to the public, except disclosure is barred by statute. Police records refer to all documents created or maintained to prevent, detect, investigate, or prosecute criminal offenses. Examples of police records:

• Incident or crime reports
• Arrest reports
• Crash reports
• Crime statistics
• Personnel training records

As stipulated in the Ohio Public Records Act, some police records are not provided to the public. For example:

• Familial and residential information of peace officers
• Phone numbers of witnesses and victims
• The restricted parts of body-worn camera footage and dashboard camera footage
• Specific videos and pictures of crime victims
• Trial preparation records, but only to the extent that the release of a record would engender disclosure of the following:
• The identity of a suspect not charged with the offense to which a record pertains or the identity of an informant or witness promised confidentiality
• Specific investigatory work output of confidential investigatory procedures
• Information that will jeopardize the physical safety of a law enforcement officer, crime victim, or confidential informant
• Information that would threaten public security or an individual's privacy

How to Obtain Police Records in Ohio

Police departments in Ohio maintain a records section that receives, reviews, and files all records. The division also processes public record requests from interested members of the public. Therefore, individuals interested in obtaining police records in Ohio can request copies from the record section of the relevant police department. Depending on the agency, individuals may submit requests in person, via email, online, or via telephone. Requesters may also need to pay copy fees for some police records.

However, certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied to access police records in Ohio. For example, record seekers must provide detailed information to the police staff when requesting police records. This includes the name of an involved individual, the specific date/place of the incident, and the offense type. Under Ohio Rev. Code § 149.43(B)(2), the records division may reject an ambiguous or overly broad request.

Are Ohio Police Reports Public Record?

A police report provides information about an arrest or incident requiring law enforcement involvement. It details the victims, witnesses, the offense, and other pertinent data.

Typically, a police report is written by a responding officer and submitted to the police department for review and filing. An example of a police report is an arrest report, which details the time and place of an arrest, the physical description of the arrestee, and more. Another is an incident or crime report that contains a detailed description of a crime, e.g., robbery incident, kidnapping incident, or rape incident.

Police reports in Ohio are subject to the state's Public Records Act. This means that citizens have the right to request these records from law enforcement agencies without providing a statement of reason. However, some police reports, such as those on juveniles, ongoing investigations, and crime victims and witnesses, are not accessible to the public.

How to File a Police Report with Ohio Law Enforcement

Ohio law enforcement agencies provide several means for the public to report crimes, including online, in person, and by phone. Online crime reporting is designed for easy and convenient filing of police reports, but it is only available for non-emergency crimes.

The following are some basic requirements for filing an online police report in Ohio:

• Be 18 years or older. However, some crimes like school or narcotic offenses may have no age restrictions
• Have a valid email address
• Have detailed information about the incident

However, the exact criteria for filing a police report in Ohio varies by the police department. Some of the more common requirements include:

• The incident is not in progress. The public is advised to dial 911 if an incident is in progress.
• The incident occurred within the territory of the law enforcement agency that will receive the report.
• There are no known suspects.
• The incident is among the following:
  • Annoying or harassing phone calls
  • Identity theft
  • Lost or stolen property
  • Theft from Motor Vehicle
  • Property damage - Accidental
  • Property damage - Criminal intent

(Note that the reportable crimes may vary by jurisdiction.)

Ohio residents can visit the relevant police agency's website to find its online crime reporting tool. After accessing the tool, one must follow the prompts to file the report. The police department will review this report, and if further investigation is required, the individual will be contacted via the email submitted.

Besides online crime reporting, civilians can call or visit a law enforcement agency to file a police report.

Where to Find Free Public Police Records

Under the Ohio Public Records Act, residents of Ohio can access public police records, except for records barred from public access because of a confidentiality or privacy concern. Thus, individuals can contact/visit the records section of any law enforcement agency during regular business hours to request police records. Some of these records can be accessed at no cost, but others may require the payment of a sum to the records custodian.

Then again, individuals can search online public records databases maintained by local police departments or sheriff's offices to retrieve free public police records. For example, arrest logs carrying information about people arrested in a particular region.

How to Find Mugshots in Ohio

A mugshot is a photographic portrait showing the front and side profile (from the shoulders up) of an individual arrested by the police.

In Ohio, mugshots form part of public records that interested individuals can access. Individuals can obtain mugshots by searching online arrest or inmate databases maintained by law enforcement agencies or visiting/contacting the relevant police department to request the picture.