What are Washington County Public Records?
The Ohio Open Records Law outlines Washington County public records as all records kept by public agencies, including township, village, city, county, or state entities. While most records are public, the law provides some exemptions to the presumption of public access. Some of these exemptions include:
- Donor profile records
- Some medical records
- Adoption proceedings
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Some juvenile records
- Test or exam materials and other evaluation tools
- All records protected by state or federal law
Washington County Crime Statistics
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) publishes annual crime statistics for all state counties. The 2017 report shows that Washington County recorded 509 crimes, including 34 violent crimes and 475 property crimes. The violent crimes include 13 rape cases, 2 robberies, and 19 aggravated assault incidents. Reported property crimes include 30 motor vehicle thefts, 91 burglary incidents, 3 arsons, and 354 cases of larceny. There was no murder in 2017. Compared to figures published by the OCJS in 2016, the total number of reported index crimes fell by 9.6%.
Are Washington County Criminal Records Public?
Washington County criminal records are not public records. Under state law, access to criminal history information is restricted to some employers, including health care facilities, schools, daycare centers, and other related entities. Residents may also obtain personal criminal records.
To obtain a record, book a fingerprinting appointment with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by calling (740) 373-6623 ext. 4010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Appointments take place at the WCSO’s Civil Office from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every weekday, except when the courthouse is closed. Each record costs $35. The WCSO also conducts FBI checks for $45. Make payments via credit or debit cards or use cashier’s checks or money orders made out to the “Washington County Sheriff’s Office.” Cash and personal checks are not acceptable. Visit the:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Civil Division
Courthouse Annex
First Floor
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Fax: (740) 373-6827
Washington criminal records are also obtainable from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The BCI provides this service via approved Webcheck Locations. Eligible requestors may contact one of the listed locations to book an appointment.
How to Obtain Washington County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Members of the public may obtain Washington County arrest records and police reports from the WCSO. Visit the Civil Division or send a written application with details of the desired record. Include names, locations, dates, charges, and other specifics. Records cost 10 cents per page. However, the WCSO provides onsite inspection and electronic transmission of records for free. Interested persons may request by mail or apply in person at the:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Civil Division
Courthouse Annex
First Floor
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Fax: (740) 373-6827
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Washington County
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online registry with information on registered county sex offenders. Search the registry for Washington County sex offenders by providing a name, address, zip code, phone number, internet name, or email address. The registry displays the offender’s full name, photograph, classification, and registration number. Obtainable details also include a physical description, address, and offense information. Users may also register to receive email alerts whenever an offender’s status changes.
How to Find Washington County Inmate Records
The WCSO periodically publishes a current list of inmates held at the Washington County Jail. The list is a daily roster with each inmate’s full name, charges, date of birth, and case number. The WCSO also provides an inmate records archive of persons incarcerated at the facility since 1959.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Washington County Jail?
All visits to the Washington County Jail are non-contact. Interested visitors may schedule visits at the Washington County jail lobby or by registering online. However, the inmate is responsible for informing their visitors of the approved day and time.
Each inmate is allowed one visit per week, with not more than two persons per visit. Visitors are expected to follow all facility rules. Any profane or unruly visitor will have their visit immediately terminated. Note that visitors may be searched upon entry. Persons who smuggle or attempt to smuggle contraband items will be prosecuted. Prospective visitors may schedule visits at the:
Washington County Jail
101 Westview Avenue
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 374-7677
Court Records
In Washington, matters are heard by Courts of Common Pleas, Mayor’s Courts, and a Municipal Court. The Court of Common Pleas is the county’s court of general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters. The Municipal Court has limited jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases. It also handles felony preliminary hearings, violations of township resolutions, municipal ordinance violations, and some traffic and non-traffic misdemeanors. The jurisdiction of the Mayor’s Courts is subject to the presence of a Municipal Court. Where a Municipal Court has jurisdiction, a Mayor’s Court is not established.
Locations of Courts in Washington County
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – General Division
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2301
Fax: (740) 373-5713
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Juvenile Division
Courthouse Annex
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2421
Fax: (740) 376-7425
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Probate Division
Courthouse Annex
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2413
Fax: (740) 376-7425
Marietta Municipal Court
259 Butler Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-4474
Fax: (740) 373-2547
Belpre Mayor’s Court
715 Park Drive
Belpre, OH 45714
Phone: (740) 423-7592
Fax: (740) 423-8085
Beverly Mayor’s Court
9191 Mitchell Avenue
Beverly, OH 45715
Phone: (740) 984-2694
Matamoras Mayor’s Court
802 Grand View Avenue
Matamoras, OH 45767
Phone: (740) 865-2124
Are Washington County Court Records Public?
Washington County court records are open to the public. Under Rule 45 of the Ohio Supreme Court’s Rules of Superintendence, court clerks should make court records available by direct access. The clerk must quickly acknowledge all requests and respond promptly. However, access to the following is restricted:
- Juvenile records except when relevant to the juvenile’s prosecution as an adult
- Research, drafts, and recommendations of court staff and judicial officers
- Some health care documents
- Drug and alcohol use assessments
- Domestic violence risk assessments
Can You Look up a Washington County Court Case Online?
The Common Pleas Clerk provides online access to Washington court records. Users may search by name, case number, attorney, or case type. The name, attorney, and case type searches allow users to provide a filing date range in addition to the required information for each option. The search result provides case information, including a financial summary, docket entries, and disposition details.
How to Obtain Washington County Civil Court Case Records
The Washington County Clerk of Courts maintains civil court records and issues copies to interested persons. To order, requestors must provide sufficient record information, including names, charges, court dates, and disposition. Copy fees may be applicable. Submit these details in person or send a written application to the:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 4570
Phone: (740) 373-6623, extension 2501
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Door closes at 4:00 p.m.)
How to Obtain Washington County Criminal Court Case Records
The Clerk of Courts maintains copies of Washington County criminal court records. Interested persons may visit the clerk in person or send written applications that include descriptions of desired records. Note that the Clerk of Courts may charge varying fees to provide court records. Residents may contact the Clerk of Courts by sending written requests or visiting the:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 4570
Phone: (740) 373-6623, extension 2501
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Door closes at 4:00 p.m.)
What are Washington County Vital Records?
Washington County vital records include records of marriages, divorces, births, and deaths that take place in the county. These records are generated and maintained by government agencies and are obtainable by sending requests or visiting the respective agencies. Washington vital records are public records available with the Clerk of Courts, Probate Court, or the Washington County Health Department.
Where and How to Obtain Washington County Divorce Records
The Clerk of Courts issues copies of Washington County divorce records to interested persons. Record seekers may send written applications describing the record. Ensure that the application contains the divorced parties’ names and the divorce date. Send the request to the Clerk of Courts by mail. Alternatively, request in person using the following details:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 4570
Phone: (740) 373-6623, extension 2501
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Door closes at 4:00 p.m.)
Where and How to Get Public Washington County Marriage Records
The Probate Court maintains copies of certified records of Washington County marriages since 1789. Washington marriage certificates are open to all requestors. To order, send a written request to the Washington County Probate Court or visit in person. Provide the names of both married parties, the date of marriage, and other relevant specifics. For mail requests, include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a money order made out to the “Washington County Probate Court.” Each Washington County marriage certificate costs $5. The Probate Court does not accept personal checks. Send the request or visit using the following details:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Probate Division
Courthouse Annex
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2413
Fax: (740) 376-7425
Where and How to Find Washington County Birth Records
The Washington County Health Department provides access to records of all births since 1908. To obtain a Washington County birth certificate, contact the Health Department by sending a completed request form with the name of the subject, mother’s maiden name, father’s name, and the date of birth. Each Washington County birth record costs $25, payable by checks and money orders made out to WHCD. Walk-in requestors may pay with checks, money orders, cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Contact the Health Department by mail or in person, using the following details:
Washington County Health Department
342 Muskingum Drive
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 374-2782
Fax: (740) 376-7074
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays except public holidays
Residents may contact the Probate Court for Washington birth certificates from 1867 to 1908. Each birth certificate costs $5. Mail requests are payable by money orders made out to the “Washington County Probate Court.” Requesters may send written applications with a names, birth dates, and other known details to:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Probate Division
Courthouse Annex
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2413
Fax: (740) 376-7425
Interested persons may also visit the above address for in-person requests.
Where and How to Find Washington County Death Records
Washington County death records are public records. Interested persons may request records for deaths since 1908 from the Health Department, by mail or in person. For a mail request, send a written application with the decedent’s name and the date of death. Each Washington County death certificate costs $25. For a mail order, complete the request form with the decedent’s name, date of death, and both parents’ full names. Each certificate costs $25. Mail requests require checks or money orders made out to WHCD. Requests should be sent to:
Washington County Health Department
342 Muskingum Drive
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 374-2782
Fax: (740) 376-7074
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays except public holidays
The Probate Court provides copies of death records from 1867 to 1908. Each record costs $5. Mail requests require money orders made out to the “Washington County Probate Court”, and self-addressed and stamped envelopes. Send a request with all known details or visit the:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Probate Division
Courthouse Annex
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 extension 2413
Fax: (740) 376-7425
