Arrest records are public documents in Auglaize County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public oversight of criminal justice proceedings, and maintaining accountability within the judicial system.
Members of the public may access these records through various governmental agencies in Auglaize County, including the Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts. Pursuant to Ohio law, requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request when seeking public records. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as confidential informant identities or ongoing investigation details.
Auglaize County Sheriff's Office
1051 Dearbaugh Avenue
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(419) 739-6565
Auglaize County Sheriff's Office
Auglaize County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals and third-party platforms. The Auglaize County Court Records system offers online access to case information, including arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system operates in accordance with the Ohio Supreme Court's guidelines for electronic access to court records.
Online accessibility varies by record type and date. Records from recent years are typically more readily available in digital format than older documents. The Auglaize County Municipal Court maintains electronic records in compliance with its Local Rules of Court, which govern document management and public access protocols.
Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records including supporting documentation may require in-person requests. Additionally, pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of public records to protect privacy interests while maintaining public access to essential information.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Auglaize County have multiple methods available for record retrieval, as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). The following procedures are established for public access:
Submit a request in person at the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors should complete the standard public records request form available at the front desk.
Access the Auglaize County Clerk of Courts online portal, which provides case information for arrests that have proceeded to court filings. This system is maintained pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court recordkeeping standards.
Contact the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office by telephone at (419) 739-6565 to inquire about record availability and retrieval procedures.
Submit a written request via postal mail to:
Auglaize County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
1051 Dearbaugh Avenue
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Utilize the Ohio Crash System for arrest records related to traffic incidents, which includes data from the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office (Agency Code 00600).
Pursuant to Ohio law, agencies must respond to public records requests within a reasonable period. Standard processing time is typically 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Fees for copies are established by county ordinance and currently stand at $0.05 per page for standard documents.
Arrest records maintained by Auglaize County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10. These official documents typically include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Incident details, including date, time, and location of the arrest, the specific statutory violations alleged, and a narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Processing information, including the arresting agency (such as the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments within the county), booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots), fingerprint records, and assigned case numbers.
Judicial processing data, including initial appearance information, bail or bond determinations, and court docket numbers for cases that proceed to formal charges.
Detention status, including information about incarceration at the Auglaize County Correctional Center or release conditions if applicable.
The Third District Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Auglaize County, has established through case law that these records must be maintained with sufficient detail to document law enforcement actions while protecting constitutional rights of the accused.
Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, eligible individuals may petition for the sealing (expungement) of arrest records in Auglaize County. This legal process removes arrest information from public access while maintaining limited availability to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes. Eligibility criteria include:
For non-conviction records: Individuals may apply for expungement immediately after cases are dismissed or result in not guilty verdicts, pursuant to ORC § 2953.52.
For misdemeanor convictions: Applicants must wait one year after final discharge (completion of all sentencing requirements including probation), as specified in ORC § 2953.32(A)(1)(a).
For eligible felony convictions: A three-year waiting period applies after final discharge, per ORC § 2953.32(A)(1)(b).
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Auglaize County Court of Common Pleas or Municipal Court, depending on the original jurisdiction of the case. Filing fees are established by local court rule and are currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants upon submission of an affidavit of indigency.
Auglaize County Court of Common Pleas
201 S. Willipie Street
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(419) 739-6768
Auglaize County Court of Common Pleas
Expungement proceedings include a hearing where the court considers statutory factors including the applicant's rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and any governmental need to maintain the records. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view.