>Belmont County Arrest Records Online

Belmont County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Belmont County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Belmont County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Ohio Public Records Act serves as the statutory foundation for transparency in governmental operations throughout the state, including Belmont County.

The public nature of these records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. Pursuant to Ohio law, arrest records maintained by the Belmont County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies are considered public documents. These records remain public unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31-2953.36.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information within these documents may be redacted to protect sensitive personal information as permitted under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(v). Such redactions typically include Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Belmont County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Belmont County through various governmental and third-party platforms. The Belmont County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and inmate status. This digital accessibility is consistent with Ohio's commitment to government transparency as codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains a statewide offender search database that includes information on individuals who have been processed through the correctional system. This resource provides arrest and conviction information for individuals who have been incarcerated in state facilities.

Additionally, the Belmont County Clerk of Courts offers online access to court records through their e-access portal, which may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. These online resources are designed to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 5120-9-49, certain restrictions apply to the use of offender information obtained through these platforms. The unauthorized use of such information for commercial purposes or harassment is prohibited by law.

How to Look Up Belmont County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Belmont County arrest records in 2025, several methods are available to members of the public. Each method offers different advantages in terms of comprehensiveness, convenience, and processing time.

Online Search: The Belmont County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrests and current inmates. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Offender Search provides information on individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system. The Belmont County Clerk of Courts e-access portal contains court records that may include arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Belmont County Sheriff's Office or the Belmont County Clerk of Courts to request arrest records in person. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6).

Belmont County Sheriff's Office
68137 Hammond Road
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Phone: (740) 695-7933
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Belmont County Clerk of Courts
101 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Phone: (740) 695-2121
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. A self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees should be included.
Background Check Services: The Ohio Attorney General's WebCheck service provides criminal background checks that include arrest information. These services are available through authorized providers throughout Belmont County.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices are required to promptly prepare and make available public records for inspection upon request during regular business hours. Requestors are not required to disclose their identity or the intended use of the records, except as specifically authorized by law.

Contents of a Belmont County Arrest Record

Belmont County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 and include the following standard elements:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific criminal charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
Arresting agency and officer information
Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Preliminary court appearance dates

The Belmont County Jail maintains these records as part of their inmate management system. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-36, these records must be maintained with accuracy and made available in accordance with public records laws.

It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) identifies specific categories of information that are exempt from public disclosure, including confidential informant identities, certain medical information, and information that would endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Belmont County

In Belmont County, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31-2953.36. Expungement, legally referred to as "sealing of records" in Ohio, renders the arrest record inaccessible to the general public while remaining available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.

Eligibility for expungement in Belmont County is determined by several factors:

First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after the final discharge of misdemeanor convictions or three years after the final discharge of felony convictions.
Individuals with multiple convictions face additional restrictions as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31(A).
Certain offenses, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are ineligible for expungement under Ohio law.
Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no-bill from a grand jury may be sealed immediately upon conclusion of proceedings.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas where the case was originally adjudicated. The court will schedule a hearing to determine if the applicant meets the statutory requirements for expungement and whether justice is served by sealing the record.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Belmont County Sheriff's Office, to seal the records pertaining to the arrest and conviction. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2), these agencies must comply with the court order and verify completion of the sealing process.

Individuals with expunged records may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain professional licensing applications and employment in specific fields as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.33.