>Clark County Arrest Records Online

Clark County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County, Ohio?

Arrest records in Clark County, Ohio are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, are considered public information unless specifically exempted by law. The Ohio Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in Clark County.

Members of the public may request arrest records from various Clark County agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and Municipal Court. These records typically become available shortly after an arrest is processed through the county's booking system. Pursuant to Ohio law, agencies must respond to public records requests "within a reasonable period of time," which generally means prompt attention during normal business hours.

The Clark County Legal Division oversees compliance with public records laws and can provide guidance regarding specific requests. While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as permitted under Ohio law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clark County?

Clark County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Clark County Sheriff's Office and Municipal Court maintain digital databases that allow for remote access to arrest information as part of their commitment to public transparency and efficient record-keeping practices.

The Clark County Municipal Court's online portal provides a comprehensive case search function where members of the public may access arrest records associated with court proceedings. This system is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of information. Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, certain documents may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

Additionally, the county maintains a Most Wanted list that is updated weekly, providing information about individuals with active warrants. This resource serves both public safety and law enforcement purposes by facilitating community awareness of wanted persons in Clark County.

Online access to these records is governed by the same public records laws that apply to physical documents, with similar exemptions for protected information. The digital availability of these records represents the county's ongoing efforts to modernize record-keeping systems while maintaining compliance with Ohio's public information statutes.

How to Look Up Clark County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Clark County, each offering different advantages depending on the requester's needs and circumstances. The following options are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information:

Clark County Sheriff's Office
120 North Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-2050
Official Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Individuals may visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit requests in person. A valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records.

Clark County Municipal Court Clerk's Office
50 East Columbia Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 328-3700
Official Website

The Municipal Court provides access to arrest records connected to court cases through their online case search system. This resource is available 24 hours a day, though technical support is only available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Clark County Public Records Portal
Public Records Portal

The county's centralized public records portal provides guidance on accessing various types of records, including arrests. This resource directs requesters to the appropriate agency based on the specific information sought.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), agencies must provide copies of records at cost. Current fees for copies of arrest records are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Records may be delivered electronically when feasible, often at reduced or no cost.

Contents of a Clark County Arrest Record

Clark County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio law and local record-keeping protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency (e.g., Clark County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police Department)
Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Case or incident report number for cross-reference purposes
Initial court appearance information, if scheduled
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated

These records are maintained in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Retention Schedule, which requires law enforcement agencies to preserve arrest records for a minimum of five years. Records related to felony arrests must be maintained for longer periods as specified in Ohio Administrative Code 128-4-02.

The Clark County WebCheck system provides background check services that may include arrest record information for employment or licensing purposes. This service is available at the Sheriff's Office for a fee of $35 for Ohio-only checks or $60 for FBI and Ohio combined checks.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clark County

Under Ohio law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by Clark County agencies. This legal process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.

Eligibility for expungement in Clark County typically requires one of the following conditions:

The arrest did not lead to formal charges
Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The case concluded with a not guilty verdict
The conviction was subsequently pardoned
The individual qualifies as a "first offender" under Ohio law
The offense falls under recently expanded eligibility categories per Senate Bill 66

The expungement process begins with filing a petition in the court that handled the original case. For most matters, this would be the Clark County Municipal Court or the Clark County Court of Common Pleas. The petition must include specific information about the case and the basis for requesting expungement.

Clark County Court of Common Pleas
101 North Limestone Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-1680

Filing fees for expungement petitions in Clark County are currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies. These fees may be waived for indigent applicants who complete an affidavit of indigency.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the Clark County Prosecutor's Office, which may object to the expungement request. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Sheriff's Office, Municipal Court, and any other repositories of the arrest information.

Successful expungement means the arrest record will no longer appear in public databases or background checks, with limited exceptions for certain law enforcement and licensing purposes as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).