>Clinton County Arrest Records Online

Clinton County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clinton County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Clinton County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying during regular business hours. The fundamental principle underlying this statute is to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations while balancing individual privacy concerns.

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests in accordance with established county procedures. Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as permitted under Ohio law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clinton County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Clinton County through several official digital platforms. The Clinton County Municipal Court maintains an electronic database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests within the jurisdiction. Additionally, the Clinton County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to recent booking information and inmate status.

The online availability of these records represents the county's implementation of Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which encourages public offices to adopt policies that enhance public access to records. Digital access is provided as a convenience to the public; however, the comprehensiveness of online records may vary. Some records may only be available in person due to technical limitations or statutory restrictions.

Users of online systems should be aware that:

Records may not be updated in real-time
Older records may not be digitized
Some case details may require in-person requests
Technical limitations may occasionally affect system availability

How to Look Up Clinton County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking to access Clinton County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available, each with specific procedures established by the maintaining agencies. The primary options include:

Clinton County Sheriff's Office
1645 Davids Drive
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 382-1611
Clinton County Sheriff's Office Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest reports. Requestors may visit the office during public counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a records request in person. Written requests may also be submitted via mail or email. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), the office must promptly prepare records for inspection during regular business hours.

Clinton County Clerk of Courts
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 382-2316
Clinton County Courts Website

The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Public terminals are available for searching records during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Certified copies of records may be obtained for a nominal fee as established by the court.

Clinton County Records & Archives
69 N. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 382-2279
Clinton County Archives Website

For historical arrest records, the County Archives maintains documents according to the county's retention schedule. Researchers should contact the archives directly to determine availability of specific historical records.

Contents of a Clinton County Arrest Record

Clinton County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-21 and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Residential address at time of arrest
Booking number and case identification codes
Custody status and bail information
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14 and may not be publicly accessible without a court order.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clinton County

Clinton County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36. Expungement, legally termed "sealing of records," removes arrest information from public access while maintaining limited availability to law enforcement agencies.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Clinton County include:

First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after final discharge for misdemeanors and three years after final discharge for felonies
Individuals with multiple convictions face additional waiting periods and restrictions
Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are statutorily ineligible for expungement
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be eligible for immediate expungement

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Clinton County Common Pleas Court or Municipal Court, depending on the original jurisdiction of the case. Petitioners must:

Complete standardized application forms available from the Clerk of Courts
Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies as of 2025)
Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge
Demonstrate rehabilitation and provide justification for the expungement request

Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. The Clinton County Sheriff's Office, Prosecutor's Office, and other agencies maintaining arrest information must comply with the court order within 60 days. Following expungement, individuals may legally state they have no record of the sealed arrest when applying for most employment or housing opportunities.