>Crawford County Arrest Records Online

Crawford County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Crawford County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Crawford County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are subject to public disclosure with limited exceptions. Members of the public may access these records to promote transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

The Ohio Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, allowing citizens to request and review these documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Ohio law, particularly information related to confidential informants, ongoing investigations, or juvenile offenders as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Crawford County?

Crawford County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current booking information and recent arrest data through their official website. Additionally, the Crawford County Court Records system offers online search capabilities for cases that have entered the judicial process following an arrest.

The online availability of these records is governed by the Crawford County Municipal Court Local Rules, which establish protocols for public access to court-related documents. According to these rules, electronic records must be maintained in a manner that preserves their integrity while facilitating public access in accordance with Ohio Supreme Court guidelines.

Online access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations:

Records may not be immediately available following an arrest
Some case details may be restricted if they involve ongoing investigations
Juvenile records are typically not accessible through public online portals
Certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests

How to Look Up Crawford County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Crawford County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized under Ohio public records statutes and local court rules:

Crawford County Sheriff's Office
112 East Mansfield Street
Bucyrus, OH 44820
Phone: (419) 562-7906
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Official Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Requestors may submit written applications for specific arrest records in person or by mail. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), the office must promptly prepare records for inspection during regular business hours and make copies available at cost.

Crawford County Clerk of Courts
112 East Mansfield Street, Suite 1
Bucyrus, OH 44820
Phone: (419) 562-5844
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website

The Clerk's office provides access to court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. Individuals may search case records using the Ohio Courts Network or the county's public access terminal located within the courthouse.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Online access is available through the Offender Search portal for individuals who were incarcerated following conviction. This resource provides information on current status, facility location, and release dates for offenders within the state system.

Contents of a Crawford County Arrest Record

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

Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges with Ohio Revised Code citations
- Arrest circumstances and probable cause summary
- Weapon involvement (if applicable)
Processing information:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Property inventory
- Medical screening notations (with privacy limitations)
- Bond amount and conditions
Case disposition:
- Court assignment information
- Preliminary hearing dates
- Release information or detention status

The Crawford County Court of Common Pleas maintains these records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Ohio Supreme Court. Pursuant to these schedules, arrest records are typically retained for a minimum of 50 years, though this period may vary based on case classification and outcome.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Crawford County

Under Ohio law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained in Crawford County. The legal framework for this process is established in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

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

For arrests that did not lead to conviction:
- Individuals may apply for expungement immediately if charges were dismissed or never filed
- A one-year waiting period applies if charges were dismissed as part of a diversion program
For convictions:
- Misdemeanor convictions require a one-year waiting period following completion of all sentence requirements
- Eligible felony convictions require a three-year waiting period
- Applicants must have no pending criminal charges
- Certain offenses, including violent felonies and sex offenses, are ineligible for expungement

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas. Pursuant to local court rules, petitioners must:

Submit a completed Application for Sealing of Record (Form 2953.32)
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $50 as of 2025)
Provide fingerprints for background verification
Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge

When granted, expungement orders direct all county agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts, to seal the specified records from public view. However, these sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).