Garfield Heights Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Garfield Heights, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Garfield Heights, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be made available for public inspection during regular business hours. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure governmental transparency and accountability through citizen oversight. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or intended use of the information, as Ohio law does not require individuals to identify themselves or state a reason when requesting public records.
The City of Garfield Heights maintains these records in compliance with state regulations that mandate the preservation of law enforcement documentation. While certain elements of an arrest record may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to any requesting party. Records custodians are required by law to promptly prepare these records for inspection and to make copies available at cost.
How to Look Up Garfield Heights Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for obtaining arrest records in Garfield Heights as of 2025. The City of Garfield Heights has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents through both electronic and traditional methods. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to conduct arrest record searches:
- Garfield Heights Police Department Records Division: The primary repository for local arrest records is maintained at police headquarters. Requestors may submit written applications in person during business hours. Standard identification is required when requesting records.
Garfield Heights Police Department
5555 Turney Road
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
(216) 475-1234
Garfield Heights Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts: For cases that have proceeded to court, the County Clerk maintains comprehensive records including arrest information. The Clerk's office provides both in-person and online search capabilities.
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-7950
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Garfield Heights Municipal Court: The court maintains records for all cases within its jurisdiction, including initial arrest documentation. The court's public access terminal is available during regular business hours.
Garfield Heights Municipal Court
5555 Turney Road
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
(216) 475-1900
Garfield Heights Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG): Authorized users may access this statewide database containing arrest records from participating agencies, including Garfield Heights. Public access is restricted to certain information and requires proper authorization pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code § 4501:2-10.
Contents of a Garfield Heights Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Garfield Heights law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code § 4501:2-10-06. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known monikers
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and ethnicity
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features such as scars or tattoos
- Official booking photograph ("mugshot") taken at time of processing
- Complete set of fingerprints captured during booking procedure
- Arrest details including date, time, location, and arresting officer(s)
- Statutory charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers
- Incident report number and booking identification
- Custody status and bail/bond information if applicable
- Scheduled court appearance information
- Disposition of charges if resolved
- Vehicle information if relevant to the arrest
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including proper identification of the arrested individual, documentation of probable cause, and maintenance of chain of custody information. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(8), certain information may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that would compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Garfield Heights
Ohio law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61. Individuals seeking expungement in Garfield Heights must file a petition with the court of jurisdiction and satisfy statutory eligibility requirements.
The expungement process requires the following procedural steps:
Determination of eligibility based on offense classification and waiting period
- First-degree misdemeanors: One year after final discharge
- Fourth and fifth-degree felonies: Three years after final discharge
- Third-degree felonies: Four years after final discharge
- Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under § 2953.36
Filing of application with appropriate court
- Misdemeanors: Garfield Heights Municipal Court
- Felonies: Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Payment of filing fee (currently $50 for misdemeanors, $100 for felonies)
Mandatory background check conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Judicial hearing where the court considers:
- Applicant's rehabilitation
- Prosecutor's position
- Victim impact, if applicable
- Public safety considerations
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all governmental agencies to seal the record. Pursuant to § 2953.32(C)(2), the proceedings shall be deemed not to have occurred, and the subject may respond accordingly to inquiries about their record. However, sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified in § 2953.32(D).
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility should consult with legal counsel, as expungement laws are subject to statutory interpretation and judicial discretion.
Search Arrest Records in Garfield Heights
