Yes, arrest records are public in Lakewood, Ohio. The availability of these records is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act, which mandates that all government records are to be made available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records, unless sealed or restricted by a court order, are considered public records and can be accessed by individuals seeking information on legal proceedings or the status of an arrest.
To get Lakewood arrest records, individuals have several options available:
A Lakewood arrest record typically includes the full name and personal details of the arrested individual, the date and location of the arrest, details of the charge(s), the arresting agency, and often includes a mugshot and fingerprints. It may also contain bail/bond information and any court case numbers linked to the arrest.
In Lakewood, individuals may request the expungement of their arrest records under specific conditions. Expungement is granted if the individual can prove that the arrest was a result of mistaken identity, was legally unjustified, or if the charges were dropped or the individual was acquitted. The process involves filing a petition with the court that originally handled the case, and a judge will determine whether the expungement will be granted based on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.