Strongsville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Strongsville, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Strongsville, 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 accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The City of Strongsville maintains these records in compliance with state regulations to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings. Public access to arrest information serves multiple governmental purposes, including community awareness, law enforcement accountability, and the facilitation of background checks for employment and housing.
Residents and non-residents alike may request arrest records from the appropriate municipal agencies. The Strongsville Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest documentation, while the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains records related to subsequent court proceedings. Requestors are not required to provide identification or state their purpose when seeking public arrest records, though certain identifying information about the subject of the records may be necessary to facilitate accurate retrieval.
How to Look Up Strongsville Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Strongsville. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Strongsville Police Department Records Division, located at 18688 Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH 44136. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Requestors should complete the standard public records request form available at the counter.
Written requests may be directed to the Strongsville Police Department Records Division by mail at the address listed above. Pursuant to departmental policy, written requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest to expedite processing.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the City of Strongsville's official records portal. The online system requires basic information about the requested records and provides automated tracking of request status.
For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains searchable databases at 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113. Public terminals are available for on-site searches Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Police Department processes record requests in the order received. Standard processing time for uncomplicated requests is 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), records custodians must provide copies within a reasonable period.
Contents of a Strongsville Arrest Record
Strongsville arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio law enforcement protocols and municipal record-keeping requirements. These documents typically include:
Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars or tattoos
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process
Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal identification databases
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
Arresting agency information, including the department name, officer identification, and badge number
Criminal charges filed, with reference to the specific Ohio Revised Code sections allegedly violated
Case identification numbers assigned by the Strongsville Police Department and, if applicable, the Cuyahoga County court system
Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or remained in detention
Preliminary court appearance dates scheduled at the time of booking
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure might impede law enforcement activities.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Strongsville
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. Individuals seeking expungement in Strongsville must file applications through the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas or Strongsville Mayor's Court, depending on which court handled the original case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Strongsville include:
For cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no bill from the grand jury, applicants may file for expungement immediately upon conclusion of proceedings, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52
For minor misdemeanor convictions, applicants must demonstrate a one-year waiting period from the date of conviction with no subsequent criminal activity
For most misdemeanors, applicants must wait one year after final discharge, including completion of any probation terms
For certain felony convictions, applicants must wait three years after final discharge, though many serious felonies remain ineligible for expungement
First-time offenders receive priority consideration under Ohio's "first offender" provisions
The expungement process requires submission of a formal application to the appropriate court, payment of filing fees (currently $50 for the Strongsville Mayor's Court and $100 for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas), and attendance at a scheduled hearing. The court conducts a comprehensive review of the applicant's criminal history and considers factors including the nature of the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and the public interest in maintaining the record versus the applicant's interest in record sealing.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all governmental agencies, including the Strongsville Police Department, to seal the relevant records. Once sealed, these records are removed from public access and may only be viewed by law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility may contact the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Expungement Department at 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113, telephone (216) 443-7950, for preliminary guidance.
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