University Heights Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in University Heights, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in University Heights, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that records maintained by public offices, including law enforcement agencies, are subject to public inspection and copying during regular business hours. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to maintain public oversight of law enforcement activities. University Heights Police Department arrest records fall under this statutory framework, making them accessible to members of the public, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties.
The Ohio Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other statutorily protected categories. The Supreme Court of Ohio has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records, reinforcing the principle that open government serves the public interest. Requesters are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request when seeking access to arrest records in University Heights.
How to Look Up University Heights Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in University Heights, Ohio. The following methods are available pursuant to local ordinances and state public records laws:
• In-Person Requests at Police Department: Individuals may submit requests directly to the University Heights Police Department. The department maintains physical records of arrests within its jurisdiction.
University Heights Police Department
2304 Warrensville Center Road
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-1800
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts: The county maintains court records related to arrests that resulted in charges filed within the county court system.
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-7950
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Online Records Portal: The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database of court records that may include information about arrests in University Heights.
• Written Requests: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the records custodian at the University Heights Police Department.
• Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial services aggregate public records, including arrest information, though these sources may not always contain complete or current data.
Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the volume of requests and the age of the records sought. Per Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(7), fees may be assessed for copying costs but not for inspection of records.
Contents of a University Heights Arrest Record
University Heights arrest records typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10 and local departmental policies. These records generally include the following elements:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and other identifying information
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
• Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio Revised Code or University Heights municipal ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation numbers and statutory references
• Booking Information: Processing details including booking number, fingerprint classification, and property inventory
• Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically front-facing and profile views
• Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention
• Preliminary Hearing Information: Date, time, and location of initial court appearances
• Case Disposition: Final outcome of the arrest if available (e.g., charges filed, dismissed, or referred to another jurisdiction)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, departmental procedures, and the stage of the criminal justice process at which the record is accessed. Certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).
Expungement of Arrest Records in University Heights
Ohio law provides mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances, as codified in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in University Heights must adhere to statutory requirements and judicial procedures.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in University Heights include:
• Dismissed Charges: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52, individuals whose charges were dismissed or who were found not guilty may apply for sealing of records immediately after case conclusion.
• Conviction Records: Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible offenders may apply for sealing of conviction records after statutorily prescribed waiting periods:
- Misdemeanors: One year after final discharge
- Felonies: Three years after final discharge
- Multiple felonies: Five years after final discharge from the most recent conviction
• First Offender Status: Applicants with no more than one felony, two misdemeanors, or one felony and one misdemeanor generally receive more favorable consideration.
The expungement process requires:
• Filing a petition with the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas or University Heights Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case
• Payment of filing fees (approximately $50-$100, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants)
• Attendance at a hearing where a judge evaluates the petition based on statutory criteria
• Demonstration that the applicant's interest in sealing records outweighs the government's interest in maintaining public access
If granted, an expungement order directs all governmental agencies, including the University Heights Police Department, to seal the relevant records. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), but are removed from public access.
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-8560
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Search Arrest Records in University Heights
• University Heights Police Department Records • Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Case Information • Ohio Court Records Online Portal • Crime Log - JCUPD | John Carroll University
