Lithopolis Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lithopolis, Ohio?
Arrest records in Lithopolis, Ohio are considered public information pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The statutory framework supporting public access to arrest records reflects Ohio's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.
The Village of Lithopolis Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents once created and filed within the department's record-keeping system. Under Ohio law, the presumption of openness applies to these records unless a specific statutory exemption has been established by the legislature.
Citizens seeking arrest records should note that while the records are public, certain information within them may be redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which identifies specific categories of information exempt from disclosure. Such exemptions typically include confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information.
How to Look Up Lithopolis Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for obtaining arrest records in Lithopolis, Ohio. Requestors may utilize any of the following methods to access these public documents:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Lithopolis Police Department located at 11820 Lithopolis Road NW, Lithopolis, OH 43136. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests can be mailed to the Records Division at the above address. Requestors should include specific information about the record sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest if known.
The Fairfield County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests within the county jurisdiction, including those from Lithopolis. Their office is located at 224 E. Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130, and accepts requests during business hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Village of Lithopolis website or via email to the records custodian. Response times for electronic submissions typically range from 3-5 business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection during regular business hours and make copies available within a reasonable period. Reasonable fees may be charged for copies of records, but not for inspection of records in person.
Contents of a Lithopolis Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Lithopolis Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. These records typically include the following components:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred within Lithopolis village limits
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers and offense descriptions
Arresting officer information, including badge number and department identification
Narrative report detailing the circumstances leading to the arrest and observations made by the arresting officer
Booking information, including mugshot photographs taken from multiple angles and complete fingerprint impressions
Property inventory listing items in the arrestee's possession at the time of processing
Initial appearance information, including bail determination, court date assignments, and release conditions if applicable
Detention facility assignment information if the individual was remanded to custody
The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple administrative and legal purposes, including documentation for court proceedings, statistical reporting requirements, and maintaining an accurate historical record of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lithopolis
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records maintained in Lithopolis. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific statutory qualifications:
For arrests that did not result in conviction, applications may be filed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 immediately after the conclusion of proceedings
For minor misdemeanor convictions, applications may be submitted one year after the final discharge of the case under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
For most felony convictions, a three-year waiting period applies following final discharge, though certain offenses carry longer waiting periods or are ineligible for expungement
First-time offenders receive more favorable consideration under the statutory framework
The expungement process requires filing a formal application with the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas for felony matters or Fairfield County Municipal Court for misdemeanors. The application must include:
- A completed expungement petition form available from the clerk's office
- Certified copies of the disposition of the case
- Payment of the filing fee (approximately $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
- Proof of identity
Upon receipt of a properly filed application, the court will schedule a hearing date. The prosecutor's office receives notification and may file objections. The court then conducts a balancing test weighing the applicant's interest in privacy against the government's need to maintain the record. If granted, the expungement order directs all governmental agencies, including the Lithopolis Police Department, to seal the records from public view.
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes but are removed from public access. Individuals with expunged records may legally respond to most inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with certain exceptions for specific employment categories.
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