>Franklin County Arrest Records Online

Franklin County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Ohio?

Yes, arrest records are public in Franklin County, Ohio. This accessibility is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), which establishes that all public records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection and copying by any member of the public during regular business hours. The transparency of these records serves the public interest by allowing citizens to remain informed about governmental activities and criminal proceedings within their community. Pursuant to Ohio law, these records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records that are accessible to the public. These records document the official actions of law enforcement agencies and are considered public documents unless specifically exempted by statute.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Franklin County through several official portals. The digital availability of these records is part of the county's commitment to transparency and public service. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

The Case Information Online system provides public access to criminal case information, including arrest details. This system is intended as a convenience to the residents of Franklin County for the purpose of obtaining public record information regarding criminal cases. Users may search for records using various criteria such as name, case number, or booking information.

Additionally, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Booking Find feature allows members of the public to search for current inmate information, including arrest details and booking photographs.

How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Franklin County arrest records in 2025, individuals have several methods available:

Online Database Searches: The Franklin County Public Records Search portal allows users to search for various public records, including those related to arrests. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division to request arrest records in person.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
410 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 525-3333
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Court Records: The Franklin County Municipal Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings.

Franklin County Municipal Court
375 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-8186
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices shall promptly prepare and make available public records for inspection at all reasonable times during regular business hours.

Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record

A Franklin County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard elements include:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking identification number and case reference numbers
Specific charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Detention facility information
Preliminary hearing dates, if scheduled

The Franklin County Municipal Court Pretrial Services maintains additional information related to pretrial proceedings following an arrest.

Legal Uses of Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the legal and civil contexts:

Criminal Justice Proceedings: Arrest records are utilized by prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges throughout the criminal justice process. The Franklin County Prosecutor's Office relies on these records to prepare cases and assist victims.
Background Checks: Employers, particularly those in sensitive industries such as education, healthcare, and financial services, may review arrest records as part of pre-employment screening, subject to limitations under Ohio law.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records when evaluating rental applications, though they must comply with fair housing regulations.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards for professions such as law, medicine, nursing, and education may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for professional licenses.
Immigration Proceedings: Federal immigration authorities may review arrest records when making determinations about immigration status or deportation proceedings.
Research and Statistical Analysis: Government agencies and academic researchers may use anonymized arrest data for statistical analysis and policy development.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, certain arrest records may be eligible for sealing or expungement, limiting their accessibility and use.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County

In Franklin County, individuals who meet specific statutory criteria may petition for the expungement or sealing of their arrest records. This legal process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36.

Eligibility requirements for expungement generally include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no bill from the grand jury
First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements
Individuals who have maintained a clean record for the statutorily required waiting period (typically one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies)
Offenses that are not specifically excluded from expungement by statute

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the court where the case was adjudicated
Payment of applicable filing fees (approximately $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
Completion of a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Attendance at a hearing before a judge, if scheduled
Judicial determination that the applicant's interest in having the records sealed outweighs the government's interest in maintaining them

Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified by statute.

Search Arrest Records in Franklin County

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