Columbus Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Columbus, Ohio?
Arrest records in Columbus, Ohio are public documents accessible to all citizens 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 made available for public inspection during regular business hours. The statute serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for incidents occurring within its jurisdiction. These records document the official actions taken by law enforcement personnel in the course of their duties and constitute public information under state law. Members of the public seeking access to these records may submit requests in accordance with established procedures.
It should be noted that certain information contained within arrest records may be subject to redaction prior to release. Ohio law provides for the protection of specific categories of information, including but not limited to:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical information
- Information pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that would endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
How to Look Up Columbus Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Columbus, Ohio. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has implemented several access points to facilitate public record retrieval in compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43.
Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Public Records Division located at 373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Staff members are available to assist with record requests and provide guidance regarding available information.
Online Access: The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic records portal through which certain arrest records may be accessed. This system allows for remote retrieval of public information in accordance with established protocols.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to:
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Public Records Division
373 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Written requests should include the requestor's contact information, specific details regarding the records sought, and the preferred method of delivery.
- Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals designated for public use are available at the Franklin County Municipal Court, located at 375 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. These terminals provide access to court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at all reasonable times during regular business hours. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time.
Contents of a Columbus Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Columbus law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or alternative identities
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance information
- Bond or bail determination
- Detention facility assignment
The Public Records Office of the Franklin County Sheriff is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. The office ensures that records are properly preserved and made available to the public while protecting confidential information as required by law.
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute evidence of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains until such time as a court of law determines otherwise through established judicial procedures.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Columbus
Under Ohio law, certain individuals may be eligible to have arrest records sealed or expunged from public view. The process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes criteria for eligibility and procedures for application.
Expungement (legally referred to as "sealing" in Ohio) removes arrest records from public access but does not completely destroy the information. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities may still access sealed records under specific circumstances authorized by statute.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Columbus include:
- For misdemeanor offenses: Applicants must wait one year after final discharge
- For felony offenses: Applicants must wait three years after final discharge
- Applicants must have no pending criminal charges
- Applicants must demonstrate rehabilitation to the satisfaction of the court
- Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Franklin County Municipal Court for misdemeanor offenses or the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for felony matters. The petition must be filed at:
Franklin County Municipal Court
375 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 645-8214
Franklin County Municipal Court
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The prosecutor's office receives notification and may object to the expungement request. The court will consider all relevant factors, including the applicant's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and any objections raised by the prosecutor.
If granted, an order of expungement directs all governmental agencies to seal their records pertaining to the case. This includes arrest records, booking photographs, fingerprints, and court documents. Private entities that have previously obtained copies of these records are not bound by the expungement order, though many will honor such requests when notified.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2), upon receiving an expungement order, the proceedings shall be considered not to have occurred, and the record shall be sealed, subject to exceptions enumerated in the statute.
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