Arrest records are public documents in Dublin, 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 made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout the state of Ohio.
The Dublin Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as prescribed by Ohio law.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Dublin, Ohio. The following methods are available pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B), which requires public offices to promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at reasonable times during regular business hours:
Dublin Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Dublin Police Department located at 6565 Commerce Parkway, Dublin, OH 43017. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requests can be made by calling (614) 410-4800 or by visiting the Dublin Police Department website.
Online Records Portal: The City of Dublin maintains an electronic Police Reports & Online Services system through which certain arrest records and police reports may be accessed. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be obtained through the Franklin County Clerk of Courts, 373 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (614) 525-3600.
Public Records Request Form: Written requests may be submitted using the standardized Public Records Request Form available on the City of Dublin's official website. Completed forms should be submitted to the City Clerk's office at 5200 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH 43017.
Pursuant to Ohio law, requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request. However, providing specific information about the record being sought will facilitate more efficient processing of the request.
Dublin arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address. Any known aliases or previous names may also be documented.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the street address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the Ohio Revised Code section numbers of alleged violations and whether each charge constitutes a felony, misdemeanor, or minor misdemeanor.
Arresting Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, including the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Case Identifiers: Unique booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers assigned to the arrest record for tracking purposes within the criminal justice system.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification information and reference to photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or was remanded to custody pending further proceedings.
Court Information: Initial court appearance date, time, and location, as well as the presiding judicial officer's name.
The Dublin Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the retention schedule approved by the Ohio Historical Society and the Auditor of State, as required by Ohio Revised Code § 149.39.
The expungement process in Dublin operates under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which provides legal mechanisms for the sealing of criminal records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on the nature of the offense and the disposition of the case.
For arrests that did not result in conviction, Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 permits individuals to apply for expungement immediately following the termination of proceedings in their favor. For convictions, Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 establishes waiting periods before eligibility:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
The Dublin Mayor's Court handles expungement applications for minor misdemeanors adjudicated within its jurisdiction. The Mayor's Court is located at 5200 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH 43017, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For more serious offenses, applications must be filed with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(1), the court will grant the application if it finds that:
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though certain government agencies retain limited access as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).