>Fulton County Arrest Records Online

Fulton County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Fulton County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Fulton County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute designates arrest records as public records that must be made available for inspection during regular business hours. The legislation serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within Fulton County. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or intended use of the information, as Ohio law does not require requestors to identify themselves or state the reason for their request.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty under Ohio law. While certain portions of arrest records may be redacted to protect sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or information related to ongoing investigations, the core arrest data remains accessible to the public. Law enforcement agencies in Fulton County are required to respond to public records requests promptly and may only deny access when specific statutory exemptions apply.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Fulton County?

Arrest records can be found online through various official Fulton County government portals. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows members of the public to search for arrest information. This online accessibility is consistent with Ohio Administrative Code Section 143-1-01, which encourages government agencies to utilize technology to facilitate public access to records.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search function that displays current detention status and basic arrest information. This service operates 24 hours per day, allowing for convenient access outside of normal business hours. The online system typically updates information within 24-48 hours of an arrest being processed through the county booking system.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, complete arrest records with detailed reports may require a formal records request. The online system primarily serves as an initial resource for verifying arrest status and obtaining preliminary information about charges filed.

How to Look Up Fulton County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Fulton County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B). The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information:

Online Database Access: The Fulton County inmate search portal provides 24-hour access to current detention status and basic arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit a formal request for arrest records.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office
9200 North Fulton Drive
Wauseon, OH 43567
(419) 335-4010
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 143-1-05, requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought.
Clerk of Courts Office: For arrest records associated with court cases, the Fulton County Clerk of Courts maintains these records.

Fulton County Clerk of Courts
152 S. Fulton Street
Wauseon, OH 43567
(419) 337-9252
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record retrieval. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), a reasonable fee may be charged for copies of records, not to exceed the actual cost of making copies.

Contents of a Fulton County Arrest Record

Fulton County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code Section 4501:2-10-06. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, age, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); arresting agency; and statutory authority for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio Revised Code cited at the time of arrest, including charge classification (felony or misdemeanor) and degree.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, bond amount and type, or release conditions if applicable.
Case Disposition: Court case number, assigned court, scheduled appearance dates, and preliminary hearing information.
Property Inventory: List of personal property taken into custody at the time of booking.

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is mandated by Ohio law to ensure accurate documentation of law enforcement actions. These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including facilitating proper identification, enabling appropriate case processing, and maintaining a historical record of law enforcement interactions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Fulton County

Expungement of arrest records in Fulton County is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36. This legal process allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances, effectively removing them from public access. The Fulton County Court of Common Pleas has jurisdiction over expungement applications for felony arrests, while the Fulton County Municipal Court handles misdemeanor expungement petitions.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Fulton County include:

For non-conviction records: Individuals may apply for expungement immediately after case dismissal or acquittal under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52.
For misdemeanor convictions: Applicants must wait one year after final discharge (completion of all sentencing requirements) before filing for expungement.
For felony convictions: A three-year waiting period after final discharge is required before application submission.
For first-time offenders: Special provisions exist under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 for first offenders with no subsequent convictions.

Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, offenses against minors, and offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age. Additionally, individuals with pending criminal charges are ineligible until those matters are resolved.

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the appropriate court, payment of filing fees (currently $50 for non-convictions and $100 for convictions), and attendance at a hearing where a judge will determine if the applicant meets the statutory requirements for "eligible offender" status and if justice would be served by granting the expungement.

Upon approval, the court issues an order to all relevant agencies, including the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, to seal the records. Once sealed, the records are removed from public access and the individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain employment applications in law enforcement, healthcare, and education sectors.