>Hancock County Arrest Records Online

Hancock County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hancock County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Hancock County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that most records maintained by government agencies shall be available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours. Arrest records, as part of these public records, contain information such as the arrestee's name, charges filed, date of arrest, and booking details, unless specifically exempted by law.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through formal requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Certain records may be subject to redaction if they contain information that falls under statutory exemptions, such as ongoing investigation details or juvenile offender information as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hancock County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Hancock County through various digital platforms maintained by local government agencies. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts provide electronic access to certain arrest information through their respective online portals. These digital resources are maintained pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 113:1-1-01, which governs electronic record-keeping standards.

The Hancock County Courts online portal offers a searchable database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. For current inmate information, the Hancock County Inmate Inquiry system provides real-time data on individuals currently in custody. These online resources are designed to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with Ohio's public records laws.

Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive, as certain historical records prior to January 1985 are only available in person at the Hancock County Clerk of Court's office located at 300 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840.

How to Look Up Hancock County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Hancock County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels established by local government agencies. The following methods are available for accessing these public records:

Electronic access through the Hancock County Courts portal, which provides a searchable database of court cases and related arrest information
In-person requests at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office located at 200 West Crawford Street, Findlay, OH 45840
Written requests submitted to the Records Division of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, with proper identification and specific information about the records being sought
Public access terminals available at the Hancock County Courthouse, 300 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)

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. Requestors may be required to provide identification and complete a formal request form when seeking arrest records. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6) and may vary based on the format and volume of records requested.

Contents of a Hancock County Arrest Record

A standard Hancock County arrest record contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-01, which establishes standards for law enforcement recordkeeping. Typical contents include:

Full legal name of the arrestee and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of all charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Identification of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
Personal identification information including date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Case number and booking identification
Custody status and bail information
Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled

These records serve multiple administrative and law enforcement purposes as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2935.36. The information contained in arrest records is subject to varying levels of public accessibility, with certain sensitive information potentially redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and exemptions under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hancock County

In Hancock County, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52. This legal process, also referred to as sealing of records, removes arrest information from public access while maintaining it for limited official use. The Hancock County Court of Common Pleas has jurisdiction over expungement proceedings.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hancock County include:

For convictions: First-time offenders must wait one year after final discharge for misdemeanors or three years for eligible felonies
For non-conviction records: Individuals may apply immediately following dismissal, acquittal, or no-bill from the grand jury
Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.36, are ineligible for expungement

The expungement process requires:

Filing an application with the Hancock County Clerk of Courts
Payment of filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
Completion of a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
Judicial determination based on statutory eligibility and the applicant's rehabilitation

Upon granting of an expungement order, all index references to the case are deleted, and the proceedings are deemed not to have occurred. However, certain government agencies retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes as authorized by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).

Hancock County Clerk of Courts
300 South Main Street
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 424-7045
Official Website