>Hardin County Arrest Records Online

Hardin County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hardin County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Hardin County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest and maintains accountability of public officials and agencies.

The statute specifically designates arrest records as public records, with limited exceptions that generally do not apply to standard arrest documentation. These exceptions primarily concern ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety. In accordance with Ohio law, the custodian of public records must promptly prepare and make available for inspection all public records, including arrest records, during regular business hours.

Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records without providing identification or stating the purpose of their inquiry, as stipulated in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(4). The Hardin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Ohio Historical Society.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hardin County?

Hardin County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county law enforcement agencies. The Hardin County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, in accordance with Ohio's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility.

The online availability of these records is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes parameters for public record accessibility. Digital access to arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:

Facilitating community awareness of law enforcement activities
Enabling background checks for employment or housing purposes
Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Assisting attorneys and legal professionals in case preparation

While many arrest records are available online, certain limitations exist regarding sensitive information. Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information are typically redacted from online records in compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.45, which addresses the protection of personal information in public records.

The online systems are regularly updated to reflect current arrest data, though processing times may vary depending on departmental procedures and resources. Users should note that the most comprehensive and current information may still require direct contact with the records custodian at the Hardin County Sheriff's Office.

How to Look Up Hardin County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Hardin County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43:

Online Database Access: The Hardin County Court Records system provides electronic access to arrest records and related court documents. Users may search by name, case number, or date range.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Hardin County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts to submit records requests during regular business hours. Staff will assist with locating and copying relevant documents.

Hardin County Sheriff's Office
1025 S. Main Street
Kenton, OH 43326
(419) 673-1268
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Official Website

Hardin County Clerk of Courts
One Courthouse Square, Suite 130
Kenton, OH 43326
(419) 674-2278
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted via mail or email. Requests should include specific information about the records sought, including names, approximate dates, and case numbers if available.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: For information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, the Ohio Offender Search provides arrest and conviction information.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection and make copies available within a reasonable period. Fees for copies may not exceed the actual cost of duplication, as specified in § 149.43(B)(6).

Contents of a Hardin County Arrest Record

Hardin County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-21 and local record-keeping protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Residential address as provided by the arrested individual
Booking number and facility identification information
Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled at time of booking
Bond information, including amount and type if established

These records are maintained in accordance with the Records Management and Retention Rules adopted by the Court of Common Pleas, Hardin County, Ohio, pursuant to the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

Law enforcement agencies in Hardin County utilize standardized forms and digital systems for recording arrest information to ensure consistency and completeness. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form the foundation for subsequent court proceedings.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hardin County

Under Ohio law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained in Hardin County. The legal framework for expungement is established in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Eligibility for expungement in Hardin County is determined by several statutory factors:

For non-conviction records: Individuals may apply for expungement pursuant to § 2953.52 if charges were dismissed, they were found not guilty, or no bill was returned by the grand jury.
For conviction records: First-time offenders may qualify under § 2953.32, subject to waiting periods (generally one year for misdemeanors and three years for eligible felonies).
Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under § 2953.36.

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Hardin County Court of Common Pleas, which maintains jurisdiction over such matters. Petitioners must:

Complete standardized application forms available from the Clerk of Courts
Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $50 for non-convictions and $100 for convictions)
Submit to a background check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge

Upon granting of an expungement order, all public offices possessing records of the arrest, including the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, must seal those records from public view. Pursuant to § 2953.32(C)(2), sealed records remain accessible only to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified by statute.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves judicial discretion. The court must weigh the applicant's interest in privacy against the government's need to maintain the records and the public's right to know.