Arrest records in Henry County, Ohio are classified as public records pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Ohio Public Records Act stipulates that public offices must promptly prepare and make available for inspection all public records responsive to a request. In accordance with this statute, the Henry County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records that may be accessed by any member of the public during regular business hours.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under one of the statutory exemptions, such as confidential law enforcement investigatory records that would disclose the identity of an uncharged suspect or information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.
Henry County arrest records are available through various online platforms as part of the county's commitment to public accessibility and governmental transparency. The Henry County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database known as CourtView, which contains court records including those related to arrests dating back to 1995.
It should be noted that while many arrest records are accessible online, the comprehensiveness of these digital records may vary. Certain older records may only be available in physical format at the courthouse. Additionally, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), public offices are not required to create new records or convert existing records into digital format upon request.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the same exemptions and redactions as physical records under the Ohio Public Records Act. Members of the public seeking the most complete information may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Henry County have multiple avenues available for conducting such searches. The following methods are authorized under Ohio law for accessing these public records:
Henry County Sheriff's Office
123 East Washington Street
Napoleon, OH 43545
Phone: (419) 592-8010
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Henry County Clerk of Courts
660 North Perry Street
Napoleon, OH 43545
Phone: (419) 592-9841
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Henry County Municipal Court
660 North Perry Street
Napoleon, OH 43545
Phone: (419) 592-8181
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Database Searches: The county provides electronic access to certain records through its official website and affiliated platforms. Records prior to 1995 are not available through the online CourtView system.
Ohio Attorney General's Office: For statewide criminal history information, individuals may request a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
Phone: (740) 845-2000
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Henry County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio law and administrative regulations. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific statutory violations alleged; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process at the Henry County Correctional Facility.
Case Processing Data: Court case number, arraignment date, bail or bond amount set, and preliminary hearing schedule if applicable.
Agency Information: The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, typically the Henry County Sheriff's Office, Napoleon Police Department, or other municipal police departments within the county.
Disposition Information: The outcome of the arrest, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction, acquittal, or other disposition.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information that is protected by state or federal law.
The expungement process in Henry County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. When an arrest record is expunged, it is removed from public access, though it remains available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as authorized by statute.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Henry County include:
For non-conviction records: Individuals may apply for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. There is no waiting period for these applications.
For misdemeanor convictions: Applicants must have no more than one felony conviction, two misdemeanor convictions, or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction. The waiting period is one year after final discharge.
For felony convictions: Applicants must have no more than one felony conviction. The waiting period is three years after final discharge for third-degree felonies and lower, and five years for first and second-degree felonies.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Henry County Municipal Court or Common Pleas Court, depending on the level of the offense. The court will schedule a hearing where a judge will consider factors including the applicant's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and any objections from the prosecutor's office.
If granted, an order of expungement directs all public offices holding records of the arrest to seal those records from public view. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards for certain professions, and employers required by law to consider criminal history.