Highland County, Ohio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Highland County, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Highland County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests, are accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to maintain public accountability of law enforcement agencies. Citizens and interested parties may access these records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for the information requested.
The Highland County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as specified under Ohio law, the fundamental record of an arrest remains accessible to the public.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Highland County?
Highland County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Ohio's commitment to public information accessibility. The Highland County Recorder's Office maintains certain public records that may be searched electronically. Additionally, the Highland County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data.
Online accessibility is subject to the following conditions:
- Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
- Complete arrest record details may require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Historical records may not be fully digitized or searchable electronically
The Highland County Clerk of Courts maintains a separate database for court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. These systems operate independently but may be cross-referenced to obtain comprehensive information about specific cases.
How to Look Up Highland County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Highland County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. Each method provides varying levels of detail and accessibility:
Highland County Sheriff's Office
130 Homestead Avenue
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-1421
Highland County Sheriff
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMThe Sheriff's Office maintains primary arrest records and booking information. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to pay nominal fees for copies of documents or photographs.
Highland County Clerk of Courts
105 North High Street
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-3751
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PMThe Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. These records may be searched by name or case number.
Hillsboro Municipal Court
130 Homestead Drive, Suite A
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-3442
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMThe Municipal Court maintains records for misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for felony cases within its jurisdiction.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at reasonable times during regular business hours. Requestors may be asked to provide identification but cannot be required to disclose the purpose of their request.
Contents of a Highland County Arrest Record
Highland County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501:2-10 and local record-keeping protocols. These records typically include the following components:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges and offense descriptions
- Incident report number and related case identifiers
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification data
Case processing information:
- Detention status (released or held)
- Bail or bond determination
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Case disposition (if resolved)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Records related to juvenile arrests or certain protected categories may have restricted access pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Highland County
Highland County follows Ohio state law regarding the expungement and sealing of arrest records. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, eligible individuals may petition for the sealing of records related to arrests that did not result in conviction or for convictions that qualify under statutory guidelines.
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a formal application with the court that handled the original case
- Payment of filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
- Verification of eligibility based on offense type and waiting period requirements
- Notification to the prosecutor's office, which may object to the application
- Judicial review and determination at a scheduled hearing
Eligibility criteria include:
- For non-conviction records: Immediate eligibility following dismissal or acquittal
- For misdemeanor convictions: One year after final discharge
- For felony convictions: Three years after final discharge
- Limitations based on offense type (certain offenses are ineligible)
The Highland County Court of Common Pleas processes expungement applications for felony cases at:
Highland County Court of Common Pleas
105 North High Street
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-9447
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Misdemeanor expungements are handled by:
Hillsboro Municipal Court
130 Homestead Drive, Suite A
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-3442
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).
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