>Hocking County Arrest Records Online

Hocking County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hocking County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Hocking County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, must be accessible to members of the public upon request. The statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and upholds the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.

The Hocking County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest information serves multiple purposes, including community awareness, research, and background verification. Individuals seeking such records may obtain them without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for the information, as stipulated by Ohio law.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where release would compromise public safety. These exceptions are narrowly defined by statute and judicial interpretation to preserve the presumption of openness in government records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hocking County?

Digital access to arrest records is available in Hocking County through several official online platforms. The Hocking County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database that allows members of the public to search for arrest information remotely. This digital accessibility represents the county's compliance with modern public records management practices while fulfilling statutory obligations under Ohio law.

Online availability of these records is subject to the same legal parameters as physical records. The digital systems are designed to provide timely access while maintaining appropriate safeguards for sensitive information. Users of these online systems should note that the most recent arrest data may experience processing delays before appearing in searchable databases.

The Hocking County Clerk of Courts maintains electronic court records that may include information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. These records are searchable by name, case number, and other identifiers to facilitate public access to judicial information.

How to Look Up Hocking County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Hocking County as of 2025. Members of the public may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:

Visit the Hocking County Sheriff's Office website to search the digital records database, which is updated regularly with new arrest information
Access public terminals located at the Hocking County Courthouse for on-site electronic searches
Submit a formal public records request in person at the Sheriff's Office or relevant law enforcement agency
Mail a written request for specific arrest records to the appropriate records custodian
Utilize the Hocking County Municipal Court online case search system for information on cases resulting from arrests
Contact the records division by telephone to inquire about the status of specific arrest records

Hocking County Sheriff's Office
25 East Second Street
Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-2131
Official Website

When requesting records in person or by mail, requestors should provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, approximate date of arrest, and date of birth if known. 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.

Contents of a Hocking County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Hocking County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual's processing through the criminal justice system. Standard information included in these records consists of:

Complete legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations and criminal charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Custody status and bail information
Case disposition if available

The Hocking County Common Pleas Court maintains records of subsequent court proceedings for felony cases, while the Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases. These court records may contain additional information regarding case progression, including arraignment details, plea information, and sentencing outcomes.

Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain identifying information must be collected and maintained for all arrests, ensuring standardization of arrest records throughout the state. This standardization facilitates information sharing between jurisdictions and supports statistical reporting requirements.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Hocking County

Arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the legal and civic framework of Hocking County. These documents may be lawfully utilized for:

Background screening by employers for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations, subject to limitations established by Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02 regarding discrimination based on sealed or expunged records
Tenant screening by property owners and management companies
Verification processes conducted by licensing boards for professional certifications
Research by academic institutions studying criminal justice patterns and outcomes
Statistical analysis by government agencies for policy development and resource allocation
Due diligence investigations for business transactions and partnerships

The Hocking County Probate Court may reference adult arrest records in certain proceedings involving guardianships or other matters where public safety considerations are relevant. However, users of arrest record information should note that an arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ohio law prohibits discrimination solely on the basis of an arrest record without subsequent conviction. Employers and others utilizing arrest information must comply with applicable state and federal regulations regarding the appropriate use of such records in decision-making processes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hocking County

The expungement process in Hocking County provides a legal mechanism for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The legal process involves:

Filing a formal petition with the court that originally handled the case
Payment of required filing fees (which may be waived for indigent applicants)
Completion of a background check to verify eligibility
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing where a judge will evaluate the petition

Eligibility criteria generally include:

Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
First-time non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Successful completion of diversion programs or intervention in lieu of conviction

The Hocking County Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court have jurisdiction over expungement petitions, depending on the original case classification. When granted, expungement orders direct all relevant agencies to seal records of the arrest and subsequent proceedings, removing them from public access.

Hocking County Municipal Court
1 East Main Street
Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-2762
Official Website

Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), but are otherwise removed from public view. The legal effect of expungement is to restore the individual to the status they occupied before the arrest, as if the arrest had never occurred.