>Holmes County Arrest Records Online

Holmes County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Holmes County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Holmes County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating background checks, and upholding the community's right to information about criminal justice proceedings within the county.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Holmes County may access these documents through various official channels. The Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory record-keeping responsibilities. Additionally, the Holmes County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Holmes County?

Holmes County arrest records are available through several online platforms, in accordance with Ohio's commitment to public information accessibility. The digital availability of these records is part of the county's ongoing efforts to modernize record-keeping systems and improve public access to government information as mandated by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6).

The primary online resource for accessing Holmes County arrest records is the Holmes County Clerk of Courts electronic portal. This system provides a searchable database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests within the county. Users should note that while basic information is typically available without charge, fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive record searches in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).

Additionally, the Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains current booking information that may be accessed online. These digital resources significantly enhance the accessibility of public records for residents, researchers, employers, and other interested parties without requiring in-person visits to county offices.

How to Look Up Holmes County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Holmes County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available, in accordance with Ohio's public records statutes. The following options provide comprehensive access to arrest documentation:

County Clerk's Office: The Holmes County Clerk of Courts maintains official court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through their electronic system.

Holmes County Clerk of Courts
1 E. Jackson St.
Millersburg, OH 44654
Phone: (330) 674-1876
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Office Records Division: The Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and related documentation.

Holmes County Sheriff's Office
8105 TR 574
Holmesville, OH 44633
Phone: (330) 674-1936
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Court Records Portal: The county's electronic case management system provides 24-hour access to court records, including those related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or date range through the Holmes County Clerk of Courts website.
Public Records Request: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, individuals may submit formal public records requests to the appropriate county agency. These requests must be responded to within a reasonable timeframe, typically not exceeding 10 business days.

Contents of a Holmes County Arrest Record

Holmes County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10 and related statutes. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Custody status and bail/bond determination
Case disposition information, if available
Court docket number for associated legal proceedings

The Holmes County Recorder's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. While basic arrest information is public, certain elements may be redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details related to ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Holmes County

Holmes County follows Ohio state law regarding the expungement and sealing of arrest records, as codified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are removed from public access, effectively treating the arrest as if it never occurred for most purposes.

Eligibility for expungement in Holmes County is determined by several factors:

For arrests that did not lead to conviction, individuals may apply for expungement immediately under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52
For minor misdemeanor convictions, individuals may apply one year after case completion
For most misdemeanors, individuals must wait one year after completing all aspects of their sentence
For certain felonies, individuals must wait three years after completing all aspects of their sentence
Certain offenses, particularly violent crimes and sex offenses, are ineligible for expungement under Ohio law

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Holmes County Court of Common Pleas. The court filing fee is approximately $50, though this may be waived for indigent applicants. After filing, a hearing is scheduled where a judge determines whether the applicant meets the statutory requirements for expungement and whether granting the petition serves the public interest.

The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains the official state criminal history repository and must be notified when expungements are granted. Upon court order, the Bureau will seal or expunge the relevant records from state databases.

Legal Restrictions on Accessing Holmes County Arrest Records

While arrest records in Holmes County are generally public, Ohio law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system. These restrictions are primarily codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) and related statutes.

The following categories of information are typically restricted or redacted from public arrest records:

Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 18), which are subject to special confidentiality provisions under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
Information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
Medical and mental health information of arrested individuals
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Information related to confidential informants
Records sealed or expunged by court order

Additionally, certain specialized databases, such as those containing DNA profiles or information about confidential informants, are exempt from public disclosure requirements. Law enforcement agencies may also temporarily withhold arrest information during active investigations when disclosure would compromise public safety or investigative integrity.

Individuals seeking access to restricted records may need to demonstrate a legitimate legal interest or obtain a court order authorizing disclosure. Government agencies and law enforcement personnel with appropriate authorization may access restricted records for official purposes in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(9).