Plymouth Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Plymouth, Ohio?
Arrest records in Plymouth, Ohio are considered public documents under Ohio's Public Records Law (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The transparency of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities
- Supporting the constitutional right to public access to court proceedings
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
The Plymouth Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established procedures. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the general presumption under Ohio law favors disclosure rather than withholding of arrest information.
How to Look Up Plymouth Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Plymouth arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Village of Plymouth has established multiple access points to accommodate different needs and preferences:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Plymouth Police Department during regular business hours to submit a records request. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available arrest records.
Plymouth Police Department
48 West Broadway Street
Plymouth, OH 44865
(419) 687-3751
Village of Plymouth Police
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
County Court Records: The Richland County Clerk of Courts maintains records for arrests that resulted in court proceedings.
Richland County Clerk of Courts
50 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 774-5560
Richland County Clerk of Courts
- Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Plymouth Public Library for accessing certain public records databases.
Plymouth Public Library
29 West Broadway Street
Plymouth, OH 44865
(419) 687-5655
Plymouth Public Library
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.
Contents of a Plymouth Arrest Record
Plymouth arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and local police department policies. These documents typically include the following elements:
Identifying Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number
Offense Information: Description of the alleged criminal violation(s), including applicable Ohio Revised Code section(s); classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory
Case Disposition: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearance dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes
Detention Status: Whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or remained in custody
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Plymouth
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals seeking expungement of Plymouth arrest records must meet the following general requirements:
For non-conviction records: Pursuant to ORC § 2953.52, individuals may apply for sealing of records related to dismissed charges, not guilty findings, or no bill returns from a grand jury.
For conviction records: Under ORC § 2953.32, eligible offenders may apply for sealing after waiting periods of:
- One year for misdemeanor convictions
- Three years for certain felony convictions
- Five years for more serious felony convictions
The expungement process involves:
- Filing a petition with the Richland County Court of Common Pleas or Shelby Municipal Court (depending on the jurisdiction of the original case)
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $50-100, with fee waivers available for indigent applicants)
- Background check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Judicial review of the petition
- Court hearing (if deemed necessary by the judge)
If granted, expungement effectively seals the arrest record from public view, though certain government agencies retain limited access for specific purposes as outlined in ORC § 2953.32(D).
Richland County Court of Common Pleas
50 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 774-5560
Richland County Courts
Shelby Municipal Court
79 North Gamble Street
Shelby, OH 44875
(419) 342-2651
Shelby Municipal Court
Individuals with complex cases may benefit from legal assistance, which is available through the Richland County Bar Association's lawyer referral service or Legal Aid of Western Ohio.
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