Jefferson County, Ohio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County, Ohio?
Arrest records in Jefferson County, Ohio are considered public information pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, must be made accessible to members of the public upon request. The statute serves to promote transparency within the criminal justice system and ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within Jefferson County.
Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or relationship to the arrested individual. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Ohio law, particularly details pertaining to victims of sex crimes, confidential informants, or ongoing investigations that might be compromised by full disclosure.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and must comply with public records requests in a timely manner as prescribed by state law. Records custodians are required to make reasonable efforts to provide requested documents during normal business hours.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office provides a digital database that allows public access to basic arrest information. Additionally, the Jefferson County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic system for accessing court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Online accessibility is subject to the technological capabilities of county systems and may not include all historical records. Records dating prior to digital implementation may require in-person requests. The online systems are regularly updated but may experience delays between an arrest and when the information appears in the digital database.
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete records with all attachments may require additional steps or in-person visits to the appropriate county office. Online access is provided as a convenience to the public but does not supersede official record-keeping procedures maintained by the county.
How to Look Up Jefferson County Arrest Records in 2025
Jefferson County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information should consider the following official methods:
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Records Division 201 East Adams Street Steubenville, OH 43952 Phone: (740) 283-8600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains primary arrest records and booking information. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Jefferson County Clerk of Courts 301 Market Street Steubenville, OH 43952 Phone: (740) 283-8527 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and court proceedings.
Jefferson County Law Library 301 Market Street, Room 307 Steubenville, OH 43952 Phone: (740) 283-8574 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Law Library provides public access terminals for searching court records and may assist with locating arrest information.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) 1560 State Route 56 SW London, OH 43140 Phone: (740) 845-2000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
BCI maintains statewide criminal history records that include Jefferson County arrests. Formal background checks require fingerprinting and payment of statutory fees.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate searches, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 109:5-1-01, fees may apply for copies of records, with standard charges of $0.05 per page for paper copies or $1.00 per certified copy.
Contents of a Jefferson County Arrest Record
Jefferson County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-21. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address at time of arrest
- Social security number (partially redacted in public copies)
Arrest Details
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency (e.g., Jefferson County Sheriff, Steubenville Police)
- Booking number and processing information
Criminal Charges
- Specific Ohio Revised Code violations alleged
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor with degree)
- Brief narrative of the alleged criminal activity
- Weapon information, if applicable
Judicial Processing
- Court case number
- Initial appearance date
- Bail or bond information
- Detention status
- Preliminary hearing schedule
Biometric Data
- Fingerprint classification
- Mugshot photographs (frontal and profile views)
- Other identifying biometric information
These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Records Retention Schedule CC-38, which requires preservation of felony arrest records for 50 years and misdemeanor arrest records for 25 years from the date of arrest.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Jefferson County
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records in Jefferson County. This legal process removes arrest information from public access, though the records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified by statute.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jefferson County include:
For cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Individuals may apply immediately after case conclusion pursuant to ORC § 2953.52.
For misdemeanor convictions: Applicants must wait one year after final discharge, including completion of any probation or community control sanctions.
For felony convictions: A three-year waiting period applies after final discharge, provided the offense qualifies as eligible under ORC § 2953.36.
First-time offenders may qualify for special consideration under ORC § 2953.32.
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas located at:
Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas 301 Market Street Steubenville, OH 43952 Phone: (740) 283-8527 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Filing fees for expungement applications are $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies as established by local court rule. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants who complete an affidavit of indigency.
The court will schedule a hearing approximately 6-8 weeks after filing, during which the prosecutor may present objections. If granted, the court will issue an order to all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view.
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