Arrest records are public in Licking County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in the judicial system and provides citizens with the ability to monitor law enforcement activities. The Ohio Public Records Act stipulates that public offices must promptly prepare and make available for inspection all public records responsive to the request at reasonable times during regular business hours.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while most information is accessible, certain details may be redacted to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations as permitted under Ohio law. The Licking County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established procedures.
Arrest records in Licking County can be accessed online through various governmental platforms. The Licking County Sheriff's Department maintains an electronic database of current inmates and recent arrests that is updated regularly. Additionally, the Licking County Clerk of Courts provides access to court records related to arrests through their electronic records system.
The online accessibility of these records is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to adopt policies providing for the transmission of public records by electronic means. When accessing records online, users should note that:
Online access to these records is designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights as mandated by state regulations.
Individuals seeking Licking County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several methods established by county authorities. The primary channels for accessing these records include:
In-person requests at the Licking County Sheriff's Office located at 155 E Main St, Newark, Ohio 43055. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (740) 670-5555.
Electronic access through the Licking County Court Electronic Records system, which provides 24-hour availability for basic arrest information.
Written requests submitted to the Licking County Clerk of Courts at 1 Courthouse Square, Newark, OH 43055. Telephone: (740) 670-5791.
Utilization of public access terminals available at the Licking County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
When requesting records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices shall promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection within a reasonable period of time.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of records as established by the Licking County Commissioner's Office. Current fee schedules are available at the respective offices or on the county website.
Licking County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-21. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Records maintained by the Licking County Probate Court may contain additional information if the case involved probate matters.
All arrest records are maintained in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules as established by the Ohio Historical Society and the State Archives. These schedules determine how long specific types of records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or transferred to archival storage.
The expungement process in Licking County allows eligible individuals to have arrest records sealed from public view under specific circumstances. This procedure is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
To initiate an expungement in Licking County, individuals must:
Eligibility for expungement is determined based on several factors:
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order to all relevant agencies, including the Licking County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts, directing them to seal the specified records. Once sealed, these records are no longer accessible to the general public but may still be viewed by law enforcement agencies and certain employers as permitted by Ohio law.
The Licking County Clerk of Courts provides assistance with expungement applications at their office located at 1 Courthouse Square, Newark, OH 43055. Telephone: (740) 670-5791.
Access to arrest records in Licking County is subject to certain legal limitations established by state and federal statutes. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) defines exceptions to public record disclosure that may apply to arrest records in specific circumstances.
Records that may be exempt from public disclosure include:
The Licking County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts are responsible for reviewing record requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with these legal provisions. Individuals denied access to records may file an appeal with the Ohio Court of Claims pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2743.75.
Government agencies maintaining these records must balance the public's right to information with privacy protections and law enforcement needs as established through Ohio case law and statutory provisions.