Sylvania Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sylvania, Ohio?
Arrest records in Sylvania, Ohio are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection during regular business hours. The fundamental principle underlying this statutory provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations, promote accountability of public officials, and facilitate informed civic participation. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or intended use of the information, as stipulated by state law.
The Ohio Public Records Act defines public records as any records kept by a public office, including municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices. Exceptions to public disclosure are limited and specifically enumerated in the statute. Law enforcement agencies in Sylvania are required to maintain these records and make them available upon request, subject only to redactions permitted by law for confidential information such as Social Security numbers or information related to ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Sylvania Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Sylvania. These established procedures ensure comprehensive access while maintaining compliance with applicable legal standards. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals seeking arrest records may visit the Sylvania Police Department located at 6635 Maplewood Avenue, Sylvania, OH 43560. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (419) 885-8902. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search.
Lucas County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities, records may be obtained from the Lucas County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 1622 Spielbusch Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The office can be contacted at (419) 213-4941.
Sylvania Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests within Sylvania jurisdiction can be accessed at the Sylvania Municipal Court located at 6700 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH 43560. The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (419) 885-8975.
Online Access Systems: The Sylvania Municipal Court Records Search provides electronic access to court records associated with arrests. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or citation number. Users should note that pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code § 3109:1-1-01, certain information may be redacted from online records.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(2), citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. Requests should include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought.
Contents of a Sylvania Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Sylvania law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code § 4501:2-10-06. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records include the following components:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
- Identity of the arresting agency and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot") taken during processing
- Complete set of fingerprints obtained during the booking procedure
- Physical description of the arrested individual, including height, weight, eye and hair color, and documentation of any distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
- Case or incident number assigned by the law enforcement agency
- Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
- Preliminary hearing date if scheduled at the time of booking
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including confidential informant information, medical information, and information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sylvania
The expungement of arrest records in Sylvania is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. Expungement, legally referred to as "sealing of records" in Ohio, renders arrest records inaccessible to the general public while maintaining limited availability to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities.
Eligibility for expungement in Sylvania is contingent upon several factors:
- For misdemeanor offenses, applicants must have no more than one felony conviction, no more than two misdemeanor convictions, or no more than one felony and one misdemeanor conviction.
- For felony offenses, applicants must have no more than one felony conviction.
- A waiting period of one year must elapse after final discharge for misdemeanors, and three years for felonies.
- Certain offenses, including most violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are statutorily ineligible for expungement.
- Applicants must demonstrate rehabilitation to the satisfaction of the court.
The expungement process requires filing an application with the Sylvania Municipal Court for misdemeanors or with the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas for felonies. The application must be accompanied by a filing fee of $50 for misdemeanors or $100 for felonies, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(3).
Upon receipt of an application, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor, who may object to the application. The court will consider various factors including the applicant's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and the prosecutor's position before rendering a decision. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal their records pertaining to the arrest and conviction.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers required by law to consider criminal history. However, in most circumstances, individuals with sealed records may legally state that the arrest and conviction did not occur.
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